While perusing the TED website the other night, I came across this talk by Dave Eggers. The name was vaguely familiar to me, but I couldn't put my finger on why - maybe a writer of some description? I initially thought he wrote science fiction, but no - that was David Eddings. It turns out that Eggers is a writer, editor, screenwriter, publisher and advocate for students and teachers.

His profile on the TED website states:
Dave Eggers' first book, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Since then he's written two more novels and launched an independent publishing house, which publishes books, a quarterly literary journal (McSweeney's), a DVD-based review of short films (Wholpin), a monthly magazine (The Believer) and the Voice of Witness project.


Meanwhile, Eggers has established himself as a philanthropist and teacher-at-large. In 1998 he launched 826 Valencia, a San Francisco-based writing and tutoring lab for young people, which has since opened six more chapters across the United States. He has extended his advocacy of students by supporting their educators, instituting a monthly grant for exceptional Bay Area teachers. His TED Prize wish is for more poeple to follow him into getting involved in your local school -- and talk about it -- through the website Once Upon A School.

I knew nothing about him prior to hearing the video, but his talk at the TED conference has piqued my curiosity. The idea Eggers discusses and promotes is brilliant. In the past, I have studied and worked as a Teacher Aide and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Dave Eggers understands the benefits of one-on-one tutoring and has put a unique spin on the concept.

So, here is the video.