In the first episode of Teacher Stories’ new partnership with Above & Beyond Teaching, Ken Futernick talks with 2024 Above & Beyond honoree Mike Tinoco, an English and journalism teacher from San Jose, along with some of the students whose lives he has impacted.

Mike shares how his own struggles in school shaped his commitment to seeing every student’s potential—especially those others might overlook—and how that belief continues to guide his work in and beyond the classroom.

Mike’s story is the first of many Teacher Stories will produce featuring the extraordinary educators who have been, and will continue to be, honored by Above & Beyond Teaching.

In this story, we hear from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Clarence Page, whose experience is also featured in the videos highlighting Teacher Stories’ partnership with Above & Beyond Teaching.

Clarence reflects on more than 50 years in journalism and the high school journalism teacher he credits with helping set him on that path. He has said he might never have become a writer without that teacher’s influence.

He also shares the lasting lessons passed down by his grandmother and reflects on the people who helped shape both his career and the way he sees the world.

In this story, we hear from Dr. Victor Rios, the former high school student featured in the videos highlighting Teacher Stories’ partnership with Above & Beyond Teaching.

Once on a troubled path, Victor credits a teacher with helping him turn his life around and see a different future for himself. Now a professor, he reflects on the power educators have to transform lives and help young people recognize their own potential.

He also explores how the Black Lives Matter movement can inspire learning, connection, and deeper conversations in the classroom.

In this story, we revisit a moving tribute from Nikki Ahrenstorff about her former English teacher and Above & Beyond honoree, Mr. Childs.

Nikki once believed her high school was “reserved for a special group of people” and that she wasn’t part of it. That changed when she stepped into Mr. Childs’ English class. His encouragement and belief in her helped change the way she saw herself—and what she believed was possible.

Nikki’s story is part of Teacher Stories’ ongoing work to capture the lasting impact of extraordinary educators, including those recognized by Above & Beyond Teaching.