A triumphant story of the spirit

This is for anyone who thinks teaching's a cushy job, who thinks teachers are only in it for the money. Pat Riordan's in it for the kids.

Sometimes you have to put aside your own sense of loss to inspire others to rise above theirs.

Together with other school staff, Riordan works to bring structure and inspire hope, unraveling the troubles and trauma behind disruptive behaviors and learning delays. When their emotionally-responsive tactics are criticized by di...