“It was a marvelously bright spring day- a perfect day to take my 8th graders on a bike ride along our city’s outstanding greenbelt. The trails were finally free of the sloshy slush and we were a week away from their graduation. What could be better than soaking up our final days together than hopping on our bikes and letting that fresh Alaskan spring breeze hit our skin as we meander the rolling hills to the song of babbling brooks nearby? Of course, I should’ve known that we wouldn’t be the only ones delighted to be out and about…”
Teacher Tales shares stories. Stories of educators of every variety, in and out of the classroom, at various points along their journey. It is an opportunity to hear from the teachers themselves about what teaching is really like. The moments that make us laugh, the ones that make us cringe, the ones that make us cry.
“Let’s stop at this bridge for a water break and enjoy the view. Look at those robins! Ah! Are the mosquitos out already?! Check out that cool tree stump over there- wait: that stump is moving…”
Since humans have been around, we’ve been telling stories. Stories are one of the most powerful tools we have to learn and connect with the world around us. They bring meaning and empathy into our days, and remind us of our humanity. We reach for story when we are happy, when we are seeking, when we need clarity, mystery, and understanding. When all else fails, we inherently know that story will be there as a balm, the necessary antidote to whatever it is that ails us.
“It’s not a tree stump! Is it a moose? Whatever it is, it’s headed this way…”
Teacher Tales was launched in Spring of 2024 with a live, sold-out storytelling event at the Bear Tooth Theatre and Pub in Anchorage, Alaska. We heard phenomenal tales from eight educators, and were serenaded by the soulful Witty Youngman’s music. We laughed, we cried, we reflected, and were fed well in every way. You can listen to their stories at Alaska Public Media.
The evening was inspiring and needed. It reminded us of our own human nature, and how important educators are. How they change lives for the better everyday. Sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
“Oh my goodness, IT’S A BEAR! Wait, TWO BLACK BEARS! Kids- get close together now, make loud noise, and they should get spooked and leave us alone.”
Teacher Tales recognizes that educators voices contain multitudes of perspective, wisdom, and endless learning. We are shining a light on educators not only to celebrate their devotion to the ones before them, but to show the coming generations there are heaps of humans working on their behalf. That, in a time where feelings of hopelessness are rampant especially among young ones, there are adults thinking and doing outside the box so that tomorrow may be a better day, for them.
“Oh dear, those bears do not seem to be deterred by our noise. Kids, create a shield with our bikes and encircle yourselves in them, NOW. I’ve got the bear spray ready. Where is Janel?!”
There are a few ways that Teacher Tales is evolving. We will continue to have an annual in-person event that features 6-8 educators. We are working to create “Educator Highlights,” which are short documentary films that shine a light on an educator in action while hearing their story. We are also creating a podcast for educators near and far, where we learn more about the what and why behind their work.
“JANEL! GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW!!! WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER!!! Kids- keep making noise and get big!”
This is where you come in. Visit www.teachertales.org today to learn more about these offerings and the myriad of ways you can support. Teacher Tales is successful because of everyone that contributes their skills, time, funds, expertise, and donations. Most importantly, Teacher Tales thrives because we believe in and know that educators are the glue that keep us together.
What happened with the bears and the class? And where is Janel? You’ll have to keep in touch to find out!