CURRENT EVENT | MAY 21, 2016

A Teacher Who Paid Attention

A former high school English teacher sits down with a former student. Like many students at his high school, he never graduated. Now, his teacher asks him why. They discuss how he could have better supported his students and what they needed. The student explains that despite his kind efforts, school was always difficult for him. Listen to their conversation to hear more about the challenges of both the teacher and student.

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Story Length: 2:00

Listen to the Story:

Listening Comprehension Questions

What was one of Malala Yousafzai’s first experiences with the dangers of religious extremism?
After miraculously surviving her attack, what has Malala focused her work on?
What is the message that Malala is trying to send to those in power?
What does Malala want to do in the future?
What are the goals of Malala’s mission to support girls?

Discussion Themes

What is your opinion on Malala’s message about the power of education?
Why do you think that ISIS might want to silence people like Malala?

Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234

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May 15, 2016

2:54

Reflecting with a Teacher

Yusor Abu Salha was killed in the tragic 2015 shooting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A year before, she had recorded an interview with her former third grade teacher and principal, Mussarut Jabeen. During their conversation, Yusor remembers Jabeen’s important lessons about how to treat others, while Jabeen remembers Yusor’s giving nature. Jabeen also knew the two other shooting victims, and remembers them fondly as well. Listen to the story to hear both Yusor and Jabeen reflect on the past.

May 8, 2016

4:35

A Gift for a Teacher

At some point in our lives, most of us have a tough teacher who pushes us hard to do our best. Reporter and All Things Considered Host Audie Cornish remembers her teacher of history and current events, was just that kind of teacher. Her strict teaching style clearly benefited Audie, who looks back fondly on all that she learned from her. Listen to this recent conversation between Audie and her former teacher, in which they reminisce together about their experiences as teacher and student.

May 5, 2016

6:54

Kobe’s Teacher

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, listen to this story about Kobe Bryant’s high school English teacher. Throughout the years, Jeanne Mastriano had a profound influence on the basketball star; in fact, he has even called her his “muse.” Mrs. Mastriano talks about Kobe’s old study habits, his high school passions, and a recent poem he wrote about retiring from basketball. Listen to hear more about how this high school teacher has made a positive and lasting impact on Kobe and many other students.