It was just another Monday morning standup when our Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Kumar, posed an interesting question to our team: “Has anyone come across a movie or web series that truly celebrates mentoring?” The room fell quiet for a moment as we all mentally shuffled through our recent viewing experiences. Then, our young intern Sanya raised her hand with a surprising answer – “Ted Lasso.”
Honestly, most of us had heard about the Apple TV+ series but hadn’t given it much thought. A show about an American football coach taking over a British soccer team? It sounded like a comedy setup rather than something profound about mentorship. But Sanya’s enthusiasm was infectious, and by the end of that week, our entire team had binged through Season 1. What we discovered was nothing short of remarkable – a masterclass in teaching, mentoring, and human connection disguised as a sports comedy.
Table of Contents
The Unlikely Teacher: Ted’s Unconventional Approach
Ted Lasso arrives in London knowing virtually nothing about soccer (or “football” as the locals insist). On paper, he’s wildly unqualified for the job. Yet within episodes, you realize that Ted possesses something far more valuable than tactical knowledge – an innate understanding of human nature and an unwavering belief in the power of positive reinforcement.
As teachers, we often get caught up in the technical aspects of our subjects. We focus on curriculum standards, assessment scores, and lesson plans. But Ted reminds us that before we can teach anything meaningful, we need to connect with our students as human beings. His first team meeting isn’t about formations or strategies; it’s about getting to know each player personally, understanding their fears, dreams, and what makes them tick.
This approach mirrors what the best educators have always known – learning happens when students feel seen, valued, and understood. Ted doesn’t just coach soccer; he coaches people. He recognizes that Roy Kent’s grumpiness masks insecurity about aging, that Jamie Tartt’s arrogance covers deep-seated abandonment issues, and that each player carries their own unique baggage that affects their performance.
Building Psychological Safety in the Classroom
One of Ted’s most powerful teaching moments comes when he introduces the concept of “goldfish memory” to his players after a devastating loss. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, he encourages them to have the memory of a goldfish – forget the bad stuff and move forward. This isn’t about ignoring problems; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.
In education, we call this psychological safety, and it’s perhaps the most crucial element of effective learning environments. When students are afraid of making mistakes or being judged, they shut down. They stop asking questions, stop taking intellectual risks, and ultimately stop growing. Ted’s goldfish philosophy translates beautifully into classroom management – create spaces where students can fail forward without fear of ridicule or permanent judgment.
The way Ted handles Sam Obisanya’s penalty miss is particularly instructive. Rather than focusing on the technical aspects of the kick or expressing disappointment, Ted affirms Sam’s courage for taking the shot in the first place. He validates the attempt while gently guiding toward improvement. This is masterful teaching – acknowledging effort while maintaining standards.
The Power of Curiosity Over Judgment
Throughout the series, Ted consistently chooses curiosity over judgment. When faced with hostile players, skeptical fans, or aggressive media, his default response is to ask questions rather than make assumptions. “I’m curious about…” becomes his signature phrase, and it’s a powerful tool that any educator can adopt.
Consider how Ted approaches Nate, the equipment manager who’s largely invisible to everyone else. Instead of seeing just another staff member, Ted is curious about Nate’s observations, his ideas, and his potential. This curiosity transforms Nate from a background figure into a valued team member and eventually into an assistant coach.
In our classrooms, how often do we make assumptions about our quiet students, our struggling learners, or our disruptive ones? Ted’s approach suggests that behind every behavior is a story worth understanding. The student who never participates might be dealing with anxiety. The one who acts out might be crying for attention or struggling with issues at home. Curiosity opens doors that judgment keeps firmly shut.
Believing in People Before They Believe in Themselves
Perhaps Ted’s greatest strength as a mentor is his ability to see potential in people before they see it in themselves. He believes in his players not because of what they’ve accomplished, but because of what they’re capable of becoming. This unwavering faith becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy – people rise to meet the expectations we set for them.
The transformation of characters like Roy Kent and Rebecca Welton illustrates this beautifully. Roy, the aging captain plagued by self-doubt, rediscovers his leadership abilities through Ted’s consistent belief in him. Rebecca, initially Ted’s adversary, finds herself becoming a better person simply because Ted treats her as if she already is one.
This principle is fundamental to effective teaching. Students can sense whether we genuinely believe in their potential or are just going through the motions. When we communicate authentic belief in their abilities – even when they’re struggling – we plant seeds of confidence that can flourish long after they leave our classrooms.
The Art of Authentic Vulnerability
One of the most striking aspects of Ted’s character is his willingness to be vulnerable. He admits when he doesn’t know something, shares his own struggles and fears, and isn’t afraid to show emotion. In a culture that often expects leaders (and teachers) to project unwavering strength and authority, Ted’s authenticity is revolutionary.
His panic attacks, his divorce, his homesickness – Ted doesn’t hide these human struggles from his team. Instead, he models how to handle adversity with grace and honesty. This vulnerability doesn’t undermine his authority; it enhances his credibility. People trust leaders who are real, not perfect.
For educators, this is particularly relevant. We don’t need to be flawless to be effective teachers. In fact, sharing appropriate struggles and showing our students that we’re still learning can make us more relatable and trustworthy. When we model resilience, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence, we teach far more than any textbook ever could.
Creating Culture Through Small Gestures
Ted understands that culture isn’t built through grand speeches or dramatic moments – it’s created through countless small, consistent actions. The way he greets people, remembers personal details, celebrates small wins, and shows appreciation for effort over outcome all contribute to transforming the toxic culture he inherited.
His famous biscuit ritual with Rebecca is a perfect example. By bringing her homemade treats every day, regardless of how poorly she treats him, Ted demonstrates unconditional positive regard. He’s not trying to win her over through grand gestures; he’s simply showing up consistently with kindness.
Teachers can learn enormously from this approach. The student who always struggles might need consistent encouragement more than dramatic interventions. The class clown might need to feel valued for positive contributions rather than punished for negative ones. Culture change happens one interaction at a time, one relationship at a time.
The Long Game of Development
Ted consistently thinks in terms of long-term development rather than short-term results. While others focus on winning the next game, Ted is building something more sustainable – confidence, teamwork, and character. He understands that these foundational elements will ultimately lead to better performance, but he’s willing to be patient with the process.
This patience is perhaps one of the hardest lessons for educators to embrace. In a world of standardized testing and immediate accountability, it’s tempting to focus on quick fixes and short-term gains. But real learning – the kind that transforms lives – takes time. Students need space to grow, make mistakes, and develop at their own pace.
Ted’s approach to Jamie Tartt’s character development is illustrative. He doesn’t try to change Jamie overnight or through harsh discipline. Instead, he consistently models better behavior, sets clear expectations, and provides opportunities for growth. The transformation happens gradually, authentically, and sustainably.
Handling Conflict with Grace
Throughout the series, Ted faces significant conflict – from players, fans, media, and even his own coaching staff. His approach to these challenges offers valuable lessons for educators who inevitably face their own conflicts with students, parents, or administrators.
Rather than avoiding conflict or responding with aggression, Ted leans into difficult conversations with curiosity and compassion. He seeks to understand different perspectives, acknowledges valid concerns, and looks for win-win solutions. When Keeley and Roy have relationship issues that affect the team, Ted doesn’t ignore the problem or choose sides – he creates space for honest dialogue and mutual understanding.
This approach to conflict resolution is invaluable in educational settings. Whether dealing with a disruptive student, an angry parent, or a disagreement with colleagues, Ted’s model of leading with empathy while maintaining clear boundaries provides a roadmap for productive resolution.
The Ripple Effect of Positive Leadership
Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Ted Lasso is how positive leadership creates ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate context. Ted’s influence doesn’t stop with his players – it spreads to their families, friends, and the broader community. Characters who were initially hostile or dismissive find themselves becoming more compassionate, more curious, and more supportive of others.
This ripple effect is one of education’s greatest rewards and responsibilities. The students we teach today will become tomorrow’s parents, leaders, and citizens. The lessons they learn about empathy, resilience, and human connection will shape how they interact with the world long after graduation.
When we choose to see potential rather than problems, when we lead with curiosity rather than judgment, when we model vulnerability and authenticity, we’re not just teaching academic subjects – we’re helping shape the kind of humans our students become.
Practical Takeaways for Educators
Ted Lasso offers concrete strategies that any educator can implement:
Start with connection before curriculum. Get to know your students as individuals before diving into academic material. Understanding their interests, fears, and motivations will inform every subsequent interaction.
Create psychological safety. Make your classroom a place where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and make mistakes. Celebrate effort and growth over perfection.
Choose curiosity over assumptions. When faced with challenging behavior or poor performance, ask “I wonder what’s going on here?” rather than making immediate judgments.
Believe in your students’ potential. Communicate high expectations coupled with high support. Let students know you see greatness in them, even when they can’t see it themselves.
Be authentically vulnerable. Share appropriate struggles and show your students that you’re still learning and growing. Model resilience and emotional intelligence.
Focus on small, consistent actions. Culture is built through daily interactions, not grand gestures. Greet students warmly, remember personal details, and celebrate small wins.
Think long-term. Some of your most important work won’t be visible immediately. Trust the process and be patient with growth.
Handle conflict with grace. Approach difficult conversations with curiosity and compassion. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.
The Teacher We All Need
Ted Lasso reminds us that great teaching isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about caring deeply about the people we serve and being willing to grow alongside them. In a world that often feels divided and cynical, Ted’s approach offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone in a position to guide and mentor others.
As our team finished Season 1 that week, we found ourselves not just entertained but genuinely inspired. Ted Lasso isn’t just a fictional character – he’s a reminder of the kind of educator we all have the potential to become. Patient, curious, vulnerable, and endlessly hopeful about human potential.
The best part? You don’t need to coach a soccer team in London to apply these principles. Every classroom, every student interaction, every moment of connection is an opportunity to be a little more like Ted Lasso. And if our Monday standup discussion taught us anything, it’s that the world could use a few more teachers who lead with their hearts while never losing sight of the incredible potential in every person they serve.
In the end, Ted Lasso doesn’t just celebrate mentoring – it shows us what’s possible when we choose to see the best in people and create the conditions for them to see it in themselves. That’s not just good television; that’s great teaching.