Teacher Stories

10/07/2025

What if your teacher believed in you before you believed in yourself?

Bruce Wasser’s story spans a generation—from refusing to fight in Vietnam on moral grounds to becoming a beloved history teacher who helped students do the same: ask questions, stand up for what’s right, and use their voice.

One of his former students, Julia, says she still runs life decisions through “the Bruce test.” That’s the kind of impact that doesn’t fade.

🎧 Listen to the full story: https://www.teacherstories.org/episodes/bruce-wasser

In this episode, host Ken Futernick sits down with Bruce Wasser, a former history teacher whose life story is as inspiring as his teaching career. Bruce shares his poignant journey from being a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War to becoming a beloved educator who had a profound impact on

24/04/2025

After tragedy struck a Michigan school community, teacher Matt Hamilton turned loss into legacy through the creation of the Shoe Club—a student-led initiative fostering empathy, connection, and purpose. With national attention and contributions from figures like Jane Goodall and Michael Jordan, the club empowers students to share their stories, serve others, and “walk in each other’s shoes.” Joined by two inspiring student members, this episode explores how one teacher’s vision sparked a movement—and how others can bring it to their own schools.

🎧 Listen now: https://www.teacherstories.org/episodes/matt-hamilton-shoe-club

22/04/2025

Imagine dedicating nearly 30 years to teaching—and suddenly, one of your students shows up with a surprise message of gratitude that leaves you speechless.

In this special Surprise Appreciation video, we sit down with Catherine Borek, 2023 California Teacher of the Year, as she reflects on her journey… and receives a thank-you she never saw coming.

https://www.teacherstories.org/episodes/mariel-rojas-surprises-teacher-of-the-year-catherine-borek

Catherine Borek is a 29-year veteran English and Theatre Arts teacher at Dominguez High School in Compton, California, and a California Teacher of the Year in 2023. As Ms. Borek describes her approach to teaching, host Ken Futernick asks what it’s like when former students come back and offer word...

17/04/2025

From the classroom to the Grammy stage…

Meet Adrian Maclin, the Tennessee choir director whose dedication to his students—and the music they created together—touched hearts across the country and earned him the 2025 GRAMMY Music Educator Award.

Our latest episode, co-hosted by arts education advocate Emili Danz, explores Adrian's inspiring journey, his unique approach to building a thriving "choir family," and the profound impact he has on his students' lives.

You’ll also discover how Adrian transforms his classroom into a space where music becomes a pathway to confidence, leadership, and connection.

For aspiring educators, Adrian offers candid advice about the challenges and deep rewards of the profession, urging future teachers to find their “why” and to focus on the lasting impact they can have on young lives.

🎶 Bonus: Hear stunning performances from his students that helped earn him this national spotlight—alongside heartfelt reflections from a student and colleague.

🎧 Listen now: https://www.teacherstories.org/episodes/adrian-maclin

Grammy Awards Recording Academy / GRAMMYs GRAMMY Museum

Meet Adrian Macklin, the Tennessee high school music teacher honored as Music Educator of the Year at the 2025 Grammys. In this episode, you’ll hear the extraordinary music from his students that earned him this prestigious award. You’ll learn how Adrian fosters a caring and creative environment...

25/03/2025

This episode is part of our series on our sister podcast, Teacher Stories , on what schools can do to help save our democracy. Guests include Dr. Marvin W. Berkowitz, McDonnell Professor of Character Education at the Center for Character Education and Citizenship at the

02/12/2024

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

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

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

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

10/05/2024

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

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

10/05/2024

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

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

10/05/2024

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

Inspiring Stories of Teachers Changing Lives VideosPodcast

10/05/2024

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

09/05/2024

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

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

09/05/2024

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

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