By Kim M

Teacher - Mrs. Elkins

Austin, TX

The first teacher I ever remember feeling a personal connection to was Mrs. Elkins in junior high.

By Kahlil L.

Professor - Dr. Hart

Austin, TX

Dr. Hart was my Political Communications professor in my final year - final semester, in fact - of college. I could go on and on about how great his course, curriculum, and teaching style were (especially because I loved the topics), but what stuck with me most was the environment he created and the relationships he formed with his students.

By Kate K.

Coach and Teacher - Mr. Deane

Richmond, Virginia

Because of Mr. Deane at St. Gertrude High School in Richmond, Virginia, I went from being an unathletic bookworm who wished she wasn’t quite so nerdy to a confident member of the Cross Country and Track Teams. I have continued to run my entire life.

By Eve D

Plano, Texas

My second grade teacher had a long-lasting impact on me through her kind, nurturing manner. During my time in her class I suffered a severe femur fracture and was limited in my activities for the rest of the year.

By P.K.

Teacher - Mr. Fernandez

Dallas, Texas

In 8th grade at J. L. Long Middle School I had a teacher named Mr. Fernandez. Upon entering his class for the first time I never would have thought he would influence me the way he did. In previous math and pre-algebra classes I've had, I felt as if I only learned the curriculum because I had to, and it never felt as if I accomplished what I thought I should. 

By Ken D.

Syracuse, New York

There are so many mentors I have had during my medical training. One of the things that stuck with me the most was a physician I rotated with always wrote down one personal thing about each patient he saw.

By Mika M.

Teacher - Mrs. Williams

Dallas, TX

My daughter attends Arthur Kramer Elementary School in Dallas, Texas. It is a Green Ribbon School with a wealth of opportunities and teachers committed to helping children thrive. Arthur Kramer is a DISD school that offers a dual language program for children beginning in Kindergarten.

By Eve D.

UT Austin

During my freshman year of college, my literature teacher created a truly remarkable learning community for our class. She inspired me to read beyond just the syllabus and served as an escape from my science-heavy courses. Through her class I studied women’s literature throughout the centuries and was inspired to continue reading works by women from unique backgrounds.

By Noelia

Teacher - Mrs. Carbajal

Dallas, Texas (Age 10)

All my teachers from kindergarten into 4th grade have always told me to keep trying. Mrs. Carbajal showed me how to become a great leader. Mrs. Saravia told me that you should never give up because I almost failed 1st grade. But, she told me to keep trying and I did.

By Dawn L.

Teacher - Ms. Munves

Dallas, TX

Ms. Munves was my son Avery’s fifth grade teacher. I believe early in the year Ms. Munves recognized that Avery does not love sitting and listening and will often, like many children, start day-dreaming, doodling, and fidgeting when required to sit at a desk. The most wonderful characteristic (and there are several!) about Ms. Munves was she did not hold Avery’s energy against him.