From Des Moines to Classrooms Around the World: The Growing Impact of Kindness 101
A partnership that began with a shared belief in the power of character and storytelling is helping educators around the world teach kindness, empathy and other essential life skills. It is rooted right here in Greater Des Moines (DSM).
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University recently recognized Neil Lahammer as the 2026 Kindness 101 CHARACTER COUNTS! National Teacher of the Year during its annual All-Star Evening celebration. The honor recognizes educators who exemplify the values of Kindness 101, a partnership between CBS News and CHARACTER COUNTS! that provides free character education resources to K–12 classrooms around the globe.
Shortly after receiving the award, Lahammer was featured in a CBS News story highlighting the impact he is making in the lives of his students. The segment showcased the kind of teaching that Kindness 101 was designed to inspire: helping young people grow not only academically, but also as caring, responsible and engaged citizens.
Kindness 101 was created through a collaboration between CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and The Ray Center’s CHARACTER COUNTS! initiative. The program combines Hartman’s popular “On the Road” stories with classroom-ready lessons that help students explore topics such as kindness, empathy, respect, perseverance, gratitude and courage.
Each lesson uses real-life stories to spark meaningful conversations and reflection. By connecting students with authentic examples of compassion, resilience and service, educators can help reinforce the character strengths that contribute to success both in and out of the classroom.
While the stories featured in Kindness 101 may come from communities across the country, the educational framework behind the program is developed in Des Moines. The Ray Center works to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership. Through CHARACTER COUNTS!, the organization provides resources, training and programs that help schools, organizations and communities build cultures grounded in trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
The partnership with CBS News has significantly expanded the reach of that work. What started as a creative collaboration has evolved into a widely used educational resource available at no cost to educators worldwide. Teachers can access lesson plans, discussion guides, family activities and reflection exercises that make character education practical, engaging and accessible.
The success of Kindness 101 comes at a time when schools, employers and community leaders increasingly recognize the importance of skills that extend beyond academics. Qualities such as communication, teamwork, empathy, integrity and ethical decision-making are critical for success in the workplace and in civic life.
Programs like Kindness 101 help students develop those skills through meaningful conversations and real-world examples. Rather than treating character education as a separate subject, the program integrates these lessons into everyday learning experiences, helping students understand how character influences relationships, leadership and decision-making.
The recognition of Lahammer as the 2026 Kindness 101 CHARACTER COUNTS! National Teacher of the Year highlights the tangible impact of this approach. His work demonstrates how character education can shape classroom culture and inspire students to become thoughtful, compassionate contributors to their communities.
His recognition also serves as a reminder that organizations in Greater Des Moines are creating solutions with national and international reach. Through Kindness 101, The Ray Center is helping educators foster stronger classrooms, stronger communities and stronger future leaders, one story, one lesson and one act of kindness at a time.
As schools continue searching for ways to prepare students for an increasingly complex world, the partnership between CBS News and CHARACTER COUNTS! demonstrates that some of the most important lessons are also the most timeless. Kindness matters. Character counts. Every individual has the ability to make a positive difference.
Related Resources
Learn more about Kindness 101 and access free classroom resources: Kindness101.com
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