Teacher Stories

Our podcast celebrates teachers and the important role they play in our lives and communities.

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Three Educators Reflect on How to Teach about the Insurrection

How should teachers address events like the January 6th insurrection? Three educators share their approaches to navigating controversy in the classroom.

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Teachers Tom Courtney and Rachel Petrivelli Connect with Families

After 22 years, "Minister of Fun" Tom Courtney finds his stride by building authentic family connections. Hear how he and his student teacher creatively overcame the pandemic’s challenges to keep the magic alive.

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Black Teacher Project Director Micia Mosely Reunites with Former Student, Belinda Bellinger

Dr. Micia Mosely and her former student, now teacher Belinda Bellinger, reunite decades later to reflect on their journeys, collaborate as colleagues, and discuss the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement in education.

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Victor Rios' Teacher Saved His Life

Once on a troubled path, Dr. Victor Rios credits a teacher for helping him turn his life around. Now a professor, he reflects on the power of educators to transform lives and how the Black Lives Matter movement can inspire learning.

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An Inspired English Teacher Confronts Two Crises: COVID-19 and an Act of Hate

Denver teacher Jason DiGioia shares how inspiring educators shaped his love of literature, his approach to teaching life lessons, and how he’s navigating the challenges of the pandemic and a shocking act of hate at his school.

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Heartbreak, Love, and Resilience: A Teacher's Apology to her Students

High school teacher Jackie Rooney reconnects with her students through a heartfelt letter amid the pandemic and reflects on addressing racism and police brutality in the classroom after George Floyd's killing.

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The highs and lows of teaching amid the pandemic with Rachell Auld

High school biology teacher Rachell Auld shares her journey of teaching and connecting with students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story reveals the challenges, rewards, and resilience that define this unprecedented time in education.

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Bilingual Students Band Together to Help School Stay Virtually Connected

When Crawford High School closed due to COVID-19, many families lacked internet access and technology for online learning. Led by student body president Tina Tran, a group of students worked together with a teacher to help bridge the gap and support their community.

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High School Engineering Teacher Uses 3D Printers to Protect School Volunteers)

Carmen Garvis transitioned from engineering to teaching in 2004, with a mission to inspire young women to pursue careers in science. During the COVID-19 crisis, she shares how she helped a shy student find her voice and joined colleagues in using 3-D printers to create face shields for school meal volunteers.

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One Student's Journey from Afghanistan to a Better Education in the U.S.

At just 14 years old, Mahboba Ansari fled Afghanistan seeking a better future, arriving in Modesto, California in 2016. With the guidance of her high school teacher Lindsey Bird, Mahboba overcame challenges and earned acceptance to UC Davis, where she begins her journey in fall 2020.

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