5. “Teaching keeps me young, connected to the community and inspired about our future. Some of these young teens are working so hard at their education.”

-- Gayle Schurz, Lincoln

4. “I teach because it's what I like and what I love. Teaching is one of the ways in which we can transform this world to make it more human. Through teaching, we put in the hands of our students the tools to make them creative thinkers who can generate sustainable solutions.”

-- Eduardo Verna-Orenes, AR&D

3. “I became a teacher for many reasons. Although I continue to face challenges in my life, this has never stopped or decreased my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of students and families every day. Each student who I have taught over the last seven years has given me so much joy, appreciation and understanding for what it means to be fortunate enough to have a truly impactful career. The laughter, smiles, questions, and challenges of students are what inspire me to continue on with this career every day. I hope that I have many more years to make a lasting impact in the lives of students, families and all of my coworkers.” -- Erin Ellis, Colfax

2. “His name is Elijah. He was the first young person I worked with. Initially, I didn't know he and I were connecting. In fact, I doubted my practice and capacity because I was new to the profession. Eventually, I found out that the story he shared with me was not one he shared with others. We worked together for a year in individual sessions and I also tutored him and he successfully passed his Regents exams. He graduated high school and he was the first in his family to go to college. He embodied perseverance and grit. We worked together so he had opportunity and access. He is the reason why I have remained in education for almost 20 years.” -- Linda August, Inspire