After a student's death, rumors spread that it was caused by the negligence of one particular teacher.
Lucas tries to convince a student of his from dropping out of school and in the meantime has to deal with her growing crush on him.
Lucas' former writing colleague at Sport's Week Magazine arrives in Webster Groves to cover a major sporting event while Lucas must deal with a troubled student.
Lucas attempts to help a child prodigy who has trouble adjusting to high school life with the older students.
Coach Ed Scoley believes in fitness so decides it would be better if the less athletic inclined have their own class. Lucas believes that would ostracize the students to separate them and takes issue with Scoley's decision.
Moral issues abound with the school board when Lucas comes to the aid of a popular teacher.
Lucas comes to the defense of a student whose published short story of her relationship with her boyfriend is considered too risque by her parents and certain members of the community.
A substitute teacher is frustrated when she fails to secure a full time position, while a teacher's poll created by a student is cause for concern for the entire school.
While Glendon's grandmother is seriously ill in the hospital, he stays with Lucas awaiting the outcome.
Kathy returns to school after running away from home and being away for a awhile. She must face some wild rumors and perhaps some truths about her time on the streets.
Ron Gibbons is one of Lucas Tanner's students and it becomes clear that the young man has a drinking problem. Even though he has offers of help Ron resists any efforts at treatment.
Lucas is battling the grief he feels as the anniversary of his wife and son's death approaches. A chance encounter with his former father-in-law resurrects past issues forcing Tanner to deal with them over Christmas.
Steve, a gifted athlete, receives an offer to turn professional that would aid his family financially. He bombarded with advice on what to do and turns to Lucas Tanner to help him make the right decision.
Free spirited art student Rod Jernigan clashes often with unhappy by the book instructor Bert Nevins. When one of their disagreements turns physical Tanner is brought in to find out what actually happened.
Lucas meets Bobbie, a black youth eager for the education he can get at Truman H.S. Tanner encourages him but Bobbie's older brother Spence is adamantly opposed. He believes his sibling should stay in their neighborhood..
The Haileys are a devoted family but the parents tragically die in a car accident. The authorities decide it's best if the four children are split but Lucas Tanner fights for the siblings to stay together as they wish to be.
A teacher becomes suicidal following an affair with a student.
One of Lucas' students wants to be a professional musician. He seeks advice from Lucas on how to break the news to his over-bearing father.