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.

Robert Nelsen was content to work on his ranch in Montana and to ride in the rodeo.  As "punishment" for being a "smart ass," Nelsen's high school teacher made him apply for college. Now Dr. Nelsen is now president of one of California's largest public universities. 

As a child, Karina Figueroa-Ramirez had never encountered a teacher who shared her cultural background until 7th grade. Her Latinx English teacher encouraged her love of books, listened to her, and inspired her to envision a brighter future—an impact Karina is now paying forward nearly 20 years later.

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.

Efrain Solis, a professional opera singer, honors his high school music and drama teacher who helped him discover his voice.

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

Bob Futernick, former Associate Director of the San Francisco Fine Arts Museums, sends a thank you note to his high school art teacher, Neil Bohr -- 50 years after taking his class.

John Lescroart is a New York Times best-selling novelist who says that he might still be a typist in a law office--or, possibly, homeless were it not for his English teacher, Father Stadler at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California.

Emili works with a teacher in South Central Los Angeles who helps a young, angry high school student deal with her emotions--through dance. This teacher story is about trust, the freedom to fail, and how the arts can transform lives.

Gwen Reid develops a passion for "cowboy poetry"...in her sixties.  Her junior high summer school teacher and great grandmother had a lot to do with this.

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 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.