A “woke” teacher? Nicholas Ferroni is something much more. Meet Nicholas Ferroni, a high school history teacher in New Jersey and a Builder on the Frontline. After 21 years of teaching, Nick almost walked away, overwhelmed by stress, low pay, and lack of support. But his love for teaching and commitment to his students kept him in the classroom. Nick doesn’t just teach the past — he challenges students to engage with it and grow. When he flipped the gender dynamics of Congress in a classroom experiment, the boys were frustrated that the girls made the rules. Power dynamics became personal. This is the kind of critical thinking and empathy Nick’s teaching fosters. Called a “woke teacher” and accused of pushing an agenda, Nick believes teaching is about building understanding, not winning arguments. His dedication extends beyond lesson plans — he advocates for the profession he loves, even when the challenges are overwhelming. Everyday heroes. Extraordinary resilience. These are the ...