Teacher Stories

02/12/2024

Founder and host, Ken Futernick, recently interviewed Bob Katz, author of Elaine’s Circle: A Teacher, a Student, and One Unforgettable Year. In this heartfelt conversation, they discuss the inspiring story of Elaine Moore, a 4th-grade teacher who brought her class, school, and community together to support her student Seamus Farrell during his battle with a terminal illness.

Katz shares Elaine’s unique teaching philosophy, rooted in the belief that a classroom is a community where trust, kindness, and belonging are just as important as academics. Elaine’s approach reminds us of the profound impact educators can have—not only on their students but on the world around them.

Click the link below to listen to this compelling interview and be inspired by Elaine’s legacy. Don’t miss your chance to enter to win a signed copy of Katz’s book! ✍️ 📖

Author Bob Katz shares the extraordinary story of a gifted 4th-grade teacher named Elaine Moore, the central character of his book Elaine’s Circle: A Teacher, a Student, a Classroom, and One Unforgettable Year . One reviewer writes, “There are books that you read that stay with you all your life...

10/05/2024

Nikki Ahrenstorff believed her high school was "reserved for a special group of people" and that she wasn't part of it. That changed when she took an English class with Mr. Childs.

Nikki Ahrenstorff believed her high school was "reserved for a special group of people" and that she wasn't part of it. That changed when she took an English...

10/05/2024

Even as a first-year student at Riverside City College, Rachell Auld wasn't afraid to take 'the hardest class on campus' with Dr. John Rosario. Unknowingly, this one decision would change the course of her life.

Rachell Auld shares an amazing story about her career path and how it was shaped by Dr. John Rosario from Riverside Community College. This story is about fi...

10/05/2024

A great teacher can change a life, strengthen a community, inspire a passion for their subjects, and enable students to attain what they thought was unattainable. Subscribe to our podcast to hear about them at http://teacherstories.org

Inspiring Stories of Teachers Changing Lives VideosPodcast

10/05/2024

It's not too late to share your gratitude! If you had a teacher who made a difference in your life, consider honoring that special teacher in a meaningful way on our website at https://teacherstories.org/appreciations/start

09/05/2024

Jennifer Vides is a civil engineer who helps build skyscrapers in Southern California. Her band teacher, Romeo Vera (at Manual Arts High School) helped Jennifer realize her childhood dream.

Jennifer Vides is a civil engineer who helps build skyscrapers in Southern California. Her band teacher, Romeo Vera (at Manual Arts High School) helped Jenni...

09/05/2024

Dr. Victor Rios had dropped out of high school. But one helped him turn his life around. Today, he's a sociologist who studies youth and the factors that nurture their potential. Hear his story: https://bit.ly/31jeRyQ

At age 14, Victor Rios' best friend is shot and killed. Afterwards, Victor thought, "I am going to end up dead like him or in prison for life." But Victor turns his life around after having a high school technology teacher named, Ms. Russ. He goes on to college, earns a Ph.D. in sociology, and becom...

09/05/2024

Take a moment to today. Whether you’re sharing an impactful moment or semester-long efforts, sharing your appreciation will make their day. https://teacherstories.org/appreciations

Thank Teachers for the Difference they Make Watch Video View Appreciations Add Your Appreciation The Teacher Appreciation Project We launched the Teacher Appreciation Project for people to publicly thank teachers for their positive impact on people’s lives and communities. Now more than ever teach...

08/05/2024

"When people say that not all heroes wear capes, Mr. Ball is the one I think about," says Caroline. Watch what happens when she expresses her gratitude to her teacher. https://teacherstories.org/teacher-stories/caroline-surprises-her-middle-school-teacher-mr-ball

08/05/2024

Jen says, "My teacher saved me when I was in 3rd grade." Now wrapping up her 20th year as a teacher herself, she pays it forward and reaches out to her former teacher, Jane. https://bit.ly/3KEUcqa

08/05/2024

Do you have an amazing teacher you’d like to thank but haven’t had the chance to do so? During and all year long, we can help you or start a campaign in your community!

Thank Teachers for the Difference they Make Watch Video View Appreciations Add Your Appreciation The Teacher Appreciation Project We launched the Teacher Appreciation Project for people to publicly thank teachers for their positive impact on people’s lives and communities. Now more than ever teach...

08/05/2024

Take a moment to celebrate the teachers who have elevated people’s lives, strengthened communities, inspired a passion for their subjects, and enabled students to attain what they once thought was unattainable. https://www.teacherstories.org/appreciations to

Thank Teachers for the Difference they Make Watch Video View Appreciations Add Your Appreciation The Teacher Appreciation Project We launched the Teacher Appreciation Project for people to publicly thank teachers for their positive impact on people’s lives and communities. Now more than ever teach...

08/05/2024

In a recent episode of the Teacher Stories podcast, we chatted with Pamela Dawson, a passionate and innovative music teacher and the 2023 Grammy Award winner for music educator of the year. Tune in to hear Pamela talk about her work and listen to her students sing.

https://www.teacherstories.org/teacher-stories/conversation-pamela-dawson

As the 2023 Grammy Award-winning Music Educator of the Year, Pamela Dawson has made it her mission to harness the power of music to connect students with diverse backgrounds and skill levels. With over 27 years of experience in teaching, Dawson has learned to create a safe and nurturing environment....

07/05/2024

On (and every day), we pay tribute to the invaluable contribution of teachers. Follow Teacher Stories on Apple podcasts to hear about them.

‎Education · 2024

07/05/2024

“You [teachers] are somebody’s prayer. You’re somebody’s dream. You’re somebody’s wish. You’re somebody’s most positive thought. You are here to matter in the life of a child.” - Wil Greer https://bit.ly/3elasz7

In spring 2019, CSU San Bernardino conducted a Celebration of Teaching Event for undergraduates interested in becoming a teachers. Faculty member, Wil Greer, shared this moving story about a child and the teachers who changed his life.

07/05/2024

For anyone that's ever wondered whether teachers really make a difference or whether words of appreciation from students matter, these videos are a must-watch ➡️ https://bit.ly/3vg9GLA