Meet another 10 teachers honored as part of our Black Teacher Appreciation Day celebration. Read what people had to say about these educators' and counselors' impact:

Ms. Brianna Moore, New Orleans, LA: "Counselors are the unsung heroes within the educator roles. Miss Moore takes her time with ensuring that every child and staff member has a true understanding of what support within an unjust system means and looks like."

Ms. Carleen Alford, Fort Campbell, KY: "This teacher believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, pushing me to work harder and see my potential. I’m thankful for them because their support gave me the confidence to pursue goals I once thought were out of reach. Carleen is a very good person and even better teacher."

Mr. Carlos Stewart, St. Paul, MN: "Carlos has been a mentor of mine since I was in 3rd grade. I am now 31. At a young age, when I was experiencing a lot in life, he was there for me to show me the things that could be possible for me in life & also showed up as a male/father figure in my life that I didn’t have."

Ms. Cayla Manley, Gary, IN: "Always goes above and beyond for students."

Mr. Christian Santos, Dorchester, MA (with multiple submissions): "This teacher has been my rock since 8th grade when I met him, and he’s also been my track coach. When I talk about Mr. Santos, I think about all the ways he’s encouraged me and made me feel better, not only about myself but about the things I want to do for my future and others."

"This teacher, and in better detail, a strong, powerful, Intelligent, understanding, and wise Black man, had greatly inspired me throughout the golden years of my life. In my eyes, to me, he was the father figure that I haven't had in years. He truly cares for his people, his students, and the ones he's close to, giving them the best support possible in his abilities. He is that one friend you'll forever have, a brother, and one you will forever remember. And that man, and his name, he goes by Mr. Santos."

"Mr. Santos inspired me to be better in life and treat people with respect and kindness. I’m thankful for him being in my life because he feels like a dad to me. And I’m his student manager for the track team."

Mr. Christopher Crenshaw, Richmond, VA: "Mr. Crenshaw shows up every day and pours his heart into his students. He is a positive role model for the black male students in our school."

Mr. Clarence Jackson, Jacksonville, FL: "Mr. Jackson pushes us to be disciplined, work hard, and never settle for less than our best. I’m thankful for him because he teaches lessons that go way beyond the classroom and will stick with me for the rest of my life.

He’s the only reason I passed algebra."

Mr. Colby Tillman, Prescott, AR: "Coach Tillman has inspired me to define the odds. Coach Tillman is the first African American Athletic Director in the Prescott School District."

Mr. Dameion Dabney, Laplace, LA: "Mr. Dabney inspired students by always believing in their potential, even when in doubt, Mr. Dabney always pushes his students to strive for excellence. I’m thankful for him because his encouragement and dedication helped shape students' confidence and motivated students to pursue their goals."

Mr. Dan Lauture, Stamford, CT: "Dan shows that teaching is a form of community leadership; he mentors future leaders capable of eliminating the male educator shortage in our state. I am thankful for his belief in our program and for providing the clinical experiences and structure that turns interest in education into a clear, achievable path.

Dan's efforts have informed the district he teaches in to automatically interview students who have completed the Educators Rising program in their district, leading to direct impact on diversifying the educator group in that local education association (including a recent hire in mathematics)."

Join us in continuing the celebration on May 7th - Black Teacher Appreciation Day. We'd love to hear more about Black teachers who made a difference in your life.