Jay Robeson recently shared a secret with his students.
He will be a TEDx speaker Feb. 13 at Christopher Newport University (CNU).
Rayden Banaag said they were excited to learn their Green Run Collegiate(GRC) English teacher was chosen for the honor.
“Some of us clapped, while some of us started asking questions and congratulating him,” he said.
The GRC freshman said his teacher inspires students to grow and believes in their potential.
“His high expectations, encouragement and guidance have had a real impact on me, both in and out of the classroom,” Rayden said.
TED talks began in the 1980s as part of “Technology, Entertainment and Design” conferences worldwide focused on “ideas worth sharing.” TEDx talks bring the experience to local communities using a similar format.
CNU has hosted an annual TEDx talk for the past four years.
TEDx speakers should be captivating and able to present an idea with passion and clarity, said Will Reddy, associate director of the CNU President’s Leadership Program.
Presenters should answer, “What idea do you have to share with the world that everyone needs to hear right now?” Reddy said.
Many applicants were submitted this year, and there’s a waiting list to be one of approximately 100 members of the public in attendance, he noted.
Robeson graduated from Tabb High School in Yorktown and earned a kinesiology degree from Longwood University.
After working on a cruise ship for several years in Florida, he taught exchange students at an international school. The positive experience led him to pursue a career as a high school teacher.
Three years ago, he began his teaching career at GRC and is the school’s 2026 “Teacher of the Year.”
In October of last year, while on the TED website searching resources for a storytelling unit, Robeson noticed applications were being accepted for the TEDx talk at CNU in Newport News.
“I knew I had ideas and things to say,” he said.
He submitted his application, including a one-minute video, just days before the deadline.
“Never in a million years did I think I’d be considered,” he said.
He was notified of his selection in late 2025.
Robeson ‘s TEDx talk of approximately 12-15 minutes will focus on the importance of listening.
“We as humans need to listen,” he said. “The most important thing for us in a learning environment is to be present.”
That means, “sit down, be present and create the conditions for people to listen.”
He shared parts of his rough draft with students.
Their feedback was invaluable, Robeson said. “It’s been really cool to see them invested in this.”
His students are proud.
Sophie Tyler said he has always encouraged her to do her best, while Ronaq Haider said Robeson has continually guided him down the right path.
“Mr. Robeson is a determined educator who provides his students with lifelong lessons, advice, and of course IB English skills,” Francesca Reinna Resurreccion added.
The GRC teacher said being selected for a TEDx talk has been “exciting and humbling.”
“This is a dream come true for me,” he said.
Head of School Rianne Patricio said the students and staff are ecstatic that Robeson will be sharing his passion for teaching with a wider audience.
“Mr. Robeson embodies Green Run Collegiate’s mission and vision of pursuing lifelong learning,” she said.
“He constantly seeks ways to inspire his students to be curious, to take risks and to never settle.”
Robeson’s TEDx talk will be livestreamed and posted later in the year. When available, details can be found on the TEDxCNU webpage..