Students in Pecatonica teacher Madeline Bartels’ senior English class recently completed an “Ed Talks” unit that combined skills in research, writing and public speaking. Pictured here are the students who were selected by their peers to present at the final event. They are, from left, Lukas Orloff, Cohlman Schlimgen, Scarlett Jacoby, Mazie Theorin, Chayse Hirsch, Kyssah Gann, Loretta Tisch and Rachel Underly.
They researched, presented their case and learned about public speaking – and it also gave them an even larger opportunity: To share real ideas to improve student experiences and outcomes in the Pecatonica School District.
Seniors in Madeline Bartels’ fourth-year English class recently took a public speaking concept used by motivational speakers, researchers and experts – known as TED Talks – and created their own “Ed Talks.” These public speaking projects encouraged them to research a topic they are passionate about, develop an informative and motivational speech and then present it to their peers and district administrators, too.
“These are real-world skills they will need for the rest of their lives. My final hope for students is that they felt like they could make a positive change on a place that has changed them,” shared Bartels, who is in her second year teaching at Pecatonica and fifth year as an educator. “Many of them have been Pecatonica Vikings since kindergarten, and I hope they continue to want what is best for the district for years to come.”
The three-week unit began after Thanksgiving break and concluded with presentations at the final Dec. 22 “Ed Talk” event given by eight students whose speeches were voted the best by their peers. The final presenters and their topics were: Kyssah Gann (Genius Hour), Rachel Underly (Research Curriculum), Lukas Orloff (Brain Breaks), Chayse Hirsch (Study Abroad), Loretta Tisch (Study Halls), Cohlman Schlimgen (Recess for High School Students), Scarlett Jacoby (The Arts in Education) and Mazie Theorin (Passing Periods).
“This experience was very empowering – it made me feel my voice was being heard about an issue that I’m passionate about,” Jacoby said. “This speech was acombination of utilizing both my own skills and learning new skills to adapt to an audience that I’m unfamiliar with.”
Students watched an existing TED Talk online to glean information about speaking, framing arguments and presenting research and had four more TED Talk options to review on their own time if needed for inspiration. An important part of the project was presenting on their topics to Pecatonica administration to bring student voices and recommendations to school and district priorities.
“As educators, we make better decisions when we listen to the students we serve. These Ed Talks gave our students a platform to share what they value, what challenges them and what inspires them,” said Dr. Dani Scott, Pecatonica’s superintendent. “Their insights areexactly what we need to strengthen learning and student well-being. Their proposals were grounded in lived experience and thoughtful research.”
The project allowed some students to overcome anxiety and a dislike of public speaking, which is a skill that is necessary across future educational experiences and careers as they prepare to graduate and take the next steps in their lives.
“I’m extremely proud of these students, especially the ones who presented. Everyone poured their hearts and souls into these projects, and I hope the students and district leaders saw that,” Bartels said. “I hope we can continue this project next year.”
To see more photos from this year’s Ed Talks event, visit and follow Pecatonica School District on Facebook and Instagram.