Stories From Educators

When students in Carah Reed’s Ethnic Studies class realized that the mass media wasn’t sharing the truth about Standing Rock, they dug deeper to learn more. These inner-city high schoolers shared their findings on social media and took action to support the water protectors. This is Carah’s story.

In 2010, former Los Angeles Superior Court law clerk Luis Escamilla traded the courtroom for the classroom, where he teaches his immigrant and refugee students English, history, and a worldly understanding of identity and justice. This is Luis’ story.

Marcus Griggs’ father grew up in a violent home, but the cycle of abuse stopped when he had his own children. Through example and discipline, Marcus was taught how to be a strong and loving man. Today, Marcus helps young men who have experienced violence or abuse develop the skills to have healthy relationships—and become the best young men they can be. This is Marcus’ story.

When Joe Grabowski's students reacted with horror to his stories about sharks, Grabowski took a novel approach to help these sharkaphobes get over their fear. Joe found shark researchers from the Bahamas to chat with his students online. Since that day, Joe's students have gone on over 100 global expeditions—meeting penguins, astronauts, and scuba divers. This is Joe's story.

In 2012 Minnuette Rodriguez started a small butterfly nursery to strengthen her students' connection to nature. As students watch the butterflies’ transformations from egg to adult, Minnuette watches her students transform themselves. This is Minnuette’s story.

In the spring of 2013, Kent State Professor Karen Cunningham used the YES! Magazine article "What Can Change When We Learn to See Each Other," to challenge students to practice empathy and compassion in their everyday lives, and then write about their experiences. The results, for both Professor Cunningham and her students, were life-changing. This is Karen’s story.

Nick Faber helped establish a local home visit project because he believes that, when a teacher knows his student's family, together they are the best partners in that child's learning. This is Nick's story.

As a young girl, Elizabeth Traina had a teacher tell her that she wasn’t an artist. Now she helps empower teachers and students through the belief that we are all artists. This is Elizabeth’s story.

For Ietef "DJ Cavem" Vita, HIP HOP is not just a form of music, it's a way of life—one he's using to teach kids about cultivating the earth and eating fresh veggies. This is Ietef's story.

The Nazca Lines of Peru inspired Oregon artist Daniel Dancer to invite an entire elementary school of students to be the beads on the headband of a 25-acre Indian head. The result was stunning and life changing. This is Daniel’s story.

What calls high school English teacher Aletha Fields to teach each and every day? Her faith, her commitment to take care of herself, and the love and appreciation from her students. This is Aletha’s story.

A typical day at Brooklyn Free School.