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We all have an educator who inspired us

In ways small and large, our educators affect our lives for years to come. They may never know how much they helped us or influenced us on our path in life. Now is the time to tell them how much they matter.

Share Your Story

We all have an educator who inspired us

In ways small and large, our educators affect our lives for years to come. They may never know how much they helped us or influenced us on our path in life. Now is the time to tell them how much they matter.

Share Your Story


Latest Story

Mahershala Ali
Academy Award-winning actor Mahershala Ali reflects on a teacher who helped turn his life around after his father passed away. She encouraged him to study acting, wrote him a recommendation letter and helped push him to achieve more than what he thought was possible.
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Everyone has that one teacher...

The educator who changed the course of their life, who taught them something they still use, or who motivated them to be something more than they ever thought they could be.  

Too often these stories don’t get shared, and our teachers, coaches and mentors never know the difference they’ve made in their students’ lives.  

We have all been positively impacted by educators. We are all Educator Inspired.

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We all have a story to tell about an educator who inspired us.

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Kathy Hochul

“I am here today because Mr. James sparked in me the knowledge that government can be a force of good for people.”

Kathy Hochul, NYS Governor

New York’s first female Governor Kathy Hochul credits her 8th grade social studies teacher with teaching her the importance of government and inspiring her to believe she could make a difference in the halls of power.

James Skoufis

“She made an indelible impact on my life.”

Mahershala Ali, American Actor

Academy Award winning actor Mahershala Ali reflects on a teacher who helped turn his life around after his father passed away. She encouraged him to study acting, wrote him a recommendation letter and helped push him to achieve more than what he thought was possible.

Thomas DiNapoli

"I wouldn't be state comptroller if I didn't have wonderful teachers, especially in social studies."

Thomas DiNapoli, NYS Comptroller

Thomas DiNapoli was inspired to pursue a career in public service by his teachers. He said his high school social studies teachers motivated him to seek a seat in student government and then later, the school board. At 18 in 1972, he was the youngest person elected to public office in New York State history.

Shelley Mayer

“I remember building it on cardboard … what a change agent that teacher was.”

Shelley Mayer, NYS Senator, D-White Plains

A 4th grade Yonkers art teacher’s assignment continues to inspire Shelley Mayer. As the Lincoln Center redesign displaced residents, Mayer’s teacher instructed students to develop a LC design that balanced residents’ needs.

See more Educator Inspired Stories

The need has never been greater

Educators have never been more important for the future of our nation. And they've never been more under attack, just for doing their jobs and supporting our students.
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