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National Teachers Initiative
The national teachers Initiative
This 18-month Initiative celebrated the work of public school teachers across the country. By recording, sharing, and preserving these stories, we called attention to the invaluable contributions teachers have made to this nation, honored those who have embraced the profession as their calling, encouraged teaching as a career choice, and helped to unify the country behind its teachers. The National Teachers Initiative placed special attention on the work of teachers striving to increase the number of students who graduate prepared for college and careers.
Listen to stories
“At the time, I was tutoring at an after-school program...”
Ayodeji Ogunniyi remembers how the murder of his father led him to a new career. Read more…
Recorded in Chicago, IL.
“I'm curious how I could have reached out to you better.”
Antero Garcia (R) talks to his former student Roger Alvarez, who dropped out during his senior year of high school. Read more…
Recorded in Culver City, CA.
“He said, 'You make sure you call that teacher.'”
Neurosurgeon Lee Buono and his eighth grade science teacher, Al Siedlecki, remember reconnecting after more than 15 years. Read more…
Recorded in Medford, NJ.
“There was nothing more that I wanted to do than to protect you.”
Two stories about teachers who went beyond the classroom to help their kids. Read more…
Recorded in Hampton, VA.
“I went home that first night, and I was like, βWhat am I doing?β”
Tyrese Graham remembers his first day as a teacher at John Marshall Metropolitan High School in Chicago, IL. Read more…
Recorded in Chicago, IL.
“Do you remember your first day being a teacher?”
Sixteen-year-old Jamie Marks, interviews her former kindergarten teacher, Ron Cushman, about choosing his career after being wounded in Vietnam. Read more…
Recorded in Bothell, WA.
“If just one of them gets through, they may save us all.”
John Hunter talks with two former students about what they learned playing the World Peace Game, which he created. Read more…
Recorded in Charlottesville, VA.
“In my old school, I never went to class.”
Meliza Arellano tells Sarah Benko, her former seventh-grade teacher, about how she became a serious student.
Recorded in New York, NY.
“I felt like a walking star in the hallway.”
Raul Bravo tells his former high school automotive teacher, Clairene Terry, how she inspired him to stay in school. Read more…
Recorded in Chicago, IL.
“I worked harder than I have ever thought of working.”
Three stories about student mentors called "Chasers" who do whatever it takes to get their kids to class. Read more…
Recorded in Pasadena, CA.
Major funding for the National Teachers Initiative is provided by:
With additional funding provided by:
The National Teachers Initiative is part of American Graduate, a public media initiative supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to help local communities across America address the dropout crisis.