Versa Alexander, a 33-year veteran teacher/counselor and lifelong NAACP member, doesn't understand where the achievement gap comes from - she believes all kids can succeed regardless of anything. Instead of pointing blaming fingers, Versa is closing the e

Former gang groupee, Jessica Hatley, mother of a toddler and high school student, struggled to find a good home for her family and a good school so her bright high school daughter could be successful. Jessica is still trying to find the right education an

Melvin Tate, retired educator and administrator, formed PAID – People Advocating Involvement in Democracy. As an administrator hired to address issues of diversity in Kent School District, Melvin tells when he first realized how important it is to h

Former bus driver Diane Formoso cried for two hours after a kindergartener told her, “Diane, Santa isn't coming to our house this year because my mommy has to pay the rent.” That was 40 years ago. Now through Caring for Kids, Diane ensures hund

Ala Talo is the Executive Marketing Director at Stafford Elementary School for Hearts for Kids, an after-school enrichment and academic program. Ala is a Pacific Islander and mother of four children, two of whom attend Stewart Middle School, a turnaround

Alicia Clapp is a single mother of four boys in public schools in Pierce County. One son attends one of Tacoma's high schools. Alicia explains how it took considerable effort to create a line of communication between her son and two of his teachers. ...

Lera Moore and her boss, Trina Westerlund, of CHILD – Children's Institute for Learning Differences - discuss how they use their backgrounds to help teachers get the information and resources they need to help all learning styles. Trina says: “I

John Campbell, father, former school board member, and current teacher in Steilacoom Historical School District divulges some secrets to effective teaching. John says one of his biggest concerns with the teaching profession is that some of Steilacoom's

Solomon Simmons defies stereotypes of a typical high school dropout. Soft spoken and to the point, Simmons had attended private school, where he was performing on grade level. When he transferred back to public school, he eventually dropped out. At age 20

Renee Harris and her husband researched the available options and chose the best school with the smallest class size and the best teacher for her children. Renee protects her children from her local Tacoma neighborhood school and takes their education int