Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph says playing a teacher on the hit series “Abbott Elementary” has been an honor because it stokes so many people’s memories about teachers who made a positive impact on them.

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.

Even when the conversation is difficult, educators always help set students on a path to success. Don't believe us? Ask Mahershala Ali

For Nigerian-American writer and author of the critically-acclaimed "Children of Blood and Bone," Tomi Adeyemi, finding inspiration happened in the classroom. Thanks to her teacher, Mr. McCloud, and a whole host of passionate educators, Adeyemi's imagination was SPARKED.

For Sharon Owens, a recently retired educator is a core inspiration for her. Thanks to her, more students of color are finding interest in STEM.

Accounting was not the most exciting class in college for Doug, but his professor's way of teaching made the course not only interesting, but fun.

This former student's favorite teacher did it all - she was a nationally recognized math teacher, consultant for Texas Instruments, wrote a textbook - oh, and she was his mom.

Helping students stay focused can require a lot of collaboration, thankfully one educator helped this woman soar.