Rich, stuck-up hippies. Racist gun-loving trailer trash. Two teachers try to bridge the divide between their rural and urban middle schoolers by having them write each other’s narratives in poetry form. This is Charles’ story.
Teacher Stories
Educators Share Experiences and Innovations
Gov. Scott Walker's 2011 legislation on collective bargaining created pandemonium in education. How did one teacher’s community pull together to protect what they worked so hard to create. This is Jean’s story.
Brendan Clarke reflects on his first day of teaching, and why he left the classroom to rebuild our connection with the natural world. This is Brendan’s story.
Lorna Shepardson knows a magical gift horses possess that can help bring young people from the depths of darkness to a glimmer of self-confidence. This is Lorna’s story.
By being part of a human painting, students are instilled with the power to change the world and protect endangered species. This is Daniel’s story.
Dan Coulter uses film to help teachers understand what goes on inside the head of a student with AS, so that student can thrive in the classroom. This is Dan's story.
Girlie Forman, a former probation officer, uses her sense of humor and food to connect with her high school students—and their families. This is Girlie's story.
In New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, an old grocery store and urban farm is also a school. Our School at Blair Grocery meets crises with open eyes, humble hearts and social entrepreneurship. This is David’s story.
How do you get distracted teens to take care of their local watershed? Peter Donaldson’s carrot is the opportunity to produce smart, hip videos and be the on-air expert. This is Peter’s story.
Michelle Contreras’ first grade native-Spanish- and English-speakers reflect the future. Michelle uses two-way Spanish immersion, touch therapy, and compassion to connect with her students. This is Michelle's story.
At Rising S.T.A.R.S. Male Academy in urban Atlanta, Walter Davis uses "real talk" and literature to teach middle school boys of color how to be excellent students and emerge as successful young men. This is Walter's story.
Environmentally conscious Warren Wilson College offers students organic gardens, eco-friendly dorms, vegetarian eateries—and a complete education through work, study, and community. This is Margo’s story.
John Hasyn was afraid of teenagers.Yet, the Canadian-based photographer chose to work full-on with Inuit youth in Nunavut. What he discovered changed his perspective forever. This is John's story.
Aka`ula School middle school students in Molakai, Hawaii thrive as they research and create positive solutions for environmental issues affecting their own community. This is Vicki's story.
Professor Tom Murphy wanted his students to reconnect with nature. Now, they work beside farmers, fishermen, wastewater technicians, environmental groups, and Native American leaders through an award-winning service learning program. This is Tom's story.