A Champion for Every Child
Rita F. Pierson was a professional educator since 1972, who taught elementary school, junior high and special education. She was also a counselor, a testing coordinator and an assistant principal. She was passionate about building relationships with her students and helping them overcome their challenges. She believed that every child, rich or poor, deserved a champion.
Pierson was a nationally renowned public speaker and a consultant for aha! Process, a company that provides training and consulting for educators and organizations working with people in poverty. She was also a published author and a humanitarian. She was known for her humor, her wisdom and her heart.
A Sudden Passing
Pierson passed away on June 28, 2013, at the age of 61, after a brief illness. Her death came as a shock to many who knew her and admired her work. She had just delivered a powerful, funny and heartfelt talk at TED Talks Education, a PBS special that aired in May 2013. Her talk, titled “Every kid needs a champion”, was viewed by millions of people online and received rave reviews. She shared her personal stories and insights from her 40 years of teaching experience, and urged educators to connect with their students on a human level.
Pierson was also set to serve as the chief administrative officer of community and family outreach for Waco Independent School District in Texas, starting in the fall of 2013. She was supposed to lead a community-wide anti-poverty initiative that aimed to improve the academic achievement and well-being of students and families.
A Lasting Legacy
Pierson’s death left a void in the education world, but also inspired many to carry on her vision and mission. Her family, friends, colleagues and fans paid tribute to her life and work through various platforms, such as social media, blogs, podcasts and videos. They shared their memories, their gratitude and their admiration for Pierson.
Pierson’s talk also continued to spread her message and influence to educators and students around the world. Many teachers reported that they used her talk as a professional development tool or as a motivational resource for their students. Some even created projects or initiatives based on her ideas, such as the “Rita Pierson Challenge”, which encouraged teachers to make positive phone calls to parents every week.
Pierson’s legacy lives on through her words, her actions and her impact. She was a champion for every child, and she made every child feel like a champion. She was an educator who made a difference, and she inspired others to do the same.
