Omar Lisojo, a high school English teacher at Dover High School in Dover, New Jersey, is the recipient of our October Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by multiple students. Joining Mr. Lisojo in this episode are his students Jacob, Nicole, and Osvaldo.   You'll hear about: - Mr. Lisojo's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mr. Lisojo has had on his students and their families. - Mr. Lisojo's dedication to seeing the humanity in each student and creating a safe environment where they can come as they are. - Mr. Lisojo's ability to meet students at their level to help them succeed.   You'll also hear from Tomiko Ball, as she shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on her journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired".  Dr. Ball has sixteen years of experience serving elementary youth in Washington, D.C. Employing conscious leadership, she utilizes affirmative-based pedagogical practices and learning designs for all students in PreK-20. She has two book chapters published in 2024; advocating her research on the inequities within higher education, healing practices of doctoral students of color, and socially just leadership. Presently, Dr. Ball serves as an Assistant Principal in the district, an Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at American University School of Education, and a Contributing Writer with Philly’s 7th Ward.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Omar Lisojo's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/omar-lisojo - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nominations for Omar Lisojo: https://www.honored.org/nominees/omar-lisojo/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Aimee Cunningham, President and CEO of The Boone Family Foundation, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Aimee is a highly experienced principal in the progressive movement with significant fundraising, strategic planning, and management expertise. Over the last 20 years, Aimee has led work on the politics and policies that impact women and families, particularly around access to sexual and reproductive health care. Previously, Aimee served as the Chair of the Board of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and founded several organizations designed to empower women to engage in politics and to fight for the right of all people to access affordable, high-quality healthcare. In addition, Aimee has served on the boards of a number of national progressive organizations, including the Center for Reproductive Rights and EMILY’s List. Today, Aimee leads The Boone Family Foundation in charting its mission to create equity for women and girls; to drive innovation and justice for students in public schools; and to steward and create accessible green spaces. In 2015, Aimee received the Robbie and Tom Ausley Award to honor her work on behalf of Planned Parenthood in Texas. She was also the 2022 recipient of Viola’s House Hero Award; in 2023, she received the Texas Women’s Foundation’s Maura Award for Women Helping Women. Aimee lives with her husband, Ed Cunningham, in Austin, Texas.   You'll hear about: - The Boone Family Foundation's mission and initiatives. - Incredible education organizations in North Texas making life-changing impacts. - Aimee's passion for gender equity and the importance of gender equity in schools. - The necessity for and impacts of teacher appreciation and recognition.   Links Mentioned: - Learn more about The Boone Family Foundation: https://www.theboonefamilyfoundation.org/ - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Read the episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xEGnHg8OEZe-iEfcOJt7l0DSFfyphUy0mcI1mkZXmEA/edit?usp=sharing   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Award-winning actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Jennifer Garner joins us for an episode to celebrate receiving our first-ever annual Honored Advocate for Teachers Award! Garner is known for her versatility in a wide range of starring-roles in Alias, Dallas Buyers Club, Love Simon, Juno, and more. Most recently, Garner executive produced and starred in the hit Apple TV+ limited series The Last Thing He Told Me, based on the eponymous New York Times bestseller by Laura Dave, and the Netflix comedy features Family Switch and Yes Day, which became Netflix’s biggest Kids & Family film release after launching on the platform. Next, Garner will star and executive produce a sequel to Yes Day for Netflix and The Five-Star Weekend for Peacock. Garner recently wrapped production on Season 2 of Apple TV+ The Last Thing He Told Me where she also serves as an executive producer.  In 2017, Garner co-founded a leading childhood nutrition company Once Upon a Farm. As Chief Brand Officer, she has helped grow the company with the goal of providing organic, crave-worthy snacks and meals for children of all ages. As a businesswoman, Garner has worked with major brands including Neutrogena and Capital One, and also joined the Virtue Labs team to amplify and raise awareness about the unique health and beauty benefits of the company’s premium hair care line.  As a philanthropist, Garner is a Save the Children Trustee and has worked with the organization since 2008. In 2014, Garner joined the global non-profit’s board of trustees, deepening her commitment to issues affecting children in America and around the world.   You'll hear about: - The teachers who have left a life-changing impact on Jennifer. - The incredible work Jennifer is doing with Save the Children. - The effects of generational poverty on education. - The importance of teacher recognition and how to take action to recognize teachers.   About Honored: Honored's mission is to inspire and retain great teachers, keeping them in the classroom as long as possible. Every month of the school year at Honored, we select an exceptional educator in the United States to be the recipient of the Honored National Teaching Award. Each Honoree, as we call them, receives a $5,000 cash reward, and we then tell the story on our website and our social media platforms of how that teacher has impacted their students' lives. To learn more about our organization, you can go to our website at Honored.org. While you're there, if you have a teacher you would like to recognize, you can nominate them at honored.org/nominate.    Links Mentioned: - Follow Jennifer Garner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.garner/ - Learn more about Save the Children: https://www.savethechildren.org/ - Nominate a Teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Rachel Bowen, a middle school Math teacher and volleyball, basketball, and track coach at Warren Middle School in Forney, Texas, is the recipient of our September Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Ethan. Joining Rachel in this episode are Ethan and Ethan's mom, Jessica.   You'll hear about: - Rachel Bowen's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Rachel has had on Ethan and his family. - Rachel's dedication to creating an environment that instills hard work and perseverance. - Rachel's passion for helping students of all abilities gain confidence in math.   You'll also hear from Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, Tony Award-winning songwriter, actor, producer, and director Lin-Manuel Miranda, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on his journey. This audio is credited to CBS Mornings.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Rachel Bowen's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/rachel-bowen - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ - Teachers Who Inspired segment audio of Lin-Manuel Miranda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulJcC7kMDYc&t=123s  

Angela Wunderlich and NiKole Nickerson, Senior Regional Program Managers at TEACH.org, join us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. As Senior Program Manager at TEACH.org North Carolina, Nikole combines a deep empathy and passion for education with a BA in History and an M.Ed in Social Studies Education, and an MPA, with an Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership on the horizon. Her passion for education drives her work, creating impactful programs and initiatives. Angela, a Senior Program Manager at TEACH.org Minnesota, is an educator and innovator who has pioneered roles and programs in every full-time position she’s held. With a BA in Education and Hispanic Studies from Bowdoin College and a K-12 World Language Teaching Certification, she brings a passion for language learning and curriculum development. Whether leading new initiatives or shaping learning experiences, Angela thrives in dynamic environments.   You'll hear about: - TEACH.org's mission and initiatives. - The incredible work TEACH.org is doing in recruiting and retaining teachers.  - The tools and resources offered through TEACH.org's one-stop shop platform. - How TEACH.org is chipping away at the barriers individuals face on their paths to becoming educators.   Links Mentioned: - Learn more about TEACH.org: https://www.teach.org - Learn more about TEACH.org North Carolina: https://northcarolina.teach.org - Learn more about TEACH.org Minnesota: https://minnesota.teach.org - Follow TEACH.org on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teach.org - Follow TEACH.org on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teach-org/ - Follow TEACH.org on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachorg/ - Follow TEACH.org North Carolina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachNCorg - Follow TEACH.org Minnesota on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teach_mn - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Read the episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11CnrsHV5Ek_dhWzYQfXbs4YDG7amjDxif71sqng0JZc/edit?usp=sharing   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Vincent Cobb, CEO of Summer House Institute, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Summer House Institute is a national organization committed to inspiring, developing, and growing the next generation of Black and Latino male educators in U.S. public schools. Vincent is responsible for working with program partners in major school districts across the country to advance racial equity, diversity in schools, and creating better access pathways for high-quality Black and Latino male leaders to stand in front of classrooms.   You'll hear about: - Summer House Institute's mission and initiatives. - The importance of diversity and representation in the education field. - The incredible work Summer House Institute is doing in supporting the next generation of teachers.  - The outcomes and inspirational work of Summer House Institute's summer fellowship program.   Links Mentioned: - Learn more about Summer House Institute: https://www.summerhouseco.org/  - Follow Summer House Institute on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhouseinstitute/ - Follow Summer House Institute on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerhouseinstitute - Listen to Summer House Institute's Podcast: https://www.summerhouseco.org/the-power-of-exposure-podcast - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Read the episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P9wNHg3_wShIaI0N9InvQgaQ_hVyRDwLHi4rBLWffCU/edit?usp=sharing   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Britton Banowsky, Executive Director at College Football Playoff Foundation, joins us in our first organizational spotlight podcast episode. Britton Banowsky was named the first Executive Director of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation in July 2015. He leads the organization’s philanthropic initiative, as well as its capstone project, Extra Yard for Teachers (EYFT). Banowsky’s role includes coordinating all legacy investments in host cities, expanding positive impact for teachers year-round, as well as directing the long-term strategic plan for the CFP Foundation.   You'll hear about: - The College Football Playoff Foundation's mission and initiatives. - The impact of teacher recognition on teacher retention. - The incredible work the College Football Playoff Foundation is doing in supporting student athletes who are entering the education workforce. - The College Football Playoff Foundation's amazing success with the Honored Schools program.   Links Mentioned: - Learn more about College Football Playoff Foundation: https://cfp-foundation.org/ - Follow College Football Playoff Foundation on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CFPextrayard/ - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Read the episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12KAVajZyqWwwQQXN8J_9OkElz_PYgpTtVEjF4hgzzTo/edit?usp=sharing   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

This month, we recognize the ongoing impact of the devastating wildfires in Southern California. In the aftermath of a tragedy, teachers often assume a role to offer students emotional support, stability, and hope. This month’s Honoree has been an anchor for his students, supporting them through one of life’s most difficult moments. Dave Suarez, a social sciences teacher and golf coach at Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, CA, is the recipient of our June 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by his student, Jacob Leatherman. To help share the impact of Suarez’s teaching, we are joined today by Jacob and Jacob’s mom, Jeannette.   You'll hear about: - Dave Suarez's journey to becoming a teacher - Dave's dedication to using engaging activities to help students understand topics and apply them to real-life situations - Dave's incredible impact on his students after the Palisades Fire - Dave's passion for coaching golf and helping students create opportunities for themselves academically, athletically, and personally   You'll also hear from Rachel Martin, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey. Rachel Martin is the co-creator and host of Wild Card, an NPR interview game show about life's biggest questions. She invites notable guests to play a card game that lets them open up about the memories, insights, and beliefs that have shaped their lives. Martin spent six years as a host of Morning Edition, and was the founding host of NPR's award-winning morning news podcast Up First.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Dave Suarez's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/dave-suarez - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in May, we are excited to have our first-ever double Honorees! This month, we are sharing the story of two incredible educators who have changed the lives of their students. Hailey Ellzey, a Business teacher at Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier, Arkansas, is one of the recipients of our May 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Jenna Whitely. Joining Hailey in this episode are Jenna and Jenna’s mom, Melanie.   You'll hear about: - Hailey Ellzey's journey to becoming a teacher - The impact Hailey has had on Jenna - Hailey's extraordinary work in helping students learn how to adapt to a fast-changing world - Hailey's passion for supporting students with community involvement and professional development You'll also hear from Vincent Cobb, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey. Cobb is the CEO of Summer House Institute (‘Summer House’), a national organization committed to inspiring, developing and growing the next generation of Black male educators in U.S. public schools.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Hailey Ellzey's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/hailey-ellzey - Listen to the story of our other May 2025 Honoree: https://honored.podbean.com/e/may-honoree-misty-burgess-greenbrier-high-school-greenbrier-ar/ - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in May, we are excited to have our first-ever double Honorees! This month, we are sharing the story of two incredible educators who have changed the lives of their students. Misty Burgess, a Business teacher at Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier, Arkansas, is one of the recipients of our May 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Zandrea Story. Joining Misty in this episode are Zandrea and Zandrea's mom, Heather.   You'll hear about: - Misty Burgess's journey to becoming a teacher - The impact Misty has had on Zandrea - Misty's extraordinary work in cultivating an environment where students can be the best versions of themselves - Misty's passion for supporting students in preparing for the future You'll also hear from Vincent Cobb, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey. Cobb is the CEO of Summer House Institute (‘Summer House’), a national organization committed to inspiring, developing and growing the next generation of Black male educators in U.S. public schools.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Misty Burgess's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/misty-burgess - Listen to the story of our other May 2025 Honoree: https://honored.podbean.com/e/may-honoree-hailey-ellzey-greenbrier-high-school-greenbrier-ar/ - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

To celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, we are honored to share the story of an incredible educator who has made an impact on the life of a student with autism. Kiersten Wood, a 1st-3rd grade Special Day Class teacher at Henry Miller Elementary School in Los Banos, California, is the recipient of our March 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the parents of her student, Payton. Joining Kiersten in this episode are Payton’s mom and dad, Anthony and Samantha.   You'll hear about: - Kiersten Wood's journey to becoming a teacher - The impact Kiersten has had on Payton and his family - Kiersten's dedication to creating an empathetic and encouraging environment for her students - Kiersten's passion for supporting families with children with disabilities You'll also hear from Matthew Kenslow, who is the author of "Juggling the Issues: Living with Asperger's Syndrome". He shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". You can learn more about Matthew Kenslow in the episode credits below.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Kiersten Wood's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/kiersten-wood - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ - Teachers Who Inspired segment audio of Matthew Kenslow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9FUkVOj0TI  

Marcy Anderson, a 2nd-grade teacher at Manchester Park Elementary School in Lenexa, Kansas, is the recipient of our March 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Ben, and Ben's mom, Jessica. Joining Marcy in this episode are her student, Ben, and Ben's mom, Jessica.   You'll hear about: - Marcy Anderson's journey to becoming a teacher - The impact Marcy has had on Ben and his family - Marcy's dedication to creating a supportive and safe environment for her students - The extraordinary work Marcy is doing to make a life-changing impact on her students You'll also hear from Steve Drummond, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey. Steve Drummond is an author, educator, and, for more than 20 years, a journalist at NPR in Washington.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Marcy Anderson's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/marcy-anderson - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Kurk Watson, a K-8 Drama teacher at Albert M. Greenfield School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of our February 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by Summer House Institute: https://www.summerhouseco.org/. Joining Kurk in this episode are his student, Nate, and Nate's parent, Erica.   You'll hear about: - Kurk Watson's journey to becoming a teacher - The impact Kurk Watson has had on Nate and Erica - Kurk's dedication to providing experiences and supporting students in cultivating passions - The extraordinary work Kurk is doing to make a life-changing impact on his students You'll also hear from Global Managing Partner of Paul Hastings, Sherrese Smith, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Kurk Watson's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/kurk-watson/ - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Aleah Washington, a middle school resource specialist at Murray Middle School in Ridgecrest, CA, is the recipient of our January 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by Jocelin Quinton, who shares the incredible impact Aleah Washington has had on Jocelin's son, Ty.    You'll hear about: - Ms. Washington's journey to becoming a teacher - The impact Ms. Washington's class has had on Ty and Mrs. Quinton - Ms. Washington's dedication to building confidence and supporting her students - The extraordinary work Ms. Washington is doing to make a life-changing impact on her students You'll also hear from Oscar-winning actor and professor, Matthew McConaughey, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey. This audio is credited to Nicholas Ferroni, who is an Educator, Advocate, and Activist. You can learn more about Nicholas Ferroni in the episode credits below.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Aleah's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/aleah-washington/ - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/ - Teachers Who Inspired segment audio of Matthew McConaughey: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1nSjjquaxv/?hl=en  

Joseph Keeney, a middle and high school orchestra teacher at Lee's Summit North High School in Lee's Summit, MO, is the recipient of our December 2024 Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by his student Evita Churchill. In this episode, we are also joined by Evita and her mom Jennifer Churchill.   You'll hear about: - Mr. Keeney's journey to becoming a teacher - The impact Mr. Keeney's class had on Evita - Jennifer's heartfelt story of the impact she saw on Evita - Mr. Keeney's commitment to creating an inclusive space where all students can have fun and feel valued You'll also hear from our special guest, Wendy Kopp, CEO and Co-founder of Teach For All, as she shares the story of a teacher who had a lasting impact on her life.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Joseph's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/joseph-keeney/ - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/  

Diana Fernandez, a kindergarten teacher at Pinecrest Cove Preparatory Academy in Miami, FL, is the recipient of our November 2024 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by parent Lianet Sarduy, who shares the incredible impact Diana Fernandez has had on Lianet's son, Aidan.   You'll hear about: - Diana’s inspiring journey to becoming a teacher - Aidan’s favorite experiences in Mrs. Fernandez’s classroom - Lianet’s heartfelt story of her son’s transformation - Diana’s commitment to emotional learning, fostering a nurturing environment, and empowering her students to reach their full potential You'll also hear from our special guest, Garrett Boone, co-founder of the container store, as he shares the story of a teacher who had a lasting impact on his life.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Diana's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/diana-fernandez/ - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/   Download The Episode Transcript Here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vN9hfk4g9xB7MUYn_wLMKRwtoD6WnpPz4dIR-Do8abg/edit?usp=sharing   

Welcome to Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast, where we shine a spotlight on life-changing teachers across the country. Our podcast is brought to you by Honored, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and elevating great teachers. In this episode, you will hear about: - The history and impact of Honored - The importance of teacher recognition - What you can expect from our podcast   Links Mentioned: - Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/ - Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/ - Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/   Download The Episode Transcript Here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11S62uu_64l6CZk5rpH78do30mrHkESPAOMoMHslj_-U/edit?usp=sharing