There are certain times of year – namely, Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week – when there’s a nationwide spotlight on the incredible work teachers and nurses do day in and day out. Interestingly, of all 52 weeks in a calendar year, the two celebrations overlap annually around the second week of May.
When they’re most recognized is not the only similarity between the two professions. Headlines regularly proclaim employment shortages, limited resources, high stress and increasing burnout in both industries. At American College of Education (ACE), we recognize that the dedicated professionals who make teaching and nursing impactful tell a deeper story – one of compassion, resilience, advocacy, teamwork and community support.
We wanted to hear real stories from teachers and nurses to learn more about their meaningful careers and purpose-driven work.
How the Power of Education Starts With Teachers
Behind every confident student, breakthrough moment and bright future is a teacher who made it possible. Teachers make a difference as the power source behind education, cultivating the bright minds and global leaders of yesterday, today and tomorrow. If we are all powered by teachers, what drives them?
“During a senior walk, a young man I taught in fifth grade sought me out in the crowd. He found me, wrapped his arms around me and said, ‘I made it because of you. You never stopped cheering for me, even after I left your classroom.’ I had not realized, in the ordinary rhythm of those days, that my belief in him had become something he carried. That moment crystallized what research in relational pedagogy has long affirmed, that the teacher-student bond is not transactional, but transformational. The work does not end when the school year does.”
Shelley Williams-Falls, Ed.D. in Leadership 2026
“After a tough year, one of my students who is deaf and blind with significant disabilities looked at a word and fingerspelled it: C-A-T!”
Holly Abel, Micro-credential in Learning Behavior Specialist 1 2025
How Nurses Find Strength in Every Shift
Nurses demonstrate incredible strength as they carry out various aspects of healthcare each day. Their ability to show up with unwavering resilience, professionalism and clinical expertise showcases many reasons why nurses matter. What strengthens them during every shift?
“It’s very important to seek support when difficult situations arise. You don’t have to pretend you know everything while you are continuing to learn. Experienced nurses understand this. Having the ability to ask for help is a characteristic that will benefit you in the long run.”
Kristal Seal, RN to BSN 2023
“As a nurse, mom and student, I feel like there’s never enough time in the day. When I’m rushing out the door in the morning, I don’t have time to think about what I’m going to eat, but it’s important for me to fuel my body and mind. When I’m working a 12-hour shift, there isn’t much time to prepare meals from scratch. About midway through my shift, I usually need a pick-me-up. Healthy, easy snacks give me the fuel I need to get through even the busiest days. Exercise also boosts my mood and reduces stress and anxiety.”
Shauna Smith, RN to MSN 2021
What Teachers and Nurses Have in Common
Though classrooms and hospital halls may look very different, the people working in them often describe the same thing: the power of human connection.
“When our middle school closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we finished the school year virtually. Like many districts at that time, we didn’t have the systems in place to support that kind of teaching. I offered virtual daily office hours, and one student consistently came, even though they didn’t need support. When school resumed in the fall, that student shared with me that they were so scared during the lockdowns and that they came to my office hours because I always made them feel comfortable and safe. As that student continued their education, they insisted on staying in touch. I would get an email every few months, updating me on their life and classes in high school. At one point, the student’s mental health professional encouraged them to share their struggles with a trusted adult who wasn’t their parent. They came to me because they felt safe with me. We have continued to stay in touch as they moved on to college, and they are a constant reminder of the impact that I have as a teacher and the unique role that we play in the lives of our students.”
Justin Garner, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership 2021
“One shift that sticks with me was one of those everything-at-once days – short staffed, nonstop needs, just trying to keep things moving. I remember feeling pretty drained, and then one of my patients, who had every reason to be overwhelmed, paused and said, ‘I’m really glad you’re here.’ It was simple, but it reset everything for me. It reminded me that even on the hardest days, what we do matters more than we realize. I also think about the mentors who showed me how to lead with calm and compassion, especially in moments like that. Now, I try to be that steady support for my team while making sure our patients feel seen and cared for. Honestly, it’s the small patient moments and the people I work alongside who give me the strength to keep showing up.”
Mark-Jayson Garcia, BSN to MSN 2026
Why Their Stories Matter
Positive student and patient outcomes demonstrate how essential teachers and nurses are. They remain committed to the profession because of the lives they impact, despite challenges they face. Many of them are inspired to pursue their careers after experiences that made a difference in their own lives.
“I currently teach high school science at my alma mater. I love the rural environment and small classes, but when I got to college, I was quickly disappointed by how much further ahead other students were than me. They had access to advanced placement and dual credit classes. I decided to take the initiative to change that, and now I teach dual credit courses that have helped many students get closer to achieving their goals before they even graduate.”
Nathan Gayheart, M.Ed. in Advanced Studies 2023
“My mother was an elementary school teacher for as long as I can remember. I would help out in her classroom whenever I had the chance. Watching her make a difference and volunteering in schools made me realize that I wanted to be just like her. I began working in preschool settings and loved it. I was able to watch the youngest learners grow into little humans and become proud of themselves. I watched students with special needs grow and learn while they were in my care. I’ve had families thank me for loving their students and providing them with a space where they can be themselves and learn at their own pace. I’ve also had teachers thank me for providing a safe place for them to come and vent to me or just take a breather.”
Carla Ramirez, M.Ed. in Special Education 2023
“I knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was in high school after having a less-than-therapeutic experience with a nurse after I had surgery. I thought if I could spare one person from going through what I went through, I would achieve my goal. I took the long way around and finally decided that, as I was aging, I was not going to be able to keep pace with kindergarteners’ intellectual and developmental disabilities forever. The more research I did, the more I realized how big the need is for teaching about this population and how deep the healthcare disparities were.”
Mary Misiunas, RN to MSN 2022
“Nursing provides the opportunity to help others during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Although the work can be emotionally and physically demanding, the sense of purpose and human connection it brings makes it deeply fulfilling. At times, I think about the small things that nourish the soul, and nursing offers a meaningful reminder of the impact compassion and care can have on others.”
Marisol Arambula, Master of Public Health 2025
These stories remind us that purpose still exists in professions often defined by challenges and barriers. ACE offers affordable programs that support nurses and teachers in pursuing their professional goals.
