Educators are heroes. You know it. We know it. Stephen Colbert knows it. Even the president knows it. However, it's the voices of teachers themselves—as they advocate for their students—that best demonstrate their above-and-beyond commitment to young learners.Below are quotes from eight of the thousands of educators whose projects have shown us that teachers are even more awesome than we thought they were. Click on their names or project photos to learn more.[caption id="attachment_10016" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Ms. Reed's bearded dragon gets a new crib.[/caption]
"My students are always excited about learning and have literally soaked up all the information available on caring for our new pet." —Ms. Reed, Texas
[caption id="attachment_10018" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Mrs. Foster's music class becomes a jam session.[/caption]
"My students are still trying to find a way to express themselves and music is such an amazing way to do just that." —Mrs. Foster, Tennessee
[caption id="attachment_10019" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Whiteboards delivered. Anchor (charts) dropped.[/caption]
"Can you imagine the learning that this is going to inspire?" —Mrs. B., Maryland
[caption id="attachment_10020" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Robots are the wave of the present.[/caption]
"Students' lives will be forever changed by this project." —Mrs. Reber, New Jersey
[caption id="attachment_10021" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Basic supplies, extraordinary teacher.[/caption]
"We will use these materials to make our classwork shine!" —Mrs. Teixeira, Florida
[caption id="attachment_10022" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Mrs. Jones Levels Up Her Classroom Library[/caption]
"Remember getting tucked into bed at night after your parents read you a story?" —Mrs. Jones, Oklahoma
[caption id="attachment_10023" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Ice fishing. (Ice fishing!)[/caption]
"Students want to do more than learn; they want to test what they are learning." —Ms. Carlson-Huxford, Minnesota
[caption id="attachment_10024" align="aligncenter" width="720"]
Ms. Romano goes to the mat for her students.[/caption]
"Collectively, [my students] have so many positive traits. And yet, I see many of them struggle with their own self-confidence and self-efficacy." —Ms. Romano, Illinois