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 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 his students. Listen as Bruce recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his life, including the influence of his high school basketball coach and the challenges he faced in standing up for his beliefs.

“You can take all of my belongings. You can make me carry my life in a trash bag. I can be homeless. You can even take my family from me if that's what you must do, but you can't take Monica from Monica.”

Those are the words of Monica Juliana, a high school student from West Virginia who endured an especially challenging upbringing, the kind that would have prevented most children from succeeding in school…

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 where students flourish, both musically and personally. You’ll also hear Adrian describe his methods for connecting with students, empowering student leadership, and tapping into the emotional core of the words they sing. Hear touching reflections from one of Adrian's students and a school counselor who attest to his dedication.

Chris Flores, Keisha Orozco, and Tracy Baynes share how an outdoor leadership program in the Alaska wilderness transformed their perspectives on confidence, self-trust, and teamwork. Through three weeks of hiking and kayaking with STEP, a program for low-income students, they learned valuable life lessons beyond the traditional classroom. This episode explores how stepping away from technology and into nature fosters personal growth and leadership in unexpected ways.

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—Elaine’s Circle will be one of them.”

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.

Meet Grammy-winning educator Pamela Dawson, who transforms lives through music, proving its power to connect and inspire.

Bruce Stewart, a champion for social justice and education, hears a heartfelt tribute from a former student on his transformative legacy.

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.

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.

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.