Teacher Stories

Our podcast celebrates teachers and the important role they play in our lives and communities.

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Three Educators Reflect on How to Teach about the Insurrection

How should teachers address events like the January 6th insurrection? Three educators share their approaches to navigating controversy in the classroom.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Victor Rios' Teacher Saved His Life

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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