Remember the teachers who most shaped your life--and your future?

Maybe they gave you a new perspective on a challenging subject.

Maybe they presented class material in a way that was so much fun, you never realized how much you were learning.

Maybe they saw your potential, long before you did.

And most of all--no "maybe" about it!--they used their talents and creativity to inspire their students and help them grow, while related what they were teaching to those students and their lives.

Over Coffee® has had the pleasure of featuring innumerable teachers in these categories.

While doing justice to all of them is impossible, here are four exceptional educators whom we'd like to spotlight, as we get into Summer, 2025.

Math with meaning

National Board Certified math teacher Krystal Jones relates her subject--mathematics--to solving social problems.

"Math is in everything," Krystal explains, as she discusses the ways she's involved students in her San Jose classroom in math-based projects related to the issues they're seeing around them.

Geometry, proportions and probabilities take on new life for her students as Krystal, who has served as Engineering Education Leader in San Jose's Tech Interactive Museum, guides them through global, socially-conscious project-based experiences.

"I'm the mad scientist," says Mechatronics Engineering Instructor Jim Burnham, of his work at at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education High School.

And his goal, as he shares his expertise from his background as a professional engineer, is to show his students the fun and creative aspects of engineering.

Accordingly, Jim, who won Santa Clara County School District's "Teacher of the Year" Award in 2019, and in 2023, gets his students busy collaborating as they explore construction of devices such as Rube Goldberg machines, haunted-house props and other projects that involve "hacking the world" with Arduinos and Raspberry Pi devices. He also shares his curricula on his website, using his moniker, "STEAM Clown".

And. oh, yes--there may be a few fire-breathing robots along the way.

Meanwhile, Africa VR Campus and Center Founder/CEO Paul Simon Waiyaki and Africa VR Campus and Center Associate Director/XR Girls Africa Founder Diana Njeri are using virtual reality to change the world through education.

Since 2016, their Kenya-based nonprofit has used VR headsets to conduct free weekly classes for teenage girls, teaching them both technical and entrepreneurial skills.

And they're doing so against a background of limited resources and dangerous circumstances for young women.

Diana, who was recently honored with XR Women's Real World Impact Award for her work in the metaverse, explains that among girls from poor families, teenage pregnancies, early marriages and prostitution are rampant. Opportunities to learn technology and skills for a future job market are almost nonexistent.

"Some of these schools don't have roofs!" exclaims Waiyaki, who explains that, during his days as a classroom teacher, the "technology" he was given for teaching consisted of--a television set. But VR became a game-changer for him, Diana and the youth they're serving, after his first immersive experience.

As Africa VR Campus and Center's teaching program has grown and flourished, not only have XR Girls Africa won an award from Girls' STEAM Institute, but a new agricultural project--with an upcoming digital component--has empowered them in unprecedented ways.

And that's just today. We can't wait to tell you more about what they'll do in 2026!

For Anthony Quan, education is about helping students understand the world around them.

And he sees the arts as essential to facilitating that understanding.

As Los Angeles County Office of Education STEM Science Coordinator, Anthony serves all 81 school districts in the county. Focusing on STEAM as well as STEM initiatives, he also provides resources and training for teachers at numerous other institutions, at both K through 12 and college level.

And he sees the "A" of "STEAM" as a crucial element.

"You really can't understand the world if you're just learning science," he explains.

"(Or) if you're just learning math...technology (or) engineering."

History, art and storytelling, he continues, are essential to that understanding.

Anthony, who has a background as a marine biologist and an award-winning middle school science teacher, is also the founder of the Los Angeles County Engaging Girls in STEM: a program designed to show girls the possibilities of future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Imagination and a sense of curiosity are at the core of his work.

So is the concept of STEAM as a facilitator for teaching multiple subjects.

"Through a STEAM lens, we can now take one idea and flow in all these different content areas," he says.

"Where can we address one theme) through math, science, history, P.E., etcetera?"

He also encourages teachers to ask students, "What else are you thinking? What questions are coming up? What do you understand, at this point?"

And the goal, he continues, is to get the students "jazzed" about the world around them.

One such opportunity for teachers is coming up this summer.

In partnership with UCLA Science Project, LACOE will be offering two one-day teacher workshops in July and August.

"Science of Boba" will have participants exploring culturally relevant teaching--as they explore the science, including physics, chemistry and life science concepts, behind this popular beverage! (Here's the link for more information.)

Anthony talked about his background, shared the story of Engaging Girls in STEM and offered a closer look at ways to incorporate the arts into STEM teaching, as well as resources available to students and educators through LACOE.

"You have to meet students where they are," says Think Tank Science Program Director Christina Campbell.

That's what Think Tank Science is doing--both geographically and figuratively.

Since March, 2024, their mobile STEAM lab has been visiting Southern California schools, with an emphasis on providing resources and mentorship to underserved communities.

Their mission: to bridge the gap and empower students with creative problem-solving skills and spark their imagination, preparing them to be the innovators of the future workforce.

They're accomplishing these goals by involving the students in maker projects, which include basic woodworking, 3D printing, robotics and advanced design. School visits, after school programs and day camps are all among their services.

In addition, their curricula are not restricted to current K through 12 students.

Opportunities for all

"We reject the notion that learning is confined by age," says Think Tank Science's website.

Accordingly, they offer DIY courses to individuals of all ages--and all skill levels. (Check out their YouTube video on creating an LED lamp, one of their most popular projects, here.)

In addition, their services are not restricted by socioeconomic factors.

Christina says that the program is available for free to schools in underserved areas--and their biggest challenge is connecting with administrators to arrange a time when their lab can visit the school!

While Think Tank Science is a nonprofit, they also raise funds by offering paid services, including birthday parties and summer day camps. (Their 2025 summer day camp begins in July!) Here's the link if you'd like to know more about booking them for a special event.)

Christina talked about her own educational journey which led to her expertise in development and designing curriculum, how Think Tank Science's mobile lab began and where they'd like to expand in the future.

"(Invention education) needs a megaphone," says California Invention Convention Executive Director Brenda Payne.

Since 2017, she and her team have been doing their best to provide one.

California Invention Convention offers students an opportunity to invent creative solutions to the problems they see around them.

Their invention education program, as listed on their website, is a 10-week, open-source invention education curriculum for grades K through 12. Students are encouraged to combine science, technology, engineering, art and math with maker skills to invent a way to solve a problem they've identified.

Meanwhile, the program continues to train educators who would like to bring invention education into the classroom. Here's their link for education professionals who would like more information!

Described on California Invention Convention's website as the Engineering Cycle, the process through which participating students go includes identifying the problem, looking at solutions that may already exist, and brainstorming ways to improve on these solutions. Then, they design, build and test their inventions.

And every spring, these young inventors get to take their projects out of the classroom and present them to a team of judges, in regional events in Northern and Southern California.

Top Award Winners go on to the National competition, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Some of the young participants have actually obtained patents for their inventions. Some have gone on to pursue careers in the areas they researched. Many times, Brenda says, the problem-solving process captures the students' imagination to the point that they become "serial inventors".

And all of them are learning vital communication and research skills.

In April 2025, more than 190 students, from 49 schools, participated in the Northern/Central California Invention Convention, according to the program website. The 2025 Southern California regional participants presented their work in March, and the National competition, to which the finalists are invited, will be happening this Wednesday through Friday, June 4th through 6th, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Following this National event, the worldwide Invention Convention Globals will welcome selected finalists from the U.S., Mexico, Singapore and China.

In addition, preparations are already under way for the regionals in Spring, 2026.

Brenda talked about her own educational journey, shared the story of the California Invention Convention and offered a preview of what's next.

"How do we get everyone who's blind, out and about?"

That's the question which Glidance Founder and CEO Amos Miller originally asked himself.

As an engineer and inventor, he came up with a game-changing answer.

Meet Glide, the world's first intelligent guide for the low-vision community.

"Just to describe it for people, (Glide is) a two-wheeled robot," Amos explains.

But there's an important difference.

Technically, Glide is an autonomous device with two wheels and a handle, somewhat reminiscent of a small lawn mower. A user, Amos explains, activates the device by setting it down in front of them and nudging it forward. Then, using sensors and artificial intelligence, Glide navigates a safe path for that person to travel.

However, while Glide is responsive to its environment, the user remains in control, at all times.

"We want to keep all the agency in the hands of the user," Amos says, explaining that Glide's wheels are not motorized: the device depends on user input, such as releasing the brakes, to operate.

Glidance is scheduled to ship their first pre-ordered Glide devices in Fall, 2025.

Meanwhile, although their preorder program is currently closed, a waitlist is available,

And Amos's commitment to empowering the low-vision community goes far beyond simply selling a product.

Glide was developed and revised in accordance with feedback from early prototype users.

Amos says almost 7,000 blind people have tested Glide's early prototypes, so far.

"(Getting their thoughts and concerns) is really how we've been doing it, and plan to continue doing it," he explains.

He and his team have, so far, hosted over 20 "Glide Demo Days", according to Glidance's website. These have taken place in cities including London, San Francisco, Nashville and Washington, D.C.

From now through the launch date, they have plans to "hit the road" (and fire up Zoom!) for addition virtual and in-person demo sessions.

Meanwhile, they're building a community of users, called "Gliders", who receive news updates through Glidance's website, as well as exclusive invitations to upcoming Demo Days and events. (And if you'd like to know more, you're invited to register for the Glide Community.)

(Of note: since our January 2025 conversation, Glide has garnered yet another award! In March they won South by Southwest's 2025 Pitch Competition, taking the top prize in the HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech & Accessibility Category. Congratulations to Amos and his team!)

In this January, 2025 conversation, Amos talked about his creative journey, shared the story of Glide and offered a preview of what’s next!

On Saturday, June 7th, Seattle will get to experience something brand-new.

That's the date when participants in Downtown Seattle's version of "Jane's Walk" can see the projected future of their city, in augmented reality!

"Our goal, with our Jane's Walk, is to... help people understand and engage with the future of Seattle in a new way," says award-winning augmented-reality creator and Downtown Seattle Community Council Chair Julia Beabout.

As both VRARA Seattle's Chair of Programs and Community and the CEO/Creative Director of global AR agency and digital art production studio Novaby, Julia says she and her staff "LOVE transforming spaces into joyful, people-centered places" using augmented reality.

Accordingly, Julia and her staff are currently using their talents to add a new aspect to "Jane's Walk". This free community event, happening in five different Seattle locations, will allow walkers to view the future design of downtown Seattle through current and prospective projects in augmented reality. (And here's the link to register for one of the two guided tours!)

No technological expertise is necessary, and Julia says, if you're new to AR, the technology isn't intimidating.

"The learning curve is about 30 seconds."

And, Julia says, Jane's Walk Seattle needs some in-person volunteers! Here's where to sign up if you can help.

Augmented storytelling

Jane's Walk, which started in Toronto in 2006, is a worldwide. citizen-led movement. Described on their website as "walking conversations inspired by (writer and community activist) Jane Jacobs", the goals are connection, and community, as people share stories.

And augmented reality, as Novaby has demonstrated, is very well suited to storytelling.

The honors they've won. for their AR work, include a Vega Digital Award for their "Live at the Black Hawk" project, and an AIA Award for their "Past Present Future" Seattle history tour.

Julia talked about her creative journey with augmented reality, shared a preview of Seattle's upcoming Jane's Walk and offered some resources for anyone who'd like to start a Jane's Walk in their community or learn more about creating augmented reality projects.

Performance, digital and visual artist Sara "Tink" Mapelli has a unique title: "The Bee Queen".

Tink, as she prefers to be called, is the creator of Artopia, the first artist district in the Multiverse. She is also a talented and prolific world builder in Meta Horizon Worlds, as well as a community leader. Every Tuesday morning, Tink hosts "Women of Workrooms", in which digital creators gather in virtual space to learn new technologies and discuss their current work.

And her "Bee Queen" title stems from her live performance events.

Performances of healing

Wearing as many as 15,000 live bees, she'll dance for a "healing circle" of attendees--realigning energy and encouraging participants to change their perspectives from fear to wonder. Tink says her bee dances, which happen in a " healing circle" and are intensely powerful experiences, are her "favorite thing in the world".

She explains that her dances are about changing her audience members' perspectives--from fear to awe.

"People are always like, 'oooh! A bee!'", Tink says. "And I'm like, 'no, this is nature.'

"Have the awe, and have the re-memory that we are all together."

The inspiration of the "hive mentality"

Her work with her bees tends to "cross-pollinate" her other creative projects, as she continues exploring and sharing her talents in the Multiverse, as well as exhibiting her art in her studio.

In the Multiverse, Tink says, she sees the "hive mentality": everyone creating their "cells" to collaborate on a larger, life-affirming project.

And she invites you to explore with her--whether in her "Women of Workrooms" session, by exploring her "Tink's Playground Queendom Hub" in Meta Horizon Worlds, or by finding out more about her bee dances.

Tink talked about her creative journey as an artist, explained how her bee dances originated and shared the story of learning to build and lead communities in the Multiverse.

"My creativity teaches me who I am, every day," says fine artist Robbi Firestone.

As she explores that creativity, one of the artist's tools in her palette is virtual reality.

A gifted painter and multimedia creator, Robbi is also a performance artist and an award-winning international speaker. And besides teaching (in her Santa Fe studio and in the metaverse), she creates art in virtual reality, in real time, in front of live audiences!

Here is a quick demonstration of her metaverse art, from her YouTube channel.

In the physical world, Robbi creates powerful and intense landscapes and portraits, as well as thought-provoking mixed-media work. Her recent painting series, "SkyDance" , captures both the beauty and intensity of the skies, while her mixed-media projects range from a deeply personal exploration to a clever satire on modern times.

Her metaverse work represents the next steps in an ongoing journey of growing, teaching and evolution.

"...When I think of all these magnificent and infinite possibilities that we have with virtual reality, I feel very interested in exploring the fine arts within it," Robbi says.

Her live painting experiences, using digital tools in VR, allow her to interact with participants from all over the world, demonstrating her techniques as well as wowing audiences who see ideas coming to life onstage.

And as she explores, her goal is to use her art to benefit the world.

"I love teaching. I love having people wanting to grow themselves," says Robbi, who has traveled all over the world performing in virtual reality, and has taught numerous classes, virtually and in-person.

While Robbi accepts studio visits by appointment, she is also currently in discussion with planners about scheduling her next VR performances--and may very well be hosting some creative retreats in the near future! (And she invites you to reach out to her through her website, if you'd like to know more.)

Robbi talked about her creative journey, offered some insights into the knowledge that has allowed her to work full-time as a fine artist and shared the story of her introduction to the metaverse as an artist's venue.