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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.