Helen Jackson, a first-time teacher, was filled with excitement as she prepared for her new job at a small schoolhouse on the outskirts of New York City. However, the night before her first day, disaster struck: A lightning bolt ignited the building and it burned to the ground. Thankfully, no one was injured. With the school gone, Helen had to reconsider her plans for teaching. She decided to venture out west in search of eager students who shared her passion for learning.