One of the things I love most about my job
is getting to meet amazing teachers.
They don't always have everything
they need in the classroom.
They spend their own time and money
and continue to inspire generations of kids.
How do you keep them positive?
How do you keep them focused?
These kids are just amazing.
And we want to make certain that our school is like a family.
So when you're here, you're safe.
And we're going to keep you safe.
I've always wanted to be a teacher.
Why is that?
My first grade teacher, she kind of changed my life.
I have learning disabilities.
I'm dyslexic.
And when I found that out, she made
me feel just as smart and capable as everyone else
in that room.
And I just hope I can make other children feel that way.
They all are capable, and smart, and can chase their dreams
and do what they want to do.
Imagine teaching a child that's crying because they're hungry
or imagine teaching a child that's
crying because they heard their parents fussing
the night before.
Something crazy like that.
So teachers like me, we find different ways
to be creative, innovative, and engage them and teach them
the instructional content that will make them productive
global leaders.
Let's hear about your teacher and why you love him so much.
Because he's nice to me.
Because he's nice to you.
Because Mr. Bonner is tall.
[LAUGHTER]
I've been teaching for five years now
and it has shaped the way I view the entire world.
It's shaped me as a person.
It's helped me understand patience and resilience.
And the honor to teach children every day
is something that is just unbelievable.
My whole philosophy with it is I can make it fun
and they're laughing and they're enjoying it.
If they're laughing, they're going to remember it.
So that's why I do it.
I call all of them my sons, my daughters.
There is absolutely nothing I wouldn't do for them.
Because they are me.
They are exactly how I was growing up,
just a different side of town.
And I think about everything that they go through.
My heart just--
Words can't even describe how much I love those children.
Well, and how fortunate they are to have teachers and people
in their lives that love them that much, because that
is going to change everything for them.
As you know, it already has.
They feel that.
They know the investment.
Ellen, my children--
Can you hear me?
Yes, I can.
Are the most important thing to me.
They are the most important thing.
And if they need me, I am there.
I also am really passionate about teaching
since I was little because my brother always really
struggled with school.
He had a disability and was in and out of special education.
And I just saw his disbelief in himself
and how he felt like school was not his thing.
I wanted to be the teacher that made every kid feel
like school was for them.
That's amazing.
You are my inspiration.
I teach my kids every single day at school
to be kind to one another.
The world would be such a better place
if people followed that rule.
Thank you for teaching me to speak English
and showing me the right path and being with me all along.
We are really laying the foundation for what
a community school looks like.
And what better way to change the world but in a school.
I mean, come on.
Nothing beats that.
Even though Cook, our principal, he don't really
feel like our principal.
He feel like more like one of us because he laughs with us,
he jokes with us.
And most of all, I can remember that he taught us
what family mean at my school.
Forget about me, I love you.
[APPLAUSE]