What if you discovered that something you said to a student—something you barely remembered—had changed the course of that student's life?

For 30 years, elementary school PE teacher Debra Bentrem has been teaching children in Simpsonville, South Carolina. But her lessons have never been just about sports. She's taught thousands of children about kindness, integrity, teamwork, and believing in themselves. And she has no plans to retire.

Why?

Because she still wants to make a difference. In this heartwarming episode of Teacher Stories, Ms. Bentrem discovers just how much of a difference she's made. It begins with a remarkable story from Juliana Paxton, a former student who returned to Deb's school for three days to help with field day and observe her teaching. During those three days, something extraordinary happened. A few encouraging words, a teacher's genuine excitement at seeing her, and the chance to experience teaching firsthand changed Juliana's plans for her future. She decided she wanted to become a PE teacher herself.

But Juliana's story doesn't end there. She wanted Ms. Bentrem to know how profoundly she'd influenced her life and to recognize a teacher who had devoted three decades to helping children, yet received less recognition than Juliana believed she deserved. When Ms. Bentrem hears Juliana's account, her emotional response speaks volumes.

This episode also reminds us that physical education can teach some of life's most important lessons—and that the greatest gift a teacher can give a student may be something as simple as making them feel seen, valued, and capable.

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or someone who remembers an educator who changed your life, this is a story that will likely resonate with you.

What happens when a teacher refuses to define students by their shortcomings? In this first episode of Teacher Stories' new partnership with Above & Beyond Teaching, Ken Futernick talks with 2024 Above & Beyond honoree Mike Tinoco, an English and journalism teacher from San Jose whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. Mike shares how his own struggles in school shaped his commitment to seeing every student’s potential—especially those others might overlook.

Former student Chris Hernandez arrived in Mike’s classroom gang-involved, frequently in trouble, and disengaged from school. Today, he credits Mike with helping him imagine a future he never thought possible. Along the way, Mike explains why unconditional care, meaningful relationships, and a sense of community matter more than any lesson plan.

This is a powerful conversation about belonging, second chances, and the quiet ways teachers change lives—often without ever knowing the full impact of their work.