inspiring stories about teachers

The teachers who inspired us, and even changed the trajectories of our lives

Rita Pierson leads off TED Talks Education, our first televised event, which will air on PBS on May 7. Photo: Ryan Lash

Rita Pierson is the kind of teacher you wish you had. An educator for 40 years, she is funny, sharp and simply has a way with words — so much so that today’s talk feels a bit like a sermon.

“I have had classes so low, so academically deficient that I cried. I wondered, ‘How am I going to take this group in nine months from where they are to where they need to be?” says Pierson, in this amazing talk . “I came up with a bright idea … I gave them a saying: ‘I am somebody. I was somebody when I came and I’ll be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful and I am strong. I deserve the education that I get here’ … You say it long enough, it starts to be a part of you.”

Pierson’s talk will open our first-ever television special, TED Talks Education, which airs Tuesday, May 7 at 10/9c on PBS. It will be an exhilarating night, featuring talks from educators and innovators with bold ideas, plus performances from host John Legend. Set your DVRs and read lots more here »

In honor of Rita Pierson and TED Talks Education, I asked the TED staff: who is that one teacher who just really, truly influenced you?

“The teacher who changed my life was, serendipitously, my English teacher for kindergarten, 7th grade and senior year of high school. Ms. Barbato taught me how to write eloquently (I hope!), and she had this unexplained faith in me that really galvanized me as a student. What she taught me stuck with me through college and beyond.” — Olivier Sherman, Distribution Coordinator

“Mr. Eric Yang was only in his mid-twenties when I had him as my AP government teacher, but he was unforgettable. He was the first teacher I had who made keeping up with current events mandatory, forcing us to read news sources on our own time and not just from the textbook. He exuded discipline, and that was contagious.” — Thu-Huong Ha , Editorial Projects Specialist

“Mrs. Bailey was my English teacher. I loved her. I was the younger sister of an already very successful big sister, and that was a cloud over my head too. She held my hand and brought me into the sun with her love of the English language. She recommended books just to me, she made me feel special and I just couldn’t get enough of her. I went on a school trip to Amsterdam with her and she brought her husband, who was an artist. She changed my life.” — Juliet Blake , TED TV (who executive produced TED Talks Education)

“Mrs. Mendelson, my 8th-grade English teacher. This was my first year living in the U.S. I think she set the stage for future learning and she’s the main reason I have such good English right now, both written and spoken. So, thank you, Mrs. Mendelson.”  — Ruben Marcos, intern

“I still recall how awesome my 6th-grade teacher, Mr. Fawess, was. Middle school in general is basically Hades. I was extremely small, super nerdy, and had a unibrow, asthma and glasses — plus I left school once a week to take classes at the local high school. I got picked on a lot. Mr. Fawess came up with all these ways to take my mind off that — he talked to me about bullying and how to let things roll off your shoulder and gave me books I could read outside of class. He got me thinking about college early and what kinds of subjects I was most interested in. I consider myself lucky to have had such an inspiring teacher. If only he had discouraged me from dressing up as the skunk in our annual school play.” — Amanda Ellis , TEDx Projects Coordinator

“Robert Baldwin’s class ‘Essay and Inquiry.’ Every day: Walk into class. Sit down. Look at the handout on every desk. Read it. Start writing. Class ends — stop writing. Every day. Except Wednesday, when we’d put the desks in a circle and everyone would read something they’d written. The prompts were everything from simple questions like, “What’s your favorite memory of trees?” to readings from Rachel Carson or W.B. Yeats or Orson Welles. It was a whirlwind of ideas, and the constant writing forced us to wrestle with them, and (tritely but correctly) ourselves. It was like a boot camp in thinking. People I know who took, and loved, that class went on to some of the most amazing careers. Every time we get together, we gush about the quiet, unassuming, force of nature that was Mr. Baldwin. He would have hated that last sentence, because the metaphor is strained. But he also taught us to ignore authority, so I’m writing it anyway.” — Ben Lillie , Writer/Editor

“Mrs. Lewis, my 5th-grade teacher, read to us every week. She made us put our heads on the desk and close our eyes and then read wonderful stories to us: The Golden Pine Cone , The Diamond Feather .. . It made our imaginations come alive.” — Janet McCartney , Director of Events

“My junior high school science teacher, Dr. Ernie Roy, with his outsized laugh and booming voice, was one of my very favorite teachers. He demonstrated to us how important we were to him by making what were obviously personal sacrifices on our behalf: when the lab needed equipment, we knew he had purchased some of it on his own; when we couldn’t get a bus for a field trip, he took a few of us in his own car (something which could have gotten him into quite a bit of trouble); and when a big science fair deadline loomed large, he opened the lab every weekend to help us with our experiments. At a point in my life when I didn’t have a lot of guidance or positive role models, he taught me a lot more than science; he taught me, by example, the power of sacrifice, discipline and self-respect.” — Michael McWatters , UX Architect

“Dr. Heller, my 10th-grade social studies teacher, taught me that passion is the key to learning. I had never met anyone from kindergarten to 10th grade that matched his raw passion for the  meaning  behind historical events, and it was so contagious.” — Deron Triff , Director of Distribution

“Rene Arcilla, a professor of Educational Philosophy at NYU, changed the way I think.  Prior to that class, I hadn’t truly been challenged about what *I* actually thought — much of my educational life was about regurgitating answers. Rene was the first teacher who asked me questions that he/we didn’t know the answers to. Realizing that I had to actually provide the answers from within myself, and not look to an outside source, was very difficult at first. It was a muscle I had to build. I owe a lot of who I am today — and even this job — to the introspective, critical and philosophical thinking I learned from Rene’s classes.” — Susan Zimmerman , Executive Assistant to the Curator

“Mr. Downey — 7th- and 8th-grade Humanities. Still the hardest class I’ve ever taken!  I’d credit Mr. Downey with helping me think more expansively about the world. Right before 8th-grade graduation, he showed us Dead Poets Society , and on the final day of class we all agreed to stand on our desks and recite ‘O Captain, my captain.’  It was all very dramatic and I think there were tears.” — Jennifer Gilhooley, Partnership Development

“I took my first painting class my sophomore year of high school and fell in love with it. My teacher, Ms. Bowen, told me I could use the art studio whenever I wanted to, and gave me access to all kinds of new paints and canvasses. I spent almost every lunch period there for a few years, and regularly stayed in the studio after school ended. One day, Ms. Bowen told me that a parent of a student I had painted expressed interest in buying the painting of her daughter. After that first sale, I painted portraits of kids in my school on a commission basis, and continued to do so for the remainder of my high school experience. Thanks to Ms. Bowen’s mentorship, I felt empowered to try to make money from something I was passionate about and loved to do.  Here  is one of the paintings.” — Cloe Shasha , TED Projects Coordinator

“I had a chemistry teacher, Mr. Sampson, who used to meet me at school an hour before it started to tutor me when the material wasn’t clicking. That was the first class I had ever really struggled with, and he made this investment to help me get through the material — but more importantly learn that I could teach myself anything.”  —Stephanie Kent, Special Projects

“On the first day of my Elementary Italian Immersion class, I asked to be excused to use the restroom in English. Professor Agostini kept speaking rapidly in Italian as I squirmed in my seat. Since she seemed unclear about my request, I asked her again to no avail. Finally, I flipped through my brand-new Italian-English dictionary and discovered the words, ‘ Posso usare il bagno per favore .’ Suddenly, she flashed me a smile, handed me the key, told me where to go in  Italian , and pointed to my dictionary so I could learn how to follow her directions. Even though I only studied with her for one semester, I will never forget that I emerged from her class knowing intermediate-level Italian.” — Jamia Wilson, TED Prize Storyteller

“My history teacher in high school, Mr. Cook, challenged us to think hard about what happened in the past and directly related it to what was happening around us. He gave us ways to try and predict what could happen in the future. He was the first person to make me take ownership of what it meant to be a citizen and the social responsibility that came with that. Because he taught ‘World History’ rather than a regionally specific class, we learned extensively about other countries, and I am convinced he is the reason that I went abroad to Ghana in college and I am now still an avid traveler today.” — Samantha Kelly, Fellows Group

“The professor who taught me Intro to Women and Gender Studies my sophomore year of college completely changed my framework for thinking about human relationships within a hierarchy. She brought coffee and tea to class for us every morning to congratulate us for being so dedicated to learning as to choose an 8:30 a.m. class. When I emailed her to say I’d be out sick, she sent me a get-well e-card. And when, in a fit of undergraduate irresponsibility, I simply failed to do an assignment, she wasn’t the least bit mad — instead, I received a phone call from her a week after the end of the semester informing me that, because I’d done such good work, she couldn’t bear to give me the B+ I numerically deserved. It was incredible to see how fully she lived the subject she taught; the philosophy of compassion and equality.” — Morton Bast , Editorial Assistant

“My high school photography teacher, Susan Now. I’m convinced that the support I got from Susan got me through high school. Two years later, when I was freaked out about transferring colleges, I, without hesitation, called her for advice. She made me feel comfortable and challenged me to speak up and be confident with expressing myself as a student. So valuable!” — Ella Saunders-Crivello, Partnerships Coordinator

“Cliff Simon, one of my college professors, taught me that wisdom is the greatest pursuit, our skills and passions are transferable, and that fear will only ever always hold us back.  To this day, he’s a great mentor.  We’re now great friends, and I even officiated his wedding ceremony.” — Jordan Reeves, TED-Ed Community Manager

“My 10th-grade biology teacher spoke and interacted with me like I was a grown-up individual and not one of a batch of ‘kids.’ He made us all fascinated with the subjects he taught because he spoke to us not at us. I always worked hard to match that capacity that he saw in me. He was only in his 50s when, a few years after I graduated, he died suddenly of a heart attack. Lots of sad former students.” — Ladan Wise , Product Development Manager

“Stephen O’Leary, my professor and mentor at the University of Southern California, showed me that the quality of my thinking could be directly traced to the quality of the authors I referenced in my bibliography. This realization motivated me to both seek and challenge everything I have read ever since. This habit likely played a part in me finding myself so passionate about being a part of TED.” — Sarah Shewey , TEDActive Program Producer

“My high school art teacher was equal parts smart and silly, and always insightful. Mr. Miller showed a bunch of restless seniors that art class wasn’t just about memorizing which painters influenced which periods. Instead, he taught us that art was — at its core — an exciting way to touch both the head and the heart. Mr. Miller took our  class to the Met in New York one warm spring afternoon, a trip I’ll never forget. Great art, he told us, was about great ideas, and not simply the pleasing arrangement of color, shape and form. Thank you, Russ Miller.” — Jim Daly, TED Books 

“Mrs. Presley, my 1st-grade teacher, advanced my reading skills to full-on chapter book independence … and for that I’ll be forever grateful! But the most valuable gift she gave me was self-esteem. At my school, we’d bring a brown bag lunch with our name written on the bag. I always wanted a middle name like the other kids, and this daily ritual made me feel the lack. I must have let my mom know, because she started to write middle names on my bag. At first it started: ‘Marla Ruby Mitchnick.’ Then ‘Marla Ruby Diamond Mitchnick,’ and then ‘Marla Ruby Diamond Violet Mitchnick,’ and so on. Mrs. Presley never skipped a single syllable — she just read it straight through, and I felt like a beloved and fortunate person with a beautiful name, surrounded by wonderful friends.” — Marla Mitchnick , Film + Video Editor

“I signed up for Journalism 1 in high school having no idea what I was getting myself into. Marcie Pachino ran a rigorous course on the joys of telling other people’s stories and on the extreme responsibility that comes with reporting news that might otherwise go unheard. She was kind and inspiring, but wouldn’t hesitate to give you an edit of an article that simply read ‘Ugh’ in big red letters. The key: you always knew she was right. I went on to become a journalist professionally and, in all my years of writing, I’ve never encountered a more demanding editor.” — Kate Torgovnick, Writer (the author of this post)

“Professor Stephen Commins completely changed my  learning experience at UCLA. He pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could accomplish as an undergrad, and having him as my research professor improved my quality of education tenfold. I’ll never forget in my last lecture with him, he left our class with this piece of advice: to work on poverty domestically before attempting to help those abroad, because you aren’t truly a development professional until you have done both.” — Chiara Baldanza, Coordinator

“My high school English teacher Veronica Stephenson went above and beyond to allow me the opportunity to dive into theater and acting in a very underfunded arts community. She saw passion in me, and engaged it by spending a lot of her own time and effort to help me pursue something I loved. I learned so much from her and got more personalized experience than I probably would have from a more arts-focused curriculum due solely to her faith in me.” —Emilie Soffe, Office Coordinator

Now it’s your turn. Who is the teacher who most inspired you? Please share in your comments.

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Most heartwarming teacher stories and ways teachers show up for their students

A teacher is a guide and mentor for their students. 

They share knowledge and stories in the classroom, but they also have the opportunity to make a much larger impact. 

The best teachers will forever be remembered in the hearts of their students. Some will even make history for the inspiration, empowerment, and wisdom they have shared.

Whether elevating a student’s self-worth, creating a safe environment in the classroom, or showing up for their student’s well-being, it’s good to reminisce and appreciate the teachers that have gone above and beyond.

There’s a chance you even reconnected with a past teacher at one point, a moment filled with a whirlwind of emotions for the both of you. 

Let’s take some time to appreciate all of the teachers that helped us grow, succeed, and expanded us to where we are today. 

It’s a special moment of life that meant a lot to you, and so, we wanted to share some heartwarming teacher stories and ways that educators show up for their students.

• Jimmy Kimmel surprises Quinta Brunson with the teacher that inspired her sitcom
• Teachers inspire the next generation of leaders 
• They can teach lifelong habits 
• Adele recalls the teacher that inspired her the most in life 
• Teachers can be the great listeners their students need
• Teachers inspire students to push beyond their limitations 
• Teachers offer recurring words of encouragement 

1. Jimmy Kimmel surprises Quinta Brunson with the teacher whom she named her sitcom Abbott Elementary  after

It went viral. Not long after the episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live aired were people reminiscing about their own favorite teachers.

That is what happened with Quinta Brunson.

Jimmy Kimmel surprised Quinta with a video call that connected her to her 6th-grade teacher. 

The tears, emotions, and conversation between the two of them made one thing clear: her teacher was memorable for the love and support that she offered Quinta in her younger years. 

Believing in your students is the trademark of a heart-centered teacher. 

A classroom is a place for learning and connection, but it’s also a place where a lot of growth can occur. 

Life isn’t a straight line, but teachers that show empathy and support for their students, especially when they are going through hard times, will be remembered. 

You don’t have to revolutionize the curriculum to be remembered, and making history shouldn’t be a prerequisite. 

As a teacher, ask yourself, ‘How am I showing up for my students?’

It’s the moments that are seemingly small, that are in fact, valuable lessons and memories.  

Believe in your students, watch them grow and excel. Imagine the heartwarming reunion when you reconnect with one of your students! 

2. Teachers can inspire the next generation of leaders 

As a teacher, you have the opportunity to inspire your students to also step into their leadership roles, and perhaps even pursue a career as a teacher. 

Remember, teachers are some of the greatest embodied leaders! 

Failure is a common fear for everyone, especially younger students, and dreaming up possibilities for their future. 

Share with your students that failure is not an option, that you can fail forward, and watch them bloom. 

3. They can teach students strong lifelong habits 

The everyday habits we adopt create our lifestyle. 

And so, what are the habits that you are teaching your students?

There’s more to life than simply time spent in the classroom, and while students are there to learn and soak up wisdom, they are also there to grow as people.

Inspire the younger generations to adopt health & well-being habits. 

There is a chance that they might not have anybody in their lives teaching them this. 

4. Adele recalls her English teacher Ms. McDonald as the one person who inspired the singer most in life

Imagine reuniting with a student whose dreams you accepted, encouraged, and pushed. 

Now imagine you’re Ms. McDonald, Adele ‘s secondary school English teacher from Chestnut Grove.

During a Q & A at the Grammy award-winning singer’s evening concert special, Adele was asked if there was anyone in her past who supported her, inspired her, or protected her from life’s trials and tribulations.

“That was Ms. McDonald,” Adele answered.

Watch a heartfelt and heartwarming reunion between Adele and her former English teacher , as a story of a teacher-student relationship that was rooted in love, support, and acceptance.  

The best teacher stories are about accepting yourself for who you are.

As people, we desire to be seen and accepted for who we are. 

Accepting your students, while truly listening to them, will create an immensely positive influence on their lives. 

It will change their lives for the better, as it creates a deeper shift in their perspectives. 

In accepting students for who they are, you are teaching them that they are inherently worthy. 

5. Teachers can be the great listeners their students need

Listening is a mindfulness technique that will show someone that you truly care. 

Teachers that listen to the opinions of their students, and create safe spaces for them to share and connect with their peers, are highly impactful and appreciated. 

It shows your students that you value and appreciate them, and these very same qualities will be returned to you.  

The classroom is not only a place to belong but to thrive. 

6. Teachers inspire students to push beyond their limitations 

Teachers can help their students push past any limitations or disabilities that they have made mean something about themselves. 

Believing in your students is also being attentive and showing up in a way that is inspiring them, no matter what circumstances they are in. 

The limits for what one can achieve are endless based on a mere shift in perspective. 

A teacher can be that guide to shift perspectives. 

7. Teachers offer recurring words of encouragement 

It’s natural to thrive off words of encouragement.

Teachers that offer their students words of encouragement, especially during the low and critical times, have the wonderful opportunity to see those very same students grow and shift into a more empowered version of themselves. 

Get your students motivated, passionate, and excited about learning and life! 

It all starts by paying attention and having a heart-warming conversation. 

Teachers are changing lives 

All of the hard work, tears, and long nights of being a teacher are truly worth every minute. 

Teachers are some of the greatest leaders, and the impact you create in the lives of each student can be profound. 

If your intuition has been calling you to the life of a teacher, don’t hesitate to answer the call. 

You can learn more about becoming a certified teacher with Teach Away . 

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Just 21 Reasons to Be Grateful for Teachers This Year

Honestly, this list could be endless, but we had to stop somewhere.

For many of us, 2017 has been kind of a doozy. Which is why we feel extra grateful for teachers doing amazing things in their classrooms and for their students. These teachers’ stories inspire us and give us hope for the future. Here’s just some of the reasons we’re grateful for teachers this year.

1. Because we go above and beyond for our students.

Why I Donated a Kidney to My Student

2. Because we’ll do anything to get our kids to read.

How One Inspiring Teacher Is Connecting With Students Through a Comb

3. Because we make dreams come true.

Meet the Teacher Who Raised Money to Buy a Bike for Every Kid in Her School

4. Because so many of us transform communities, not just kids.

How One School Garden Transformed a Neighborhood

5. Because we’ll take risks to get students to connect with the curriculum.

I Use Hip-Hop To Teach Middle School History: Here’s How

6. Because for so many of us, teaching is a calling.

https://www.weareteachers.com/why-ellen-degeneres-took-notice-of-this-teacher-and-paid-off-all-her-student-debt/

7. Because we love sharing our passions.

How I Taught My Kindergarten Kids to ID Hundreds of Birds

8. Because we know that a little positivity goes a long way.

Why i leave positive post-it notes for my fourth graders every morning, 9. because we’ll hack anything if it means helping our kids..

Meet the Viral Teacher Who Created Tennis Ball Chairs for Her Special Education Students

10. Because we’re not afraid to go the extra mile.

23 Times Teachers Went the Extra Mile, All in the Name of Learning

11. Because we lift each other up.

43 Amazing Things Teacher Friends Do for One Another

12. Because even when we get a moment in the spotlight, we shine it on others.

3 Life-Changing Lessons I Learned on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

13. Because we help pull our students through many of the tough things happening in our world.

https://www.weareteachers.com/teachers-are-heroes/

14. Because this is a full-circle job, and we’re fully committed.

https://www.weareteachers.com/onceastudentnowateacher/

15. Because even when we’re tired, we keep going.

https://www.weareteachers.com/viral-teacher-video/

16. Because we literally spend hundreds of dollars out of our own pockets on our students.

These Classroom Setup Photos Are Proof Teachers Should Be Paid More

17. Unless you’re a new teacher, in which case you might spend thousands.

We Threw a Teacher Shower for This First Year Teacher, and Here’s What Happened

18. Because we open our students to new worlds.

Why I’m Talking To My Students About My Headscarf This Year

19. Because so often we’re a safe harbor from the storm.

Dear Teacher Dealing with the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

20. Because we keep going even in the midst of personal tragedy.

How Teaching Saved Me After My Husband’s Death

21. And finally, because there’s nothing we’re more grateful for than a letter from students.

51 Teachers Share the Best Thank-You Notes They’ve Ever Received

Why are you grateful for teachers? We’d love to hear in the comments.

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Teacher Appreciation Week: Stories of Inspirational Teachers

• May 6, 2014

Take a moment to read these truly inspirational stories of teachers, and reflect on those teachers who have impacted you:

Teachers Whose Lessons Extend Beyond The Classroom — These are real stories from real people who cherish the lessons learned from a teacher. We loved reading through these!

These 11 Education Leaders Had Their Lives Changed By Amazing Teachers — It’s easy to forget that even successful leaders were once inspired by a teacher — this article is a great reminder!

A Teacher Appreciation Story that Inspires (told by a neurosurgeon ) — Dr. Lee Buono was reminded by a patient to thank the teacher who inspired him to become a neurosurgeon. Watch the video for the full story!

Think Back on What Your Own Teachers Gave You — Every teacher leaves an impression! Read how one writer was inspired by all of her educators throughout the years.

Tell us: Who are the teachers who inspired you?

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3 inspiring stories of how teachers kept teaching through the crisis

Education has been on the front line of COVID-19. For six months now, teachers around the world have been navigating education systems affected by school closures, adapting and improvising to keep their students learning. 

Even as many countries usher their students back into classrooms, with all the fresh challenges that entails, inspiration can be found in the examples of teachers who rose to meet the occasion. They remind us that teachers are more than just conduits for knowledge. They are a vital lifeline for their students, now and during whatever is next.

Remote learning without internet

The challenge faced by Fransiskus Xaverius Faima , a teacher from Indonesia, is a familiar one: how can teachers and students connect if many are not connected to the internet? Internet coverage in Indonesia is fairly high - around 66 percent of people have access - but connectivity rarely stretches beyond urban hubs. While schools are closed, students in remote communities like Faimau’s may not be getting any education at all. Faimau from the Kecil Fatutasu elementary school in East Nusa Tenggara, now travels for hours each day to set up small learning groups. He takes a few students at a time through lessons, gathered around his single laptop. 

Elsewhere in Indonesia, responding to the pandemic has required a creative approach. In West Papua, teachers are working with education consultants to design offline curriculums, printing and distributing materials that creatively integrate students’ home surroundings into their lessons. A simple pot of boiling water, for example, can teach a student much about physics and mathematics. 

For Faimau, all this extra effort is simply part of a teacher’s duty. Education, he understands, works best when it is consistent: “children have to keep learning because if we just leave, they will go back to square one.” His ad-hoc classes may not be able to offer his students everything they would get in a traditional classroom, but, for now, keeping them engaged is enough.

Delivering free school meals

Whilst widespread internet access in the UK has encouraged a national transition to online learning, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges of a different sort. The Western Primary School in Grimsby is situated in a deprived part of town, where four out of ten students receive free school meals. For many, it’s the only good meal they’re guaranteed all day. Zane Powels, the assistant head teacher at Western Primary, recognised the impact lockdown could have on these students. 

Five weeks after schools in England closed, Powels had already delivered more than two thousand meals to students, walking door-to-door, laden with lunch packages containing sandwiches, fruit and snacks. This also allowed him to check up on the children’s wellbeing whilst locked-down at home. 

5 weeks into lockdown and I have walked over 125miles delivering nearly 2000 school meals with a combined weight of over 1100kg. More importantly, children and parents from our school have been supported through these tough times and will continue to be ‘The school that cares’,  tweets  Powels.

Western Primary is not unique – the centrality of teachers and schools to students’ lives has been thrown into sharp relief during the pandemic, and Powels exemplifies the sense of responsibility felt by teachers everywhere.

Teaching in a truck

In Guanajuato, Mexico, a teacher known only as Nay , recently won widespread praise on Twitter after a picture emerged of her holding a makeshift lesson in the back of her red pick-up truck. She and a student, both masked, sat around a small table, pouring over school work. Nay is an elementary school teacher who specialises in working with children with disabilities such as autism. 

Just over half of people in Mexico have access to the internet. Aware that many of her pupils cannot get online or even have books, she converted her truck into a mobile classroom and travelled for hours a day to sit with them in person. While Nay is insistent that her extra efforts are nothing special, her story does highlight how the pandemic has hit vulnerable students the hardest. In these difficult times, it’s those students who occupy their teachers’ thoughts the most.

These three stories highlight what all teachers know: nothing beats being there in person. The situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, and the promise of a return to ‘normality’ may be on the horizon. But until then, let’s take inspiration from those teachers who are doing everything to be there for their students.

Cover image published in  thejakartapost.com  courtesy of teacher Fransiskus Xaverius Faimau.

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5 inspiring teachers and their stories

Often when we talk about online learning we focus only on knowledge. Teachers are not just individuals who instruct us  – they inspire and believe in us as well. Also, they often teach us lessons that cannot be found in our textbooks. Here are some stories about five teachers who, as a result of their actions, will remain in our memories forever. Let their lessons guide both your teaching and everyday lives.

Beth Battista: she donated a kidney to save the life of a five-year-old student

In 2006 a pre-school teacher saved the infant Lyla Carreyn’s life by giving her a kidney transplant. The inspirational story started with a shared Facebook post. It was about a family desperately seeking a kidney donor for their daughter. As soon as Beth saw the story, she recognized the little girl by the name of Lyla who was one of the students at the Kids Express Learning Center.

Lyla had learned of her diagnosis 12 months earlier – microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), a rare autoimmune disorder. This meant that she would need to undergo kidney dialysis for 12 hours a day, each and every day. Knowing these details, Beth felt a strong urge to do something. The pre-school teacher immediately called the University of Wisconsin Health Transplant Program and the doctor invited her for a test to see if she could be a donor. Luckily, they approved her as a match for Lyla. And the miracle began.

After the surgery, Beth’s kidney was immediately accepted by Lyla’s body and began to function properly. Beth said, “I wanted to give Lyla her future – a normal, happy, healthy future. My hope is that anyone who shares these thoughts will go in and get tested as a donor and give the gift of life.”

A teacher’s job is not just about making money. On the contrary, it is about change, responsibility, and action. Currently, Beth continues to do as much as she can every day for her students and it’s totally worth it.

Marilyn Gambrell: no more victims

As a former parole officer Marilyn had seen it all. She had witnessed many painful life circumstances that children were enduring as a result of their parents being incarcerated.That is why she felt the need to change her career and life paths.

In January, 2000 Marilyn initiated the “healing the CHILD within” Program for Children of Incarcerated Parents at M.B. Smiley High School in Houston, Texas.

In addition, all of Marilyn’s students had either been raped, sexually harassed, or beaten by their parents. Therefore, she also created the program No More Victims in Houston, which is an hour-long class that focuses on creating a safer school environment and reducing crime and substance abuse on campus.

Over the years Marilyn has saved hundreds of lives as she has instilled confidence in her students and empowered them to turn their lives around.

There have been many special feature stories about her work. Furthermore, in 2005 Gambrell’s story Fighting the Odds became a movie on the Lifetime TV network. Many of her students recognize Marilyn as the force that appeared at the right moment and changed their lives for the better.

Gregg Breinberg: from the classroom to the Oscars

This elementary school Music teacher in Staten Island has inspired countless youngsters. Gregg used his talent and devotion to push kids from all walks of life to reach for heights that they never could have imagined or accomplished on their own. He believes that every single child has a special gift or talent.

In 2000 Mr. Breinberg created the famous PS22 Chorus at his school in NYC and named it after the school itself. The group consisted of 5th graders from his public elementary school who didn’t have to go through extensive auditions to join. Gregg helped craft the voices of his school chorus; he even started a blog and featured videos of the children singing on YouTube. The choir grabbed the attention of over 14 million viewers across the internet, including some celebrities like Paris Hilton and Ashton Kutcher.

These amazing kids even appeared at the 2011 Academy Awards, closing the show with a rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” They have also sung with Katy Perry, Gym Class Heroes, Phillip Phillips, Carrie Underwood, Queen Latifah, Tori Amos, Kylie Minogue, and Jennifer Hudson.

The chorus’s impassioned singing engaged both the children and the audience. This devoted music teacher helped his students build confidence and use music as an emotional outlet. Furthermore, he helped them find their own identities. As Gregg proudly likes to say, “The PS22 Chorus just features ordinary children achieving extraordinary accomplishments.”

Fumi: an innovator that changed Japan’s reality

Fumi is a former English teacher who is currently working on the design of a new school that is scheduled to open in 2019 in Hiroshima. Fumi says, “As a teacher, I felt I wasn’t inspiring enough, and I found myself useless. That’s why we are reflecting on how to connect learning to society and help students find their role.”

Following the catastrophe in Japan in March 2011, Fumi started a project at OECD-Tohoku School. It involved 100 junior high and high school students from disaster stricken areas who came together for different workshops. Through this project-based learning, the students organized an event in Paris in the summer of 2014 to reveal the wonders of the Tohoku region to the world.

The new school that Fumi is designing will focus on project-based learning. Furthermore, it will encourage the student to solve real-life problems in their own community. This innovative method will give more autonomy to students. This project-based learning will increase the motivation levels of the students, as well as foster both social and emotional learning. The goal of the lessons will be to develop these social and emotional skills.

The Hiroshima Global Academy aims to be an international public school with a mission – to change the world. It will involve student and teacher collaboration to promote the process of active learning. The school will have three different type of classrooms: closed, semi-closed, and open space. The idea is for the school to become a center of innovation, as well as an educational hub that will share successful practices worldwide.

In addition, another factor that is driving the idea behind these innovations is the idea of helping Japanese students reach their “Ikigai” – a concept incorporating the meaning of life, because wellbeing does not end at the classroom door.

Joshua Murray: a tattoo for a college scholarship

Joshua is in love with grammar and teaches English Language and Composition. In 2014 he made a promise to his 28 high school students: he told them that if every one of them earns $5,000 worth of scholarships for college, he’ll get a tattoo with their names on it. Although it was not as easy as it sounds, they took on the challenge. For 12 out of the 28, English was their second language .

Joshua grew up in Arizona and went to the same school that he teaches at now. Despite his ambition, his road to college was not easy. Moreover, he graduated with a lot of debt, yet he never regretted his choice as he considers his success in college as the greatest thing that he has ever done. Luckily, his parents also think of going to college as something that is extremely important. So when he came back to teach in the same community, he decided to make a difference.

Joshua wanted his students to have options later in life and that is why he challenged them in an unexpected way. As a result of his efforts and attitude, every single one of his students found at least $5,000 worth of scholarship money. Actually, the grand total for the entire group was more than $700,000. And yes, he kept his promise. He got a tattoo with their names on it.

What’s next for Joshua? He moved to a new school that specializes in working with diverse learners. He believes that he has a lot more teaching challenges left to conquer.

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Inspiring Teacher Stories: I Became A Teacher Because…

• Brittany Coleman
• January 9, 2021
• No Comments

Teachers inspire our youth on a daily basis. They live to ignite a love of learning and foster an exploration of subjects. But what inspires our teachers? Why did they become teachers?

Can you believe that 2020 is finally over? Man has it been one crazy whirlwind of a year, to say the least. It has been hard on everyone, but teachers especially have been thrown into the unknown. You have had to figure out virtual learning, distance learning, overcome Covid scares, and frustrations. Through it all sometimes it’s been hard to keep going and push past the thought of giving up.  However, we all decided to teach for some reason or another. So I’ve put together a few of your reasons why you became a teacher! May this be a reminder, a source of encouragement, and also a laugh. Something to keep us all going into the new year!

I became a teacher because…

“I wanted to be an entertainer! Captive audience every day for 35 years!”

-Vicky Moore

“..it was a calling. I volunteered at an elementary school when I was 18 and since that time, I have felt like I was doing the job I was meant to do. I hang on to this on the “tough days”… and this year there have been MANY.”

-Amber Pelton

“I became a teacher because I love seeing the world through kids’ eyes.”

-lorrie barclay.

“… it’s all I ever wanted to do.”

-Renee Bowman

“I loved music, math, art, and kids. Elementary allows me to do it all!”

-Ariel Miller

“My calling came in my 30’s during the high point in my IT career. It was something that couldn’t be ignored. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“I wanted to love all of the lost and hurting children. I wanted to help heal their hearts.” -Lora Marion

“I was a substitute teacher to make ends meet- and the kids I was subbing for (middle and high school) didn’t think they had adults in their lives that they could talk to.”

-Natalie Hayes

“It was the only major that didn’t require a foreign language.  But, all kidding aside, it was the path I was meant to take!” -Brittni Rudolph  

“I truly enjoy working with children and love watching them grow academically, socially, and emotionally every day!”

-Janessa Bailey-Fletcher

“I love to share and it’s exciting when I see the “lightbulb” moments in my kids!”

-Shannon Beckles-Rahming

“I wanted to be the caring and patient teacher I never had as a small child.”

-Beverly Wagner

“I love and care about kids. I want them to love school as much as I did. There were awesome teachers who believed in me and I want to pay it forward.”

-brown linda.

“I wanted summers off.”

-Monica Maravilla

-Christine Marie

There are so many reasons why we became teachers! So many inspiring teacher stories we hold on to and continue with when teaching becomes hard. Having overcome so many struggles, errors, failures, and more! But through it all, we are making a difference in these kid’s lives, and they are making a difference in ours! So hang in their teachers, never forget WHY you became one.

Please continue this thread of inspiration and share why you became a teacher in the comments below.

Written by: Brittany Coleman

At Education to the Core , we exist to help our teachers build a stronger classroom as they connect with our community to find trusted, state-of-the-art resources designed by teachers for teachers. We aspire to be the world’s leading & most trusted community for educational resources for teachers. We improve the lives of every teacher and learner with the most comprehensive, reliable, and inclusive educational resources.

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Inspiring Stories of Teachers Who Went Above and Beyond to Help Their Students Succeed

by Danny Ballan | Apr 1, 2023 | Social Spotlights

Introduction

Erin gruwell: a teacher who inspired her students to change the world, marva collins: a teacher who transformed education for at-risk students.

Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives, and behind every successful student, there is often a teacher who has gone above and beyond to help them achieve their goals. In this article, we will share the inspiring stories of three teachers who have made a profound impact on their students’ lives. Erin Gruwell, Ron Clark, and Marva Collins are three educators who have shown that with dedication, innovation, and a belief in the potential of every student, anything is possible. Their stories are a testament to the transformative power of education, and they remind us of the importance of investing in our students’ futures. So join us as we celebrate these three inspiring teachers and the incredible work they have done to help their students succeed.

Erin Gruwell is a former high school English teacher who became famous for her work with a group of at-risk students in Long Beach, California. Her story is one of dedication, compassion, and innovative teaching methods, and it has inspired educators around the world to believe in the transformative power of education.

Gruwell’s journey as a teacher began in 1994, when she was assigned to teach freshman English at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach. The school was located in a low-income neighborhood and had a diverse student population, many of whom had been labeled as “unteachable” or “at-risk.”

Gruwell quickly realized that her students faced a range of challenges, including poverty, gang violence, and racism. She also saw that they were disengaged from their education and lacked a sense of purpose and hope for the future. Determined to make a difference, Gruwell set out to create a classroom environment that would foster a sense of community, trust, and respect.

One of Gruwell’s first initiatives was to have her students keep journals, which she called “Freedom Writers’ Diaries.” The journals were a safe space for students to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and they quickly became a powerful tool for building relationships and promoting self-reflection.

Gruwell also exposed her students to a wide range of literature and media, including books like “The Diary of Anne Frank” and movies like “Schindler’s List.” She used these materials to teach her students about the power of storytelling and to help them see the connections between their own lives and the experiences of people who had faced oppression and injustice.

As her students became more engaged in their education, Gruwell began to see changes in their attitudes and behavior. They started to take pride in their work, showed more respect for each other, and began to think more critically about the world around them.

But Gruwell’s biggest challenge came after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which had a profound impact on her students. Many of them had been directly affected by the riots and had lost friends and family members to gang violence. Others had experienced racism and discrimination in their daily lives.

In response, Gruwell took her students on a field trip to the Museum of Tolerance, where they learned about the Holocaust and other instances of genocide throughout history. The experience was transformative for her students, who began to see the connections between their own experiences and the experiences of people who had faced oppression and violence.

Inspired by what they had learned, Gruwell’s students decided to take action. They started a campaign to raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur, a conflict in Sudan that had been largely ignored by the media. They also began to speak out against gang violence and racism in their own community.

Gruwell’s students eventually compiled their writings into a book called “The Freedom Writers Diary,” which became a best-seller and was later turned into a movie. The book and movie helped to spread the message of hope and empowerment that Gruwell had instilled in her students, and they inspired a generation of educators to believe in the potential of all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

Today, Gruwell is a sought-after speaker and the founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, which provides resources and training for educators who want to use her methods to inspire their own students. Her story is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and change the world. As she once said, “I see myself in each of my students, and I believe that every student can rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness.”

Ron Clark: A Teacher Who Created a School Where Every Student Could Succeed

Ron Clark is an educator, author, and founder of the Ron Clark Academy, a private school in Atlanta, Georgia, that has become famous for its innovative teaching methods and its ability to help students who were struggling in traditional classrooms.

Clark’s journey as a teacher began in 1995, when he was assigned to teach at an inner-city school in North Carolina. At the time, the school was one of the lowest-performing in the state, and many of its students faced significant challenges, including poverty, abuse, and neglect.

Despite these challenges, Clark was determined to make a difference. He believed that every student had the potential to learn and succeed, and he set out to create a classroom environment that would foster a love of learning, a sense of community, and a belief in oneself.

One of Clark’s first initiatives was to establish clear expectations for behavior and academic achievement. He created a set of “rules” for his classroom that focused on respect, responsibility, and effort, and he rewarded students who met these expectations with praise and positive reinforcement.

Clark also used creative teaching methods to engage his students and make learning more fun and meaningful. He used music, dance, and drama to bring lessons to life, and he incorporated real-world examples and hands-on projects to help his students see the relevance of what they were learning.

As Clark’s reputation as a dynamic and effective teacher grew, he was offered the opportunity to teach at a school in New York City. There, he continued to hone his teaching methods and develop his philosophy of education, which emphasized the importance of relationships, rigor, and relevance.

In 2007, Clark founded the Ron Clark Academy, a private school that would put his teaching philosophy into practice. The school was designed to be a “model school,” showcasing the best practices in education and serving as a training ground for educators who wanted to learn from Clark’s methods.

The Ron Clark Academy quickly gained a reputation for its innovative teaching methods and its ability to help students who were struggling in traditional classrooms. The school’s success was due in large part to Clark’s commitment to creating a positive and nurturing environment that would support every student’s unique needs and abilities.

One of the keys to the Ron Clark Academy’s success was its focus on building relationships between teachers and students. Clark believed that strong relationships were the foundation of effective teaching, and he encouraged his teachers to get to know their students as individuals and to personalize their instruction accordingly.

Another key to the school’s success was its emphasis on rigor and high academic standards. Clark believed that all students were capable of achieving at a high level, and he challenged his students to reach their full potential through rigorous coursework and high expectations.

Finally, the Ron Clark Academy was successful because it emphasized the relevance of what students were learning. Clark believed that students learned best when they could see the connections between what they were learning in the classroom and the real world around them, and he worked to make sure that every lesson was relevant and meaningful.

Today, Clark’s methods and philosophy of education continue to inspire educators around the world. He is the author of several books, including “The Essential 55,” which outlines his classroom rules, and “The End of Molasses Classes,” which describes his journey as an educator and the lessons he learned along the way.

Through his work as a teacher, author, and founder of the Ron Clark Academy, Ron Clark has demonstrated that every student has the potential to learn and succeed, and that with dedication, innovation, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Marva Collins was a former elementary school teacher who founded the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, Illinois. The school was known for its strict discipline, high academic standards, and its ability to help students who were struggling in public schools.

Collins’ journey as a teacher began in the 1960s, when she was assigned to teach at a public school on the West Side of Chicago. At the time, the school was plagued by violence, low academic standards, and a lack of resources, and many of its students were labeled as “unteachable” or “at-risk.”

Despite these challenges, Collins was determined to make a difference. She believed that every student had the potential to learn and succeed, and she set out to create a classroom environment that would foster a love of learning, a sense of discipline, and a belief in oneself.

One of Collins’ first initiatives was to establish a rigorous academic curriculum that would challenge her students to reach their full potential. She taught her students traditional subjects like math, science, and literature, but she also emphasized critical thinking , problem-solving, and creativity.

Collins’ teaching methods were highly effective, and her students soon began to show remarkable progress. They scored well above average on standardized tests, and many of them went on to attend top colleges and universities.

But Collins’ greatest achievement was the founding of the Westside Preparatory School, which she started in 1975. The school was designed to be a “haven for learning,” providing a safe and nurturing environment where students could thrive academically and socially.

At the Westside Preparatory School, Collins emphasized the importance of discipline and hard work. She expected her students to arrive on time, in uniform, and ready to learn, and she instilled in them a sense of responsibility and accountability.

Collins also emphasized the importance of building relationships between teachers and students. She believed that strong relationships were the foundation of effective teaching, and she encouraged her teachers to get to know their students as individuals and to personalize their instruction accordingly.

Under Collins’ leadership, the Westside Preparatory School became known for its high academic standards and its ability to help students who had struggled in public schools. Many of the school’s graduates went on to attend top colleges and universities, and some went on to become leaders in their fields.

Collins’ impact on education was recognized by educators around the world, and she was invited to speak at conferences and events all over the world. She was also the author of several books, including “Marva Collins’ Way,” which outlined her teaching philosophy and methods.

Today, Collins’ legacy lives on through the many students and educators who have been inspired by her work. Her emphasis on discipline, hard work, and relationships continues to be a model for effective teaching, and her belief in the potential of every student continues to inspire educators to make a difference in the lives of at-risk students.

The stories of Erin Gruwell, Ron Clark, and Marva Collins are powerful reminders of the transformative power of education. These three teachers went above and beyond what was expected of them, dedicating themselves to helping their struggling students succeed. Through their innovative teaching methods, their unwavering commitment, and their belief in the potential of every student, they changed the lives of countless young people.

Their stories show us that education is not just about transmitting knowledge and skills, but about creating a safe and nurturing environment where every student can thrive. They remind us that it is possible to break down barriers and to help students overcome even the toughest challenges.

As we reflect on these stories, let us be inspired to make a difference in the lives of our own students. Let us remember that every student has the potential to learn and succeed, and let us strive to create classroom environments that foster a love of learning, a sense of discipline, and a belief in oneself. Let us be the teachers who go above and beyond to help our struggling students succeed.

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3 inspirational stories that show the power of a great teacher.

Teachers' life-saving influences will warm your heart

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The latest season of the heartwarming series "Stitch" is now streaming, with this episode focusing on inspirational teachers.

Their daily roles require a high level of compassion, patience and expertise. In this "Stitch" episode, we’re shining a light on the nation’s hard-working teachers who go above and beyond for their students. From teachers who break world records to those who give back to their communities after hours, these educators are truly remarkable.

Take a quick look at the episode and check out some of the stories featured:

• Discover the sweet story of how one teacher decides to celebrate her students during Black History Month.

2. Watch how this accomplished doctor devotes his free time and extra cash to teaching elementary students.

3. Look at all the love and support students give to one cafeteria worker on her newly realized U.S. citizenship.

Watch the full episode as a reminder to always be grateful for the nation’s hardworking teachers and the students who let their appreciation be known.

“Stitch" is a Hearst Television original series that aims to showcase inspiring stories from around the country that stitch together the fabric of our communities. You can stream all episodes on the Very Local app.

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. Very Local also brings you fresh, untold stories from your very own city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV .

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more.

In 2018 I launched Teacher Stories to share inspiring stories about teachers and the impact so many of them have on their students and their communities. Too often, I fear, these stories fade into the background of our public consciousness, causing many of us to take for granted the critical role these dedicated people play for all of us. Nearly every one of us has a story about one who made a profound difference in our lives.

Hopefully, our growing collections of stories will serve as a reminder that good teaching matters--especially at a time when our country is struggling to affirm its commitment to basic democratic ideals, which cannot be achieved if all children do not have access to thoughtful, well-prepared, and well-supported teachers.

Our Collection of Stories

• Podcast – Audio episodes are available on the Teacher Stories website and on most podcasting platforms.
• Videocast – Video episodes are available on the Teacher Stories website and on our YouTube channel .
• Other Stories – Inspiring teacher stories from external sources are available on the Teacher Stories website.

Special Story Themes

• What Can Schools Do To Help Save Our Democracy? – Eight audio and video episodes produced in 2021 with a variety of guests, including authors, teacher educators, teachers, school administrators, students, policy makers, and lawyers.
• Teaching During the Pandemic – Teachers and students describe the challenges as well as some unexpected benefits of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Teaching about Racism and The Black Lives Matter Movement – Teachers, professors, students, and education policymakers share their experiences and perspectives.
• Surprise Appreciations – In these highly moving video episodes, students surprise their teachers with words of appreciation.

The Teacher Appreciation Project

In 2021, we launched The Teacher Appreciation Project so that students and parents could publicly thank teachers for their impact on people’s lives. Check it out and see what people are saying about their teachers.

We also provide a free Implementation Guide for schools that want to conduct teacher appreciation campaigns in their schools.

If you enjoy these stories, I hope you will share them with your friends and colleagues. If you have a teacher story that you’d like to share, click here to tell us about it. And if you want to submit a written appreciation for a teacher you can do it here .

Please send comments and questions to me at [email protected] .

Ken Futernick, January 2022

Inspiring stories of 5 teachers who made a difference

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3 inspirational stories that show the power of a great teacher.

Teachers' life-saving influences will warm your heart

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The latest season of the heartwarming series "Stitch" is now streaming, with this episode focusing on inspirational teachers.

Their daily roles require a high level of compassion, patience and expertise. In this "Stitch" episode, we’re shining a light on the nation’s hard-working teachers who go above and beyond for their students. From teachers who break world records to those who give back to their communities after hours, these educators are truly remarkable.

Take a quick look at the episode and check out some of the stories featured:

• Discover the sweet story of how one teacher decides to celebrate her students during Black History Month.

2. Watch how this accomplished doctor devotes his free time and extra cash to teaching elementary students.

3. Look at all the love and support students give to one cafeteria worker on her newly realized U.S. citizenship.

Watch the full episode as a reminder to always be grateful for the nation’s hardworking teachers and the students who let their appreciation be known.

“Stitch" is a Hearst Television original series that aims to showcase inspiring stories from around the country that stitch together the fabric of our communities. You can stream all episodes on the Very Local app.

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. Very Local also brings you fresh, untold stories from your very own city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV .

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more.

The power of education: Inspiring stories from four continents

A girl and a woman in Burkina Faso . An Afghan refugee family in Greece . A teacher in India . An entrepreneur in Guatemala .

These are the stories on the power of education currently featured in an immersive exhibition entitled “Education transforms lives” that UNESCO has set up at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum .

Each inspiring story vividly brings to life the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education . The experiences portrayed in these powerful personal testimonies capture how small individual steps across the globe are helping to advance and ensure the right to education for every woman, man and child.    

“I don't know what the future has in store for me but this is my second chance and I don't want to waste it.”  

Photo credit : Sophie Garcia

Awa Traore, 21, is working from morning to night to catch up. She grew up in the tiny village of Banzon in Burkina Faso where she completely missed out on schooling. When the chance came up, she moved 30 km away to the city of Bobo-Dioulasso where she lodges with her uncle and aunt and in return shops, cooks and cleans for them. Her days are long. After dropping her nephew at school, she sets off to the market. Only when her daily chores are done can she turn to her books and prepare for her literacy class at 6.30pm. Awa knows she has a lot of ground to make up for and that other women with more education than her are having difficulty finding work. Despite the odds, she is determined to use this second chance at literacy as a stepping stone to a profession in the health field.  

“I feel very lucky to go to school every day. My mother did not get that chance.”

Head down, serious, 11-year-old Rachidatou Sana concentrates on getting her answer exactly right. Already an outstanding pupil at Kua C school in Bobo-Dioulasso, she loves mathematical problem-solving but will have to find her own solution in the fight to keep on with her studies. Like many girls her age in Burkina Faso, Rachidatou was born to poor parents (her mother is illiterate) and is daily torn between home chores, earning a living and studying to better her situation. All she wants is an equal chance, the same as everyone else. She plans to go to college to train as a nurse 'so I can help others and my family.'  

“If Matin couldn't study here he would be very behind compared to other children.”

Photo credit : Olivier Jobard

Shahnaz Karimi, 24, her husband Nasir Rasouli, 34, and their eight-year-old livewire son Matin arrived in Lesbos in August 2018. Originally from Herat in Afghanistan, the Rasouli family travelled from their first adopted home in Iran seeking a better life. Now they live alongside 1,300 other residents at the Kara Tepe village. Both came with professions: Shahnaz was a beautician and Nasir a painter and decorator. In Lesbos, Matin goes to primary school while his parents attend English classes and art classes. Matin is already better than his parents in English. For the Rasouli family, education fills their long days, gives them a much-needed sense of normality and offers hope of work and a better future.  

“The biggest change education has made in my life is that I can work and add my money to the expenses for the house, to buy food and help with my children's schooling.”

Photo credit : James Rodríguez

As a little girl, Margarita Pelico lived next door to her local school and wanted to follow the children she saw on their way to class. Her parents, less convinced that a girl needed education, had to be persuaded. Margarita comes from a family of nine in the village of Los Cipreses, a rural area of Totonicapán, Guatemala where most men are farmers while the women weave. They are members of the Mayan-K'iche ethnicity whose mother tongue is K'iche. Margarita's school closed down and, by the time it reopened, she was way behind. Aged 13 she discovered a free flexible adult correspondence education programme designed for older girls who missed out. She learned to add and subtract going to the market with her teacher, and to calculate while they were sewing. Determined to pursue her studies, she was able to go on to secondary school and college. Now a social worker and running her own weaving company, she is dedicated to helping other girls follow the same path to education – and sends her own five-year-old to the same school that she once attended.  

“I thought that teaching people would be giving them the gift of a lifetime”

Photo credit : Jyothy Karat

Teacher Prathibha Balakrishnan, 38, came to the village of Kadichanokolli deep in the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve in southern India in 2008 with a mission to teach the Betta Karumba mountain people. There was no electricity, no school and no healthcare. She joined hands with another extraordinary woman, namely Badichi, 44. Badichi, a tribal matriarch with seven children, has very little schooling but an innate understanding of the power of education. She worked hard as a housemaid to pay the tuition fees for all of her children and her grand-child Anitha who was abandoned by her parents. The Betta Kurumba, a secluded people who mostly work on tea and coffee plantations, have high levels of illiteracy. When Prathibha needed an ally to persuade them, Badichi went into action. Both women gained in confidence, gathering support to successfully petition the local government to install a primary school, roads and electricity. Along the way, Badichi's daughters Seetha, 17, and Vasanthi, 19, who are pupils of Prathibha, returned the favour by teaching her the local language. Some villagers speak Prathibha’s native Tamil but are now taught in their own language. Seetha is now in 11th grade, Vasanthi has enrolled to become a nurse in a hospital nearby and both speak three languages, a leap forward for a village where most adults are illiterate.

The exhibition is organized in partnership with Education Above All , the Qatar Foundation , the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations as well as the co-chairs of the Group of Friends and Lifelong Learning (Argentina, Czech Republic, Japan, Kenya and Norway).

It will be on display throughout July and August 2019 at the UN Headquarters. A selection of photos is available online

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This article is one in a series at The 74 that profiles the heroes, victories, success stories, and random acts of kindness found at schools all across America. See and share our full archive from 2018 and 2017: The74Million.org/series/inspiring .

E very week at The 74, we spotlight incredible true stories from schools across the country — surprising, harrowing, funny, and joyous snapshots of classroom communities from all 50 states. You can see the complete archive from this year right here .

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‘Invite Me to Your Harvard Graduation,’ Said Her Sixth-Grade Teacher. Two Decades Later, Watch as Ph.D. Graduate Does Just That

A Graduation Invitation, 21 Years in the Making: Back in 1997, Yuma, Arizona, sixth-grade teacher Judith Toensing wrote a glowing message on 12-year-old Christin Gilmer’s report card. “It has been a joy to have you in class,” she wrote. “Keep up the good work! Invite me to your Harvard graduation.” Two decades later, Gilmer was earning a Ph.D. in public health from that very university — and returned to her favorite teacher’s classroom to personally deliver that invitation. Read the full story .

my date to prom ❤️ #ERHSPromposal2018 @ERHSASB pic.twitter.com/dBBakRQu0y — KM (@kaylaamolina) March 28, 2018

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Massachusetts Third-Grader Gets Hero’s Welcome at School After 15-Month Battle With Leukemia

Hero’s Welcome: The first day back after winter break at Merrymount Elementary School in Quincy, Massachusetts, was one that the students and teachers there will never forget — and not just because of the frigid temperatures. Third-grader Bridget Kelley was returning to school for the first time in 15 months after battling leukemia, and the entire community turned out in the freezing cold to give her a warm hero’s welcome. Read the full story .

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NYC’s First Girl Scout Troop for Homeless Girls Is a Source of Love, Support, and Fun for Young Women in Need — and Inspired One in Chicago, Too

A Scout Troup for Homeless Girls: In February 2017, Giselle Burgess, a community liaison for the Girl Scouts who had lost her affordable rental home when it was turned into condominiums, invited eight girls to a meeting at the homeless shelter in Queens, New York, where she and her kids were living. The girls loved it — and soon she pitched the idea of a shelter-based troop to the city. Now, Troop 6000 is providing love, support, fun — and cookie sales — to hundreds of girls in the city’s shelter system. And it has inspired a similar effort in Chicago. Read the amazing story .

In 1957, Hotel Turned Away Black Newlyweds. 60 Years Later, New Jersey Fifth-Graders Organized Them a Long-Overdue Honeymoon

Righting a Historic Wrong: In 1957, a black couple on their honeymoon was turned away from a Pennsylvania resort because of the color of their skin. It’s a story the husband, Gilbert Caldwell, has related often in the decades since. But when he told his tale to a group of New Jersey students last year, they were outraged — and decided to do something about it. Thanks to the kids, Caldwell and his wife, Grace, got their romantic Poconos honeymoon, just in time for their 60th anniversary. Read the inspiring Valentine’s Day story .

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. @CincyPromise continues to be a game changer for this region! https://t.co/fodPQApUT9 — Kevin Tighe (@tighekevin) July 13, 2018

Two Years Ago, Cincinnati Voted to Fund a $15 Million Pre-K Program for Struggling Families. Now More Than 1,300 Kids Have Gotten a Leg Up on Kindergarten

Preschool Promise: In Cincinnati, Ohio, where more than 4,000 3- and 4-year-olds live below the poverty line, thousands of kids were at risk of starting kindergarten already behind their peers, facing academic deficits that too often carry devastating consequences. So, in 2016, the city’s voters overwhelmingly approved a five-year, $15 million program to help struggling families afford quality preschools for their children. That program, called Cincinnati Preschool Promise, recently completed its first year, giving more than 1,300 youngsters a leg up on success in kindergarten by helping their families afford quality pre-K. Some 80 preschools have met the high bar for inclusion in the program, and a score more are clamoring to get in. Read the full profile .

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9 Educators We’re Thankful We Met This Year

Giving Thanks: From San Diego to San Juan, from Seattle to San Antonio, we’ve spent the year traversing the country in search of innovative schools and inspiring student breakthroughs. Along the way, we’ve met hundreds of inspiring educators who are lifting up their students and their communities. As we neared Thanksgiving, and found ourselves reflecting on the year that was, we took a moment to spotlight a few standouts from 2018. See our full roster right here; a few of the standouts:

Washington State’s Mandy Manning : The 2018 Teacher of the Year wants her refugee students to know they are wanted and loved — and to give all students and teachers a chance to connect. ( Read more )

Rhode Island’s Rebecca Henderson: From sketchbooks to makerspaces to students startups, the teacher works at one of the state’s “Lighthouse Laboratories,” America’s largest personalized learning experiment. ( Read more )

California’s Michael Tong: An inspiring teacher at a notable San Diego charter network, which had grown to hundreds of students and multiple campuses through a focus on math, literacy, and “the light of kindness.” ( Read more )

Virginia’s Sarah Cole: The middle school teacher helped organize a midterms outing for her students, to barnstorm college campuses in a push to get more young voters to the polls. ( Read more )

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Go Deeper: See our complete ‘Inspiring’ archive going back to 2016, and don’t hesitate to share on your favorites. Get the latest herograms delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for The 74 Newsletter .

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3 inspirational stories that show the power of a great teacher.

Teachers' life-saving influences will warm your heart

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

The latest season of the heartwarming series "Stitch" is now streaming, with this episode focusing on inspirational teachers.

Their daily roles require a high level of compassion, patience and expertise. In this "Stitch" episode, we’re shining a light on the nation’s hard-working teachers who go above and beyond for their students. From teachers who break world records to those who give back to their communities after hours, these educators are truly remarkable.

Take a quick look at the episode and check out some of the stories featured:

• Discover the sweet story of how one teacher decides to celebrate her students during Black History Month.

2. Watch how this accomplished doctor devotes his free time and extra cash to teaching elementary students.

3. Look at all the love and support students give to one cafeteria worker on her newly realized U.S. citizenship.

Watch the full episode as a reminder to always be grateful for the nation’s hardworking teachers and the students who let their appreciation be known.

“Stitch" is a Hearst Television original series that aims to showcase inspiring stories from around the country that stitch together the fabric of our communities. You can stream all episodes on the Very Local app.

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. Very Local also brings you fresh, untold stories from your very own city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV .

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more.

Movie Nights

Teachers Reveal 10 Inspiring Success Stories From Former Students

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

Having spent many years as an educator, I can attest that nobody pursues teaching for the paycheck. Instead, teachers get motivation when students develop academically and socially, finding rewards in helping them progress to something better. A teachers’ forum recently described their happiest student success stories.

1. An American Kid in China

Entering my first grade-two class in a Chinese international school, I received a warning about an American student prone to behavioral issues (let’s call him Caleb). Caleb gave me a difficult time in my first month, testing my patience with his sudden outbursts and attention-grabbing theatrics. However, once I identified his frustrations, helped him address them head-on, and worked on a reaction program for expected situations, Caleb finally won his first student-of-the-week award for his calmness and determination.

2. Blue Collar Defiance

In a scenario reminiscent of a Hollywood movie trope, an educator joined a rural, low-income state school, inheriting a class whose previous teacher had low standards for their behavior. Consequently, illicit substances or weapons were normal before (and during) her arrival. She says her students were transformed after a year of changing the system with tougher sanctions and stable learning conditions. The educator is proud to reveal that most class members went to college and vocational school and got into good careers.

3. Random Student Messages

Modern teaching comes with a minefield of technological obstacles to overcome, whether through teaching or controlling student behavior. However, one benefit is that graduated students can message their teacher to thank them, which happened to one educator when they received thank-you messages from a former student who had launched a career in performing arts.

4. A Kid Finds His Groove

One account details a tearaway student who most of his peers considered likely to flunk out due to his low motivation and subsequent apathy. Remarkably, it took one woodwork class to encourage him, and he became obsessed. Moreover, he graduated and went on to become a high-paid construction specialist.

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

5. A School District Blunder Is Forgotten

When a special education teacher inherited a young man from a neighboring school district, he was appalled to discover they had classified him as severely disabled. Upon diagnostic testing, it turned out his only issue was mild dyslexia. Fast forward to his senior year, after great development, the new graduate won a scholarship for a high-skill trade.

6. Pupil Defies Substance Addiction

When a senior was struggling with a banned substance problem, he was nearing rock bottom. His teacher devoted extra time to pastoral care, telling the kid to visit the class 30 minutes before each day, where they would chat about life, finding common ground and trust. Eventually, the student kicked his habit, got a part-time job, and paid himself through university.

7. Helping Vietnamese Students

I taught for four years in a Vietnamese-American school that had a pro-bono quota for local, underprivileged students. My debut year involved helping some first-graders, most of whom were the first family members to receive an education, integrate into an English-speaking classroom. After morning English lessons, I would sit with them through classes to assist their understanding. Finally, after one semester, they felt at home in the class. At this moment, they went into language immersion overdrive, and by the end of the school year, they had caught most of their classmates up.

8. The Power of Books

Libraries are the beating heart of any school, so the thought that students might one day not retreat to a corner of their reading haven with a new paper companion is alarming. One bright story revolves around a formerly home-schooled little third-grade girl who entered a class unable to read, write, or make phonic sounds. With a determined group of teachers — and an accommodating library staff — behind her, the youngster devoured all the extra reading books and work they gave her. Now, she wants to be a doctor.

9. A Chinese Superstar Student

When we taught in China, my wife had a national celebrity child star join her fifth-grade class. However, this kid was also an acrobatic martial arts phenomenon, appearing in Chinese blockbusters, and was often on film shoots in remote parts of the country. His skills were mindblowing — in the school performance, a set piece involved him completing a forward-running backflip through a giant hoop. It was mesmerizing. I have no idea what the kid is doing now; I imagine he is still famous in China.

10. Tears From Teaching Heaven

The next anecdote comes from a son’s recollection of his educator father, who spent several years returning home exhausted by one particular troubled high-school boy. In his dad’s opinion, the troubled kid would not amount to much, though he tried his best with him. Several years later, the now grown-up delinquent revisited his school in search of his dedicated teacher. Much to the father’s glee, his previous agitator had changed his ways, become a Marine, and wanted to show his former guide appreciation for never giving up on him. The father tears up whenever he recalls the memory.

Source: Reddit .

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How an Indianapolis teacher is using the solar eclipse to inspire her students

Lee V. Gaines

Second graders Hanah Sung, Izaac Stuck and Amaurie Robinson simulate an eclipse by casting a shadow with a play dough moon on an inflatable globe. Their teacher, Natasha Cummings, directs them to aim the shadow over the spot on the globe where Indianapolis would be. Kaiti Sullivan for NPR hide caption

Second graders Hanah Sung, Izaac Stuck and Amaurie Robinson simulate an eclipse by casting a shadow with a play dough moon on an inflatable globe. Their teacher, Natasha Cummings, directs them to aim the shadow over the spot on the globe where Indianapolis would be.

It's a sunny March afternoon at Winchester Village Elementary School in Indianapolis, and teacher Natasha Cummings is leading her class in a brand new lesson. It's the first time she's teaching it – and also likely the last.

The second graders audibly gasp when Cummings explains the day's activity: They'll be simulating a total solar eclipse using the real sun, an inflatable globe and a moon made out of a play dough ball mounted on a stick.

The eclipse gives astronomy clubs an opportunity to shine

On April 8, a narrow strip of North America will experience a total solar eclipse, in which the moon entirely covers the sun, darkening the sky so that only the sun's corona, a ghostly white ring, will be visible.

Indianapolis is one of several cities in the path of totality. The last time that happened was over 800 years ago, and it won't happen again until 2153.

For many of Cummings' students, this event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Cummings hopes learning about and witnessing the eclipse will inspire her students, and get them excited about science.

It's an experience she expects them to remember for the rest of their lives.

"This is a story you're gonna be able to tell," she reflects before class.

"You, as a second grader, you experienced this totality."

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

In a grassy area outside the school, Cummings' eclipse simulation begins: Students take turns holding the inflatable globes, and casting a shadow with their play dough moons. Cummings directs them to aim the shadow over the spot on the globe where Indianapolis would be. It's a little chaotic, but the students quickly figure out how to properly position the moon's shadow over their hometown.

"Good job guys, you're really smart," a student says to his friends.

How an eclipse can inspire a career in the sciences

Thomas Hockey, a professor of astronomy at the University of Northern Iowa, remembers his first eclipse experience fondly. On March 7, 1970, when Hockey was 10 years old, he witnessed a partial solar eclipse outside his home in Angola, Ind. — a two-and-a-half hour drive north of Indianapolis.

Natasha Cummings also led her fifth graders through a solar eclipse lesson. The older kids' eclipse simulation incorporated measurements. Kaiti Sullivan for NPR hide caption

Natasha Cummings also led her fifth graders through a solar eclipse lesson. The older kids' eclipse simulation incorporated measurements.

It was nearly a year after the Apollo program had put the first person on the moon, and Hockey's interest in space was already developing. But he credits this partial eclipse as one of the reasons he chose to study astronomy.

"It was mesmerizing, as more and more of the sun disappeared, producing an odd shape," Hockey recalls.

It also sparked a fascination with eclipses. Hockey would go on to become what's called an umbraphile — someone who chases eclipses all over the world — and he recently published a book about the history of eclipse chasers.

Hockey says he didn't learn about solar eclipses when he was in grade school. He thinks the fact that elementary school teachers like Cummings are now teaching about them is an indication that science education has improved since he was a child.

Cummings (left) walks fifth graders Donavan Clarke (center) and Kevin Trinidad Cuautle through a solar eclipse simulation using a ping pong ball to represent the moon, and a bright spotlight for the sun. Kaiti Sullivan for NPR hide caption

Cummings (left) walks fifth graders Donavan Clarke (center) and Kevin Trinidad Cuautle through a solar eclipse simulation using a ping pong ball to represent the moon, and a bright spotlight for the sun.

It's also an opportunity to show kids that science doesn't just happen behind closed doors.

"Science is not done by old, gray-haired people in lab coats, necessarily. Citizens can participate in it. It's not a magic black box, it's all around us," Hockey says.

The April 8 total solar eclipse will be Hockey's ninth. He plans to bring a group of undergraduate students with him to experience totality in his home state of Indiana. He says some of them plan to become science teachers.

"And so they will talk about eclipses to their students, and perhaps we will have a new generation of astronomers inspired by eclipses," Hockey says.

Another important lesson: eclipse safety

For Cummings, teaching her students how to view the eclipse safely is a top priority.

Second graders practice using solar eclipse glasses outside Winchester Village Elementary School in Indianapolis. Kaiti Sullivan for NPR hide caption

"The only glasses that you should use are the solar eclipse glasses to look at the sun safely," she tells her class.

Exposure to the sun without proper protection can permanently damage the eye's retina. But during totality, which lasts only a few minutes, you won't see the sun's corona with those eclipse glasses on. Totality is the only part of the eclipse that's safe to look at without them.

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Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

Outside, her students take turns trying the glasses on and looking up at the sun. They shriek with excitement as they gaze at the unfamiliar orb.

"If you look up and see that orange thing that's right there — it looks like a street light," says second grader Ja'Aire Tate.

Cummings' district, Perry Township Schools, is one of several Indianapolis school systems that chose to make April 8 a remote learning day.

The only way to safely look directly at a total solar eclipse is by looking through special glasses like these, or by creating a pinhole viewer. But be sure to take the glasses off during the few minutes when totality happens, so you don't miss the sun's dim corona. Kaiti Sullivan for NPR hide caption

The only way to safely look directly at a total solar eclipse is by looking through special glasses like these, or by creating a pinhole viewer. But be sure to take the glasses off during the few minutes when totality happens, so you don't miss the sun's dim corona.

The district says the decision is an effort to keep kids safe: In Indianapolis, the eclipse will become visible around 1:50 p.m., and totality will begin at about 3:06 p.m. — right around the time of school dismissal.

"Traffic will be pretty backed up... we don't want to have buses and cars stuck on the road," says Elizabeth Choi, director of communications for Perry Township Schools.

Cummings tells her students they can ask their parents to purchase eclipse glasses online or at local stores, like Kroger. Or, she says, they can watch a live-stream of the eclipse on YouTube.

But Hockey hopes these kids do get a chance to go outside during the eclipse. Even without eclipse glasses, he says they can make a pinhole viewer with a few common household supplies that will allow them to view the event safely.

He says, "I pretty much guarantee that those children in the path of totality, who have been guided by their teachers or parents to observe the eclipse and do so safely, will remember it the rest of their lives."

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3 inspirational stories that show the power of a great teacher.

Teachers' life-saving influences will warm your heart

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The latest season of the heartwarming series "Stitch" is now streaming, with this episode focusing on inspirational teachers.

Their daily roles require a high level of compassion, patience and expertise. In this "Stitch" episode, we’re shining a light on the nation’s hard-working teachers who go above and beyond for their students. From teachers who break world records to those who give back to their communities after hours, these educators are truly remarkable.

Take a quick look at the episode and check out some of the stories featured:

• Discover the sweet story of how one teacher decides to celebrate her students during Black History Month.

2. Watch how this accomplished doctor devotes his free time and extra cash to teaching elementary students.

3. Look at all the love and support students give to one cafeteria worker on her newly realized U.S. citizenship.

Watch the full episode as a reminder to always be grateful for the nation’s hardworking teachers and the students who let their appreciation be known.

“Stitch" is a Hearst Television original series that aims to showcase inspiring stories from around the country that stitch together the fabric of our communities. You can stream all episodes on the Very Local app.

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. Very Local also brings you fresh, untold stories from your very own city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV .

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more.

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A Bronx Teacher Asked. Tommy Orange Answered.

When the author received an impassioned email, he dropped everything to visit the students who inspired it.

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By Elisabeth Egan

Elisabeth Egan is still in touch with her high school English teachers.

Tommy Orange sat at the front of a classroom in the Bronx, listening as a group of high school students discussed his novel “There There.”

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Open this article in the New York Times Audio app on iOS.

A boy wearing blue glasses raised his hand. “All the characters have some form of disconnection, even trauma,” Michael Almanzar, 19, said. “That’s the world we live in. That’s all around us. It’s not like it’s in some faraway land. That’s literally your next-door neighbor.”

The class broke into a round of finger snaps , as if we were at an old-school poetry slam on the Lower East Side and not in an English class at Millennium Art Academy, on the corner of Lafayette and Pugsley Avenues.

Orange took it all in with a mixture of gratitude and humility — the semicircle of earnest, engaged teenagers; the bulletin board decorated with words describing “There There” (“hope,” “struggle,” “mourning,” “discovery”); the shelf of well-thumbed copies wearing dust jackets in various stages of disintegration.

His eyebrows shot up when a student wearing a sweatshirt that said “I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams” compared the book to “ The Road ,” by Cormac McCarthy . When three consecutive students spoke about how they related to Orange’s work because of their own mental health struggles, he was on the verge of tears.

“That’s what drew me to reading in the first place,” Orange said, “The feeling of not being as alone as you thought you were.”

It’s not often that an author walks into a room full of readers, let alone teenagers, who talk about characters born in his imagination as if they’re living, breathing human beings. And it’s equally rare for students to spend time with an author whose fictional world feels like a refuge. Of all the classroom visits he’s made since “There There” came out in 2018, the one at Millennium Art Academy earlier this month was, Orange said later, “the most intense connection I’ve ever experienced.”

The catalyst for the visit was Rick Ouimet, an energetic, pony-tailed English teacher who has worked in the fortresslike building for 25 years. Ouimet is the kind of teacher students remember, whether it’s for his contributions to their literary vocabulary — synecdoche, bildungsroman, chiasmus — or for his battered flip phone.

He first learned about “There There” from a colleague whose son recommended it during the pandemic. “I knew from the first paragraph that this was a book our kids were going to connect to,” he said.

The novel follows 12 characters from Native communities in the lead-up to a powwow at a stadium in Oakland, Calif., where tragedy strikes. “Orange leads you across the drawbridge, and then the span starts going up,” a critic with The New York Times, Dwight Garner, wrote when it came out. The novel was one of The Times’s 10 Best Books of 2018 and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. According to Orange’s publisher, over one million copies have been sold.

Ouimet’s hunch proved true: “Students love the book so much, they don’t realize they’re reading it for English class. That’s the rare find, the gift of gifts.”

Some relevant statistics: Attendance rates at Millennium Art are below the city average. Eighty-seven percent of students are from low-income households, which is above the city average.

In the three years since Orange’s novel became a mainstay of the Millennium Art curriculum, pass rates for students taking the Advanced Placement literature exam have more than doubled. Last year, 21 out of 26 students earned college credit, surpassing state and global averages. The majority of them, said Ouimet, wrote about “There There.”

When three students in the school’s art-bedecked hallway were randomly asked to name a favorite character from “There There,” they all answered without hesitation. It was as if Tony, Jacquie and Opal were people they might bump into at ShopRite.

Briana Reyes, 17, said, “I connected so much with the characters, especially having family members with alcohol and drug abuse.”

Last month, Ouimet learned that Orange, who lives in Oakland, was going to be in New York promoting his second novel, “ Wandering Stars .” An idea started to percolate. Ouimet had never invited an author to his classroom before; such visits can be pricey and, as he pointed out, Shakespeare and Zora Neale Hurston aren’t available.

Ouimet composed a message in his head for over a week, he said, and on Monday, March 4, just after midnight, he fired it off to the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau.

“The email felt like a raw rough draft, but I didn’t agonize,” he said. “It was my midlife college essay.”

The 827-word missive was written in the go-for-broke style Ouimet encourages in his students’ work, full of personality, texture and detail, without the corporate-speak that infiltrates so much Important Professional Correspondence.

Ouimet wrote: “In our 12th-grade English classroom, in our diverse corner of the South Bronx, in an under-resourced but vibrant urban neighborhood not unlike the Fruitvale, you’re our rock star. Our more than rock star. You’re our MF Doom, our Eminem, our Earl Sweatshirt, our Tribe Called Red, our Beethoven, our Bobby Big Medicine, our email to Manny, our ethnically ambiguous woman in the next stall, our camera pointing into a tunnel of darkness.”

Orange, he added, was a hero to these kids: “You’ve changed lives.” There was Tahqari Koonce, 17, who drew a parallel between the Oakland Coliseum and the Roman Colosseum; and Natalia Melendez, also 17, who noted that a white gun symbolized oppression of Native tribes. And then there was Dalvyn Urena, 18, who “said he’d never read an entire book until ‘There There,’” and was now comparing it to a Shakespearean sonnet.

He ended with: “Well, it was worth a shot. Thanks for taking the time to read this — if it ever finds its way to you. In appreciation (and awe), Rick Ouimet.”

“I took a chance,” Ouimet said. And why not? “My students take a chance every time they open a new book. There’s groaning, and they open the page. To see what they gave this book? The love was palpable.”

Within hours, the message reached Orange, who was in the midst of a 24-city tour with multiple interviews and events each day. He asked Jordan Rodman, senior director of publicity at Knopf, to do whatever she could to squeeze Ouimet’s class into the mix. There would be no fee attached. Knopf donated 30 copies of “There There” and 30 copies of “Wandering Stars.”

In a big, bustling school full of squeaky soles, walkie-talkies and young people, moments of silence can be hard to come by. But when Orange cracked open his new novel, you could hear a pin drop.

“It’s important to voice things, to sound them out, like the way we learn to spell by slowly saying words,” Orange read.

He went on: “It’s just as important for you to hear yourself speak your stories as it is for others to hear you speak them.”

The students followed along in their own copies, heads bent, necks looking vulnerable and strong at the same time. Their intentness proved that, like the spiders described in “There There,” books contain “miles of story, miles of potential home and trap.” On this nondescript gray Thursday, Orange’s work offered both.

After the 13-minute reading came the questions, fast and furious, delivered with refreshing bluntness: “What even inspired you to write these two books?” and “Did Octavio die?” and, perhaps most pressing, “Why did ‘There There’ end that way?” Not since “ The Sopranos ” has an ambiguous denouement caused more consternation.

“We were like whaaaat ?” a student said, holding the last word in a high note.

“It was a tragic story,” Orange said. “Some people hate it, and I’m sorry.”

He admitted that he hadn’t been a reader in high school: “Nobody handed me a book and said, This book is for you. I also had a lot going on at home.” He talked about how he staves off writer’s block (by changing points of view), how he reads his drafts aloud to hear how they sound. Orange shared his Cheyenne name — Birds Singing in the Morning — and introduced a childhood friend who is traveling with him on tour.

Through it all, Ouimet stood quietly at the side of the room. He shot gentle stink eye at a gaggle of chatty girls. He used a long wooden pole to open a window. Mostly, he just beamed like a proud parent at a wedding where everyone is dancing.

The truth is, “There There” didn’t cast a spell only on his students: It also had a profound effect on Ouimet himself. When he started teaching the book, he’d just given up coaching soccer and softball after 22 years.

“I was afraid: If I don’t have coaching, am I still going to be an effective teacher? ‘There There’ was this kind of renaissance. I don’t want to get too sappy,” he said, “but it was a career-saver in some way.”

Eventually the bell sounded. The students pushed back from their desks and lined up to have their books signed by Orange, who took a moment to chat with each one.

Over the din, to anyone who was still listening, Ouimet called: “If you love a book, talk about it! If you love a story, let other people know!”

Audio produced by Tally Abecassis .

Elisabeth Egan is a writer and editor at the Times Book Review. She has worked in the world of publishing for 30 years. More about Elisabeth Egan

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Newly named National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman makes Tennessee proud

2024 national teacher of the year missy testerman can renew the faith of our communities in teachers and encourage educators across the nation to continue their important but difficult work..

• USA TODAY Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas wrote this editorial on behalf of the Knoxville News Sentinel editorial board.

Tennessee has dealt with significant education challenges over the last few years, including what should be in the public school curriculum, how to teach language skills and how to reverse pandemic learning losses.

Key to helping students recover and thrive are the classroom teachers who give of their hearts ‒ and often their own pocketbooks ‒ to make each day as successful as possible regardless of what the children are going through at home.

Teachers deserve our thanks and much more, and when they receive accolades, they deserve ample and loud praise. On Wednesday, a really big deal happened: an East Tennessee teacher was named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year .

Missy Testerman, an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for kindergarten through eighth grade at Rogersville City School, just 65 miles northeast of Knoxville, received this grand accolade.

Bravo! Congratulations, Mrs. Testerman! You make Tennessee and this nation proud.

Another view: Teachers, consider these three research-based ideas to help your students

First Lady Jill Biden surprises Tennessee teacher on live TV

Testerman, an East Tennessee State University alumna, was named the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the national honor given by the Council of Chief State School Officers , the national nonprofit representing every state and eight special districts' education systems in the U.S.

"I love teaching because I love being the person who gets to unlock the love of learning in students," said Testerman during a television appearance on CBS Mornings Wednesday .

She received a surprise visit from First Lady Jill Biden, who handed her flowers.

"Teachers are our heroes," said Biden, an educator herself. "I wanted to be here to celebrate teachers."

The first lady announced that in addition to the usual springtime recognition that the White House has hosted for National Teachers of the Year since 1952, for the first time, there will also be a state dinner for educators.

Testerman was amazed and expressed her gratitude, though we citizens should be grateful to her for her more than three decades of service to children and their families.

She was asked on the show about her philosophy that there are no "bad students."

"There are no such things as bad students," she said. "There are kids who have bad days … You can always start over a little the next day."

Gov. Lee praises Testerman for her dedication

In a news release from the Tennessee Department of Education, several officials, including Gov. Bill Lee, Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds, Rogersville City Schools Director Edwin Jarnagin and lawmakers Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rodgersville, and Sen. Jon Lundberg, R-Bristol, expressed their congratulations.

"Teaching is more than a career, it's a calling," Lee said. "I join all Tennesseans in thanking Missy for her dedication to students, preparing them to thrive in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to cheering her on as she engages with educators nationwide." 

As the Tennessee General Assembly is vigorously debating what an expansion to the school vouchers program will look like, this is a great reminder that the state's public schools have caring, excellent educators who are rising to the challenge of meeting the complex needs of children.

For the next year, Testerman will be traveling the nation as an advocate for teachers to speak to groups and to inspire and uplift fellow educators.

"I plan to use my year of service to encourage teachers to be advocates for their students, their profession and themselves," Testerman told the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. "Our teachers are the experts in the classroom, and I think, for far too long, their opinion has been ... cast to the side."

We hope she will renew the faith of our communities in teachers and encourage educators across the nation to continue their important but difficult work.

Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas wrote this editorial on behalf of the editors of the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. This first appeared in The Knoxville News Sentinel . Contact him at [email protected] .

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17 "Time To Retire" Horror Stories From Teachers Who Had Awful Encounters With Today’s Students

"I told my boss, 'Either he leaves, or I do.' Thankfully, he never came back to my class..."

BuzzFeed Staff

We've probably all recently heard stories from teachers who are underpaid and fed up these days. From disrespectful trends like "mewing" to unhinged parents, teaching in 2024 can be a rough gig. After hearing all these stories, I decided to ask the BuzzFeed Community about their experiences with nightmare students in their classrooms. Here are the wild, scary, and heartbreaking experiences they shared.

1. "in one of my first years of teaching, i was in the middle of class when a student from another period stormed in on his cellphone, yelling. he ran up to me and put me in a headlock with the phone on my ear. the person on the phone was his mom. they were both angry that i gave him a failing grade (20%, not 0%) for a lab report he wrote about an investigation we didn't do. the administration patted him on the back and sent him to class without consequence or admonishment.".

"This student was a tall and burly high school boy. I am a short woman. Administrators told me that it was illegal for teachers to press charges or report students for assault/battery. 

After many more issues, I left that school at the end of the year and found out he had done the same thing again. That teacher walked out and pressed charges. Now, I'm in a different state and couldn't be happier than I am at my current school."

— kimf4cdd008b1

2. "One of my current upper elementary school students tends to be less than truthful with his parents whenever he is disciplined at school. After being on the receiving end of belligerent phone calls from his parents berating me because their precious child could not have possibly done whatever it was they were disciplined for, I decided I'd start recording them in the act. One day, this student was verbally disrespectful and disruptive during independent work time."

"His parents were called in, and his mother began yelling at me in front of our principal and assistant principal. I calmly asked if I could speak first. I asked the student whether he had disrupted class, and he said no; I pulled up the video and sat back as it played. 

My student melted out of his chair and began SCREAMING, shaking, rocking, and crying. His parents were mortified, apologized on his behalf, physically picked him up, and left — not sure what came of it, except he is better behaved, and all I have to do is reach for my phone if he starts acting up . Instantly shut down."

3. "I had a very problematic student in the last year of my 29-year career. He was suspended several times, missing 90% of the first semester. At a meeting with the admin and his parents, he wanted to know if he could still attend high school the following year after missing so much school. The answer was, 'Oh, absolutely!' Not only did this negate any effort to teach him, but it permitted him to act even more inappropriately for the remainder of the year. That was the incident that solidified my decision to retire that year."

— heathere4b60bc97b

4. "This one is more about the parents. I taught pre-K, and a requirement for my particular class was for kids to be potty trained, but I completely understood that kids would still have accidents. What I didn't understand was the dad who would shove his kid in the classroom with underwear full of poop every single morning and run out of the building before I could say anything. This same kid snuck up behind me while I was sitting with another child and used scissors from the art center to cut a lock of my hair. Luckily, it wasn't noticeable. When I told his mom at the end of the day, she laughed and said it was probably because he just got a haircut and wanted to be like the hairstylist! No apology."

— malpal1999

5. "I had a sixth-grade student who would lie about me to get himself out of trouble. Once, when I called home to tell his mom and dad he plagiarized an assignment and I needed him to redo it, he told his parents that I picked up his Chromebook and threw it at him during class. They came in the next morning, trying to get me fired for assaulting their child. The principal interviewed the student along with every other student in my classroom. Every student said it never happened, but the kid kept saying I hit him. Finally, several hours later, he finally admitted he had made it up."

—Anonymous, 35, Indiana

6. "I'm currently a lecturer at a top-ten public university. For reference, I just graduated with my second master's, so this is my first post-graduation teaching gig. On my very first day on the job, first class, hell, first five minutes of 'introduce yourselves,' I had a student strip. No, it's not what you're probably thinking. I'm going around the room and get to one student in the front row. They give their name and seem like a quiet kid like it will be a stock and standard introduction."

"Right after the name is given, this student jumped up, let out what I can only describe as a war cry, and proceeded to 'Hulk-style' rip open their button-up shirt, revealing a Garfield-printed t-shirt underneath . They then whipped their head around, looked me dead in the eyes, and said, 'I dressed up for the occasion.' 

I was speechless; many of the other students were seemingly terrified. Y'all, this was at 10:30 a.m. after a two-hour commute. Talk about setting the tone for the semester."

7. "In my first year of teaching, I became sick and had to get a substitute. While the substitute decided to play on her phone, a student of mine thought it would be fun to army crawl to my desk, steal a stapler, and attack another student in my class by actually stapling her head twice, causing bleeding. My principal BLAMED ME despite me being out sick because my class 'should not want to act like that when their teacher is gone,' and she related it to my classroom management."

"The kicker was that the stapler girl had bullied the attacked girl for months, and I had dozens of emails I sent to my principal begging for help and strategies. I also met with her, but she felt I was 'exaggerating typical girl drama.' Thank god I made copies! 

The mom of the victim chose to transfer her daughter to another school. The Teachers Union stepped in because my principal tried to pink slip me over this , and luckily, they sided with me. The principal got a slap on the wrist by the board and nothing more. I am so happy at my current site, but I almost quit that first year."

— mariepollard

8. "I had a senior in high school who rarely came to school, and when they were in school, they would cuss me out for having them attempt to do anything, even writing their name on their papers. They came from a wealthy family who just gave their kid whatever he wanted. When the end of the year came, he could not graduate because of his grades and not attending school. His parents threw a fit and gave money to the school to graduate him. The higher-ups in the school told me that his 24% in my class would be raised to 65%. If I did not raise it, then they would. The parents just bought their kid a diploma, and then a week later, I got a $500 gift card for 'helping them out.' I never felt so dirty."

9. "A pre-K teacher here for over seven years. I don't even know which story to pick, but one student comes to mind. This child, who was five, loved to attack other children. I mean flipping them off the slide, biting them in their faces, scratching, pushing — anything you could think of. The mom was a 'gentle parent' and never disciplined him. Well, after about six months of dealing with him biting, hitting, and attacking me along with my class, he pushed me so hard one day (he was a large child) that I fell back and hit my head on the wall. I told my boss, 'Either he leaves, or I do,' and she tried to fight back. But thankfully, he never came back to my class."

— blondefk7

10. "I was working in a two-year-old classroom, and one of the littles was a HANDFUL. Her behavior was so awful a staff member quit mid-day because the leadership was doing everything possible to change it. Ultimately, it fell on the parents who REFUSED to see the real issue and the willingness to change it. This child ran into the parking lot, ran away from the group on a walk, and ran out the classroom doors with the biggest smile. After having staffing issues, I was assigned to said classroom, where toys were thrown by the child, who attempted to run away, and finally, she slapped me across the face with a smirk."

"My class was total chaos, and her behavior affected the other kids while posing a safety risk for children and staff. I pulled a sciatic nerve when I slipped on a toy while chasing the child to stop her from running in the classroom, and I also got a hairline fracture in my foot, which resulted in a boot for two weeks. 

After two suspensions from school and a few incident reports of inappropriate behavior, her parents couldn't figure out what they were doing wrong or comprehend the suspensions.

Finally, after 25 incident reports in three months and numerous conversations with parents who did nothing to change her behavior, she was disenrolled from the school. 

On her last day, she pulled a container of slime out of my hands, and it got all over the floor, chairs, and table. She did it with a smirk and said she was in charge. I stayed 45 minutes to help with the cleanup, and my class was very different the following Monday."

11. "I taught preschool for almost eight years. I had a student who was so physically violent. He punched his mom in the stomach on his intake day because it was time to go home. He would scratch the other kids for no reason and kick the teachers in the face when it was naptime. I recommended he get an observation from Early Intervention, and his mom said she saw no reason to get anyone else involved. He had to get one before entering the school system, and he spat at the observer before flipping the table. I don't know what happened after he graduated. I just hope he and everyone around him is safe."

— dmcrowe12

12. "She was in my seventh-grade class and was on probation for various reasons, including things like drinking and running away. She made me want to quit, but not for the reasons you'd think. She had a tough time in most of her classes due to behavior issues, and the principal was constantly intervening and complaining in staff meetings about having to have 'students like her' at the precious charter school. This poor kid needed someone to care about and help her, yet no one seemed to listen to my concerns."

"All I could think about was how broken the system is when it comes to kids like her, and for a bit, I really considered completely changing careers to help kids like her . I teach for a men's prison now, so I guess you can say I found a new calling even though it's still related to regular teaching."

— sparklyslytherin

13. "My job allows me to teach students for all three years of their middle school experience. That is usually wonderful, but sometimes you get 'that group.' These kids made horrible comments when my mother and I both had cancer. They left notes that said things like, 'Cancer makes you ugly.' When my mom died, they complained that it was about time. I have never been so happy to see a group move on to ninth grade! (One student did apologize to me. I did not pretend that it had not affected me. I accepted his apology and praised him for his growth.)"

—Debbie, 56, Georgia

14. "I taught in a range of private international schools. About 17 years ago, I started working at this one school and had the sixth grade (year seven in the UK) daughter of the secondary head and the high support needs coordinator. The main problem was with this girl's mother, who was a manipulative narcissist. She used her daughter to spy on staff. It reached the point where other staff referred to this girl as 'deputy head' because anything you said got reported back to her father."

"One time, her daughter (arm in arm with her current victim/friend, whom she would dump as soon as she got bored with her) waltzed into my room when I was supervising an exam. She turned around and slammed the door behind her, giggling.

I reported her to the pastoral care team, and her father (no longer the secondary head) tried to intervene. 'My daughter is not rude.' She was. 'She did not slam the door.' She did. Like mother, like daughter in this case."

— alanevans111

15. "I have taught in about every school environment there is. I knew the end was near when I got viciously kicked in the vagina trying to break up a fight between two students. After giving birth to six kids, all it took was a 13-year-old girl with a hell of a boot to break my vagina."

— boringorca83

16. "College professor here. The ONE student I recall was in my applied statistics class about 10 years ago. They showed up occasionally to class, often late, and didn't do well on homework or exams, but surprisingly answered a lot of class questions. Anyway, he stopped attending and, at about midterm, racked up enough absences to get an automatic F. He made a few requests to 'see me' but never followed through."

"Fast forward to the end of the semester when I'm entering final grades, and the student has a 'W' (withdrawn from class) next to his name …curious…I never signed a form. I contacted the Registrar and Dean to inquire, and they sent the withdrawal form. The student had forged my name and the names of two other faculty , including one of our Jesuits. How many Hail Marys was that worth? The kicker was the student was still allowed to graduate."

— greenpenguin93

17. "In my first year of teaching, I took over for a beloved teacher who retired. The senior class decided that they hated me simply for existing, so a couple of the leaders in the class made it their life's work to get me fired. The head girl held weekly meetings at her house where they would get together and try to come up with stories about me so that they could cast doubt on my teaching abilities."

"She got a few parents to make an Open Records request for my CV because 'there was no way someone my age (36 at the time) could have done all of the educational stuff he says he has.' 

She got her parents to complain to the administration that I had ruined her chances to get into her top Ivy League school because I wouldn't allow her to do whatever she wanted. The daughter had to 'settle for that school in Connecticut' instead. 

At the end of the year, I wished all of the senior class the best of luck when they get out into the world, and the young lady and her parents stood up and objected loudly to me giving an encouraging speech, stating that I had been such a terrible person all year. 

I let them get it all out, and then I invited them to either stick around for the awards or leave and let us all enjoy the evening. Kids (and their parents) make people not want to teach anymore."

—Anonymous, 43, Texas

Do you have a story of a nightmare student in your class? Let us know in the comments or fill out this anonymous form . Conversely, if you have an exceptionally positive experience to share about a past student you had, feel free also to share that with us.

Note: Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Steep rise in schools in England recruiting teachers from Jamaica

Exclusive: Schools following NHS and social care in recruiting from overseas as work visas for secondary school teachers double

Schools are following the NHS and social care providers by increasing their recruitment of teachers from overseas to fill vacancies, leaving classrooms empty in countries such as Jamaica .

Immigration figures show a jump in the number of skilled worker visas issued to teachers from abroad, while the government in England is using bonuses to boost the number of teacher trainees from overseas – at a time when Rishi Sunak said legal migration to the UK was “too high” and vowed to reduce it.

While the numbers remain modest compared with the NHS, the trend is rising steeply upwards and will continue rising as the increase in trainee teachers recruited overseas enter the workforce.

Last year nearly 1,100 work visas were issued to qualified secondary school teachers, double the 555 visas issued in 2022 and well above the 205 in 2021. So far this year, more than one in four applicants to teacher training courses in England have come from outside Europe.

Jamaica alone supplied 486 qualified teachers last year, twice as many as in 2022, as schools in England launched recruiting drives in a country with a population of just 2.8 million and suffering its own chronic shortages of qualified teachers.

Emiliana Vegas, a professor of practice at Harvard’s graduate school of education, said: “The reality is that, from the perspective of a Jamaican teacher, moving to the UK to work is economically a good idea. Salaries and working conditions are much better in the UK than in most low- and middle-income countries, like Jamaica.

“But for Jamaican society, it has the impact of pulling away scarce talent, thus perpetuating the challenge of raising education quality in Jamaica and similar countries and increasing the gaps in student learning between high- and low-income societies.”

Leighton Johnson, a headteacher and president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association , said teacher shortages were so severe that some schools had vacancies unfilled for over a year, with the government allowing retired teachers, untrained specialists and even teachers on holiday to be hired.

In other cases, Jamaican schools were cutting subjects because they could not find qualified teachers, while others had resorted to sharing teachers.

“Schools have had to be very creative. Some in close proximity have been designing their timetables to ensure a teacher can serve two schools, and some schools are utilising technology where a teacher can be in one school and streamed to another so the students can benefit,” Johnson said.

“These are the extents that many schools have had to go to in order to make it work.”

While teachers from Jamaica are often sought by schools in the US, Canada and the Middle East, because of their training and language skills, Johnson said there had been increasingly “aggressive” recruitment by countries including England, using advertising, holding seminars or directly approaching teachers in Jamaica, with higher rates of pay being offered.

“What I know for a fact is that these recruiters, they network and once they have an individual from Jamaica, they employ these individuals, they employ teachers, to assist in the recruiting process. So they’ll say, get your colleagues to come, you be the testimonial, help us to recruit. And they become the point person, they are given a stipend or salary or some kind of remuneration, to get other teachers to come,” Johnson said.

Schools in England that have directly recruited from Jamaica include those in the Harris Federation academy chain, based around London.

Last year, Schools Week reported that the Harris Federation flew staff to the island to hold interviews , and hired 50 teachers mainly in science and maths. Dan Moynihan, the federation’s chief executive, said at the time: “We recruit Jamaican teachers who are fantastic people, but we are having to do that because we can’t find teachers here.”

UK health and social care organisations cannot actively recruit qualified staff from countries on the World Health Organization’s “red list” , which includes Zimbabwe and Nigeria. But there are no similar barriers to hiring teachers: 60 UK work visas were issued to teachers from Nigeria last year, up from six in 2022, while Zimbabwe’s total rose from 11 to 59.

Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “The aggressive recruitment of teachers from other countries can have a significant impact on their ability to deliver good quality education to the children there and that is why the government needs to address the causes of not being able to recruit and retrain sufficient UK trained teachers.”

The focus on overseas recruitment comes as schools in England report acute teacher shortages in some subjects. Record numbers quit the profession last year and experts at the National Foundation for Educational Research have warned that teacher supply “is in a critical state that risks the quality of education”.

The Department for Education (DfE) in England has sought to meet its targets for trainee teachers by recruiting more from overseas , introducing a £10,000 “international relocation package” for physics and modern foreign languages teachers, as well as easing requirements for applicants from countries including Jamaica, India and others to gain qualified teacher status.

A DfE spokesperson said its international recruitment “aims to support the best qualified applicants from abroad to make valuable contributions” to its workforce.

“Our recruitment and retention strategy will always be focused domestically and schools in England now have more teachers than ever before with nearly 470,000 teachers in the workforce, a 27,000 increase on 2010,” the spokesperson said.

“We are focused on striking the right balance between acting decisively to tackle net migration, which we are clear is far too high, and retaining and developing highly skilled teachers.”

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, warned against schools following the health and social care sectors in using “short-term, sticking plaster” solutions.

“Recruitment from overseas is workload intensive, costly, and bureaucratic for hard-pressed schools. Often, international teachers only stay a short time, as they may not be granted indefinite leave to remain or permitted to bring their families, adding to teacher churn which is bad for pupils,” Whiteman said.

“Ministers must do more to make teaching a more attractive and sustainable profession that will inspire people to commit to decades-long careers.”

• Teacher shortages
• Immigration and asylum
• Teacher training
• Department for Education

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The latest season of the heartwarming series "Stitch" is now streaming, with this episode focusing on inspirational teachers.

Their daily roles require a high level of compassion, patience and expertise. In this "Stitch" episode, we’re shining a light on the nation’s hard-working teachers who go above and beyond for their students. From teachers who break world records to those who give back to their communities after hours, these educators are truly remarkable.

Take a quick look at the episode and check out some of the stories featured:

• Discover the sweet story of how one teacher decides to celebrate her students during Black History Month.

2. Watch how this accomplished doctor devotes his free time and extra cash to teaching elementary students.

3. Look at all the love and support students give to one cafeteria worker on her newly realized U.S. citizenship.

Watch the full episode as a reminder to always be grateful for the nation’s hardworking teachers and the students who let their appreciation be known.

“Stitch" is a Hearst Television original series that aims to showcase inspiring stories from around the country that stitch together the fabric of our communities. You can stream all episodes on the Very Local app.

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. Very Local also brings you fresh, untold stories from your very own city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV .

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Transformation Tuesday with DDP: The power of community helped one, inspired millions

Diamond Dallas Page has made a living out of helping others.

The World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer has been changing lives for over two decades with his DDPYoga program, a fusion of yoga for men who “wouldn’t be caught dead” doing yoga. 

He developed it after he suffered a broken back, and soon realized that his workout regimen couldn't just enhance lives, it could save them. 

Since 2004, Page has been seeing his program work miracles. We'll look at this Jersey Shore boy’s most inspirational stories through our Transformation Tuesday feature. All have a story of how DDP YOGA changed, and in many cases, saved their lives. 

Arthur Boorman would be the poster boy for DDPY and help put DDP YOGA on the map. 

• Arthur Boorman
• From: Maryland 
• Highest weight: 340 pounds
• Current weight: 175 pounds
• Occupation: Special education teacher 

Why Arthur Boorman: "He was a disabled veteran, morbidly obese and relegated to thinking of himself as a piece of furniture," Page said. "After we spoke a few times, I told him ‘I don’t need to have an MD at the end of DDP to know if you don’t change your lifestyle bro you’re not going to be around five or six years from now.’ That scared the hell out of him - I gave him some encouragement and after two weeks he had lost 20 pounds (more than I expected). He posted a couple grainy videos on YouTube about his experience and I told him if you’re going to film everything you’re going to need to get a better camera and looking back I’m so glad I did that! Thank god he and his son Warren filmed his whole journey because it was unlike any I had ever seen. It wasn’t until 2012 (5 years later), that my buddy and president of DDPY Steve Yu posted the video to YouTube. This was the first time I learned what the term “viral video” meant. The video was soon on the front page of every major website at the time, MSN, AOL, Yahoo sports, Deadspin, GMA, and what really helped us go viral on Twitter was when we had someone tweet 'Stop what you’re doing right now and witness real magic.' It was David Copperfield.  It was the number one post on the Reddit homepage. All this put DDPY on the map." 

As a paratrooper in the Army, Arthur Boorman was no stranger to jumping out of planes. 

But he never fell harder than he did after he got home.  

Boorman was in his 40s when his body started breaking down. Years of wear and tear on his body from his 15-year career took its toll. 

“An injury knocked me out of the service, I had a large number of smaller injuries, I just kept getting busted up,” said Boorman, who lives in Brooklyn Park, Maryland, a stone’s throw away from Baltimore. “Due to the type of work I did, we had to carry an extremely large amount of gear and I was often the smallest person on the team.  

“It was heavy communication equipment, I was landing, I had to hop across the terrain. And as I did it, I kept getting worse and worse. Knees, hips, lower back, shoulder, my elbow. Nothing was that bad, but when you add it all together, it adds up on you.” 

To make matters worse, the special education teacher suffered an injury at work that really put him on the shelf. 

In reality, the problem wasn’t the injury. It was Boorman was in no condition to help himself get better. His weight had become a problem. 

He was 5 foot 6, over 300 pounds, had very little energy, he couldn’t move very well, and he was stuck in misery.  It wasn’t just sad. It was incredibly dangerous. 

“There were times just walking around would leave me exhausted,” Boorman said. “I once passed out in front of a group of students. After I got out (of the Army), I just fell apart. I would tell myself I’m working an honest job, getting a paycheck, not getting drunk, not doing drugs, not doing stupid stuff, not cheating on your wife, I’m doing OK.  

“So what if I can eat an entire pizza, a quart of ice cream and a bottle of soda? I’m doing fine. It’s a lie you tell yourself. I was committing suicide by food and that’s not who I am. The most important thing to me is my family. I wasn’t doing right by them even though I was lying to myself and saying I was good.”

Boorman was desperate to make a change. He didn’t know what to do, but he knew he had to do something. In 2006 he googled broken back and up popped DDP YOGA, which at the time didn’t even have that name. 

“I don’t know why I tried it, I was at a point where if I didn’t do something, I don’t want to sound dramatic, but I was going to die,” Boorman said.  

▶ Diamond Dallas Page Biography on A&E: Shore native knocks down opponents, builds up fans

DDP YOGA is the creation of Point Pleasant High School graduate and WWE HOF'er, Diamond Dallas Page. He created a hybrid yoga for regular guys. This hybrid of yoga caught Boorman’s eye.  

“I knew of DDP, I was at Fort Bragg and the wrestling promotion that Dallas was part of was very popular, so a lot of people watched wrestling,” Boorman said. “I’d see guys walking around in a DDP T-shirt, so I knew who he was. I saw him on TV, you’re on barracks duty, people are sitting around screaming because wrestling is on.  

“I was on the internet and looking around, just searching, you tweak the parameters, I was typing in different things, and I searched ‘Yoga broken back.’ I was looking through the results and saw it. I clicked it, figured it doesn’t cost to click. I thought ‘OK, I’m desperate as hell, I gave it a try and everything started happening.” 

After signing up, Page reached out to Boorman. 

It wasn’t a sales call. It was to check in on him, offer advice and help. It also came with a verbal diamond cutter that may have helped save Boorman’s life. 

▶ WWE Hall of Fame: DDP, Eric LeGrand honored

“What happened was I got an email and I thought it’s really good customer service,” Boorman said of the email that actually came from Page. “I said I got to be honest, I’m disabled, I can barely walk, I was a piece of furniture rather than a person. He sends me a phone number. He calls and we have a conversation and you know, Dallas is a really nice person, but at the same time, he knows when someone needs their ass kicked. That was me.  

“He gave me a therapeutic ass-kicking. ‘You’re killing yourself, your wife will be a widow, kids will be orphans. That’s not what someone says to cement a sale. He cared a lot more about me as a person that he just met on the phone than he did on the sale or what I would say to other people.  

“He cared more about me. And he sent me a whole bunch of stuff about what I should eat and how to change food. This is a lifeline. This is a chance. I don’t have one right now. Can you do it? Yes, I can do this. And I did.” 

Page made Boorman work.  

Boorman worked out to the DDP YOGA videos every day.  

It made him step outside his comfort zone. Though not physically, Page was there every step of the way as Boorman changed what he ate and worked himself into shape. 

He didn’t change Boorman’s life.  

He saved it. 

“It was really amazing, at the same time the voice says ‘this can’t last,’” Boorman said. “That’s why DDPY, you get out of it, what you put into it. There are no guarantees. But if you do it consistently, and you’re working it, it doesn’t mean every day has to be the perfect workout. You’ll do it, and feel like a million bucks. Some days you won’t. You just drug your butt through the workout. Get enough good days and be consistent. 

“Really, a month or so after I started pushing it hard, I realized that I was sleeping better, my pants were looser and things were getting better. I was moving better. After a while I could walk without a cane. I fell down a bunch of times, but that’s OK.”

What Boorman did next was the best thing he could have done in Page’s eyes. Page saw someone online helping others through using DDP YOGA. Page wasn’t worried about losing business, he was happy to see one of “his guys” paying it forward.

Boorman made a video with his son Warren & Page of his weight loss and how DDPY saved his life. Eventually, he became a star.

“It went viral and put us on the map,” Page said of Boorman’s video. "It was all over CNN and MSN, shared hundreds of thousands of times. That video has over a billion views across all platforms. 

“Arthur never stopped. Two new knees, one new hip, and he just never stopped working.

“He was using DDPY to help others. That’s the biggest thing. We have our DDPYOGA Facebook group where members actually help each other. There’s no need to do it alone. The entire community works together. Arthur thought I would be mad when I saw him teaching others. Brother, you’re helping!”

Boorman continues to work hard at maintaining his weight.

He has his ups and downs like everyone. He credits his wife Vicki and sons Warren, Eric and John for being his inspiration to get better. His family is his life, and they were the reason he worked so hard. But he credits Page with being the catalyst.

“Trust me, I’ve tried a lot of things, I’m not special at all, I’m a special education teacher who wanted to live,” Boorman said. “I’m not special. DDPY is. The program put me on the path, and supported me.

“I don’t want to sound dramatic, but he’s the reason I’m alive. Honest truth, I wouldn’t be alive right now if not for Page Joseph Falkinburg, aka DDP. That’s the truth. It’s bizarre, it’s amazing, here I am, a busted-up former paratrooper, special ed teacher, and a TV wrestler pops into my life. It sounds like a bad sitcom, but it’s the truth. 

“It’s weird, but it saved my life.” 

That's not how Page sees it.

"I inspired one guy," Page said. "He inspired hundreds of millions."