Teacher Stories
Our podcast celebrates teachers and the important role they play in our lives and communities.
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- All Episodes 73
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Teacher of the Year, Sean Bui Gave Up a Law Practice to Change Lives
Sean Bui left law to follow his passion for teaching, earning California Teacher of the Year. Hear his inspiring journey and student tributes.
Four College Students Reflect On Being Black in School
Four Black college students share their school experiences, confronting racism and advocating for equity through diverse, culturally responsive teaching.
Chris Hasegawa on the "Art" of Teaching Science
Chris Hasegawa shares what makes great science teaching impactful and reflects on the powerful lessons from students who changed his life.
Fred Shoemaker's Wisdom about Teaching, Learning, and Life
Fred Shoemaker, one of America’s top golf instructors, reveals how empowering self-discovery over fixing flaws transforms teaching, parenting, and coaching. Hear insights on curiosity, contribution, and the power of feedback to inspire growth.
Rob McClurg Reflects on his Teaching Career and the Teachers Who Shaped his Life
Rob McClurg, a seasoned educator, reflects on his classroom stories, teaching at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and volunteering at Soledad State Prison.
Lisa Godwin Shares a Story That She's Kept Secret for 20 Years
North Carolina's Teacher of the Year, Lisa Godwin, shares how a teacher and counselor helped her overcome childhood trauma and inspires others with her story and advice.
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.
An Education Marked by Opportunity and Inspiration and by Roadblocks and Racism
Dr. Sharon Tettegah reflects on her journey through education, from segregated schools to confronting racism, and calls on educators to challenge systemic biases in the era of Black Lives Matter.
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.
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.
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.
Tavis Danz Follow up Interview. Is Mindfulness Harmful?
In this follow-up interview, Mr. Danz revisits his experience teaching mindfulness to 5th graders, joined by his students and principal. Together, they address concerns raised by author Alfie Kohn, who questions whether concepts like mindfulness and grit are used to encourage compliance rather than addressing systemic issues
What is good teaching? A Conversation with Alfie Kohn
Author and educator Alfie Kohn challenges us to define our shared, long-term goals for children before identifying what makes a good teacher. In this thought-provoking podcast, he argues that to cultivate thoughtful, life-long learners, teachers must empower students to question, challenge, and take control of their own learning.
Wil Greer's Moving Story about a child and the teachers who changed his life
In spring 2019, CSU San Bernardino conducted a Celebration of Teaching Event for undergraduates interested in becoming a teachers. Faculty member, Wil Greer, shared this moving story about a child and the teachers who changed his life.
Teaching Mindfulness to Fifth Graders - What Do Parents Think?
Fifth-grade teacher Tavis Danz uses mindfulness in his classroom to support academic, social, and emotional growth. Though he’s sometimes worried about parental disapproval, an email titled "Mindfulness" challenged his assumptions in an unexpected way.
Efraim Solis becomes a professional opera singer. It was a Teacher!
Efrain Solis, a professional opera singer, honors his high school music and drama teacher who helped him discover his voice.
The Passion of Brian Rankin's High School Physics Teacher
Brian Rankin’s high school physics teacher demonstrated a key principle by lying on a bed of nails, placing a cinder block on his chest, and having Brian smash it with a sledgehammer. Now a physicist, Brian uses laser technology to tackle real-world challenge
Jennifer Vides and Romeo Vera: How a band teacher influenced a civil engineer
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.
Rachell Auld and Dr. John Rosario: Finding one's true calling
Rachell Auld shares an amazing story about her career path and how it was shaped by Dr. John Rosario from Riverside City College. This story is about finding one's true calling.