A Teacher Appreciation Story that Inspires

Sometimes, it takes a life-changing event to spur people to action. Dr. Lee Buono, a neurosurgeon from Medford, Burlington County, was encouraged by one of his patients to thank Albert Siedlecki, the teacher who inspired him to become a neurosurgeon. In the 1980s, Mr. Siedlecki taught Dr. Buono how to dissect a frogs brain. Nearly 20 years later, Dr. Buono is saving lives. Watch their story.
May 3-9, 2009 is Teacher Appreciation Week - a great time to celebrate the achievements of New Jerseys teachers. This week and every week NJEA is working to highlight the stories of teachers and educational support professionals who are making a difference in the lives of students. Watch Classroom Close-up, NJ on NJN or online to hear more stories of educators making a difference.
#Teacher Appreciation

[@juliehodgson9902]

Now THIS is a great teacher. He's not zipping around the classroom rapping or doing a song and dance. Its just good teaching. Beautiful.

[@DrCalviny]

I was lucky to meet my kindergarten teacher after 25 years. It was difficult being an immigrant child when first arriving in North America, but her kind smile and gentle nature helped me grow accustom to the culture. I'm glad I was able to tell her how much she has made an impact in my life.

[@cshinn13]

The beautiful part of life is how we use it to impact others. May we all do our best to encourage and motivate others to strive for their best.

[@LarryLawfer]

There are very few more important people in your life than a teacher who believes in you and pushes you towards your strengths and abilities. This is a wonderful story about how much teachers mean in our lives.

[@shereedwarennereedrana8349]

This maked me weep. Dr. Lee is an amazing human being?

[@michelecianci5714]

Dr. Lee Buono is my cousin, our entire family is so very proud of him and his wonderful accomplishments. I wasn't aware of this story until now and I was truly touched. Dr. Buono is an exceptional neurosurgeon, thanks Mr.Si. Michele

[@shereedwarennereedrana8349]

He is a man amongst men. He saved me from being a quadrapelegic. He's given me years of enjoying life with my granddaughter. I need to get back to see him so I'm here and functioning for many more years to come. The man he is reflects the upbringing and family he hails from.

[@BigRay19781]

Dr. Lee Buono placed a "SHUNT" in my brain when I had a hemorrhagic stroke in 2007. He told my wife "He is going to be just fine"! She refused to listen to anyone else speculate. 20 days later I came out of a COMA and 50 days later I walked out of REHAB! I now own an insurance agency in Texarkana, AR. One day I am going to go see Dr. Buono and thank o him in person. Until then, Dr. Buono, I thank GOD for you and your work!!

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

I am a successful artist today....I doubt that would have happened, if it wasn't for my art teacher in High School... she took the time to tutor me, both in class and in her free time.... So, thank you Mrs Prince... you are my hero.....

[@zoomdweebie69]

Dr. Lee Buono was a classmate of mine at Memorial Middle school, congrats to Lee for going on to become a neurosurgeon and helping others. Mr. Si was a great teacher, I remember him!

[@mmperks4]

I go to his class every day for science! He's hilarious. Favorite teacher evar!

[@TGIFridayy]

I had Mr. Sie when I was in 8th grade and I LOVED him! He always told me that I am going to save the world someday, and all I can say is that I'm working on it. But one of the funny things about this video is that it makes him look like a totally normal person, but that is definitely NOT the case. He is completely insane (but in a good way.) He used to shoot thumb tacks across the room by blowing through a glass tube with a sombrero on his head. Eighth grade science. Fun times.

[@nimasayu17]

i am a preschool teacher and at first i don't know and not sure that i can be a good role model teacher for all of my students, well this inspired me for my next steps :D God Bless teachers in all over the world and let only good things come from us to our next generation! I love you my lovely cute students, one day all of you will be a completely human and do something good to this world! Amen!

[@JasonJacobs]

two wonderful people- teacher and student

[@Schubee2]

i once stuck a paperclip in the outlet on the desk in Mr. Si's science class

[@Kotenekrazy]

I have Mr. Sie as myscience teacher today and although he is confusing at time he a great teacher and is really funny

[@IDEAREALTORS]

A wonderful inspiring video especially for everyone.

[@antoinespencer5557]

This is a great video. Please re-release it in HD.

[@0204precious]

Amazing story!

[@DaliaElanany-rn3tm]

So lovely I like it ❤

[@MarkSmithhhh]

"You could be a brain surgeon"....he said it and the kid knew he meant it....that's all it took, never know how impactful you are

[@arianachan99]

YEAH SIE! he's my favorite teacher^^

[@MariankGonzalez]

That's so true!

[@alexanderschoenfeld7406]

Could you guys please add a closed caption to this video, since it is actually pretty critical for many of people around USA, even among Deaf community. Thanks!

[@TGIFridayy]

Oh, and btw - He saved my frog brain/spinal cord too. C:

[@Kotenekrazy]

you go sie