谭千秋老师 (Teacher Tan)

谭千秋 (Tan Qianqiu), a high school political science teacher in Sichuan China, died in the earthquake trying to protect 4 students by covering them with his arms and body. His story has been one of many courageous accounts of teachers who fearlessly put themselves in death’s path to save their dear students. Another teacher ran back into her classroom 4 times while the schools crumbled to get all of her students to safety. Tan Qianqiu was honored by thousands of students at his alma alter on the day that marked the beginning of 3 days of national mourning for the quake’s victims. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, 谭君子(Tan Junzi),谭仙子(Tan Xianzi). Junzi is a bright and talented student at China's prestigious university 北大(Beijing University). She is proud of her father's actions, even as she mourns losing him.

The greatest heroes of this tragic quake are these teachers who gave their lives without second thought to rescue the students they taught and loved. We are all grateful for their incredible sacrifice. They stole from death's hand precious lives that would have been lost.