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.
Teacher Stories
First-person narratives from educators about their experiences and innovations in and outside of the classroom.
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.
Chef Tom French has a vision of a school food system that serves healthy local food, and builds bridges between the classroom and the kitchen. This is Chef Tom's story.
Joe Gillespie started his first school garden in 1993 with 50 raised beds. Today, he and his middle school students grow veggies year-round and monitor wind turbines. This is Joe's story.
For former teacher and "Chicken Soup for the Classroom" co-author Anna Unkovich, a “nightmare” teaching moment was the key to a more open classroom and sharing stories. This is Anna's story.
The Winter 2009 issue of YES! investigates how to be happy … sustainably. We asked you about happiness in the classroom and beyond. Here is what your colleagues say:
At 19, Chris Goodman has worked in the field of education for six years, beginning as a math tutor. Today, he helps inspire students in Baltimore to fight for their rights. This is Chris's story.
League of Young Voters' Heather Boxer is a huge believer in the right and responsibility to vote—and the power of young people to change this country. This is Heather's story.
Karen Cherubini's third graders accepted the EPA's challenge to reduce their carbon footprint by making different food choices. They also learned how asking questions can change your life. This is Karen’s story.
Since 1986, Bainbridge Island, WA, has maintained a strong relationship with its sister city Ometepe, Nicaragua. Instead of learning about foreign relations, Island students and teachers forge their own personal connections. Here are their stories.
The following paper was written by Chet A. Bowers, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Studies, at the University of Oregon. Professor Bowers’ most recent books include The Culture of Denial (1997); Let Them Eat Data (2000); and Educating for Eco-Justice and Community (2001); and Detras de la Apariencia: Hacia la Descolonizacion de la Educacion (2002).