Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast

Honored
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Teacher recognition is a powerful way to keep exceptional educators engaged and fulfilled and prevent attrition—yet too often, their incredible contributions go unacknowledged. Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast shines a spotlight on the extraordinary impact teachers make across the country.

  1. Sep 1

    High School Computer Science Teacher is Inspiring Future STEM Leaders: Meet Our September 2026 Honoree, Madeline Gerena Franco

    In celebration of National Coding Week in September, we have partnered with Kode With Klossy to honor an incredible Computer Science teacher. Kode With Klossy creates learning experiences and opportunities for young women and gender expansive youth. Their programs ignite a spark that fuels their scholars’ agency to pursue their passions in a tech-driven world. Madeline Gerena Franco, a high school Computer Science teacher at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, Illinois, is the recipient of our September 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. To help share the impact of Mrs. Franco’s teaching, we will also hear from students, Joey and Logan.   You'll hear about: - Mrs. Franco's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mrs. Franco has had on her students.  - Mrs. Franco's dedication to creating an engaging, interactive classroom environment. - Mrs. Franco's passion for being a Hispanic, female role model in STEM.    You'll also hear from Osi Imeokparia, who is the CEO of Kode With Klossy. She shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on her journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". Osi Imeokparia is the CEO of Kode With Klossy, a 501c3 nonprofit focused on closing the gender equity gap in tech. Technology has been the through line in Osi's multi-sector career across for-profit, nonprofit, philanthropic, and political organizations. Before joining Kode With Klossy, Osi worked in philanthropy as a Vice President of Technology and Head of Justice & Opportunity at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Prior to CZI, Osi was the Chief Product Officer for the Hillary for America presidential campaign from launch to election day. Before pursuing philanthropic and nonprofit work, Osi spent 15+ years as a product leader in startup, mid-size, and large for-profit software organizations.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Madeline's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/madeline-gerena-franco - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Madeline: https://www.honored.org/nominees/madeline-gerena-franco/ - Learn more about Kode With Klossy: https://www.kodewithklossy.com/ - Follow Kode With Klossy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kodewithklossy/?hl=en - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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/

    High School Computer Science Teacher is Inspiring Future STEM Leaders: Meet Our September 2026 Honoree, Madeline Gerena Franco

  2. Jun 1

    3rd-Grade Teacher is Cultivating a Safe and Empowering Environment: Meet Shavonya Coleman, Our June 2026 Honoree

    Shavonya Coleman, a 3rd-grade teacher at Positive Tomorrows in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is the recipient of our June 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the parent of her student, Serenity. Joining Shavonya in this episode are Serenity and Serenity’s mom, Krystle.  Positive Tomorrows is a school serving families experiencing homelessness. They offer kids stability and quality education while giving parents the support they need to create a better life.   You'll hear about: - Shavonya's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Shavonya has had on Serenity and Krystle. - Shavonya's dedication to meeting students where they are and creating a safe environment for students to learn. - The impact of Positive Tomorrows on students and families.   You'll also hear from NiKole Nickerson, the Senior Regional Partnerships Manager at TEACH.org North Carolina. She shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". 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.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Shavonya's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/shavonya-coleman - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Shavonya: https://www.honored.org/nominees/shavonya-coleman/ - Learn more about TEACH.org: https://teach.org - Follow TEACH.org on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachorg/ - Learn more about Positive Tomorrows: https://www.positivetomorrows.org/  - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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/

    3rd-Grade Teacher is Cultivating a Safe and Empowering Environment: Meet Shavonya Coleman, Our June 2026 Honoree

  3. May 1

    High School Early Childhood Development CTE Teacher is Empowering Students: Meet Jill Dwyer, Our May 2026 Honoree

    Jill Dwyer, an Early Childhood Development CTE teacher at North Valley High School in Grants Pass, Oregon, is the recipient of our May 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Ava. Joining Jill in this episode are Ava and Ava's mom, Melissa.   You'll hear about: - Jill Dwyer's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Jill has had on Ava and her family. - Jill's dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for her students. - Jill's passion for hands-on learning experiences. You'll also hear from award-winning actress Jennifer Garner, as she shares about the teachers who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired".  Jennifer Garner has enjoyed a successful career at the top of her field in both film and television and has also taken on the role of philanthropist and entrepreneur. 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.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Jill's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/jill-dwyer - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Jill: https://www.honored.org/nominees/jill-dwyer/ - Listen to Jennifer Garner's Honored Advocate for Teachers Award podcast: https://www.honored.org/honoree/jennifer-garner/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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/

    High School Early Childhood Development CTE Teacher is Empowering Students: Meet Jill Dwyer, Our May 2026 Honoree

  4. Apr 1

    Elementary School Special Education Teacher is Fostering Acceptance: Meet Trisha Lopez, Our April 2026 Honoree

    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.  Trisha Lopez, an elementary school Special Education teacher at Columbia Elementary School in Madison, Alabama, is the recipient of our April 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the parent of her student, DJ. Joining Trisha in this episode is DJ's mom, Rebecca.   You'll hear about: - Trisha Lopez's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Trisha has had on DJ and his mom. - Trisha's dedication to creating an encouraging environment where students' needs are exceeded. - Trisha's passion for supporting families with children with disabilities. You'll also hear from Britton Banowsky, the Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation. He shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". 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.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Trisha's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/trisha-lopez - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Trisha: https://www.honored.org/nominees/trisha-lopez/ - Learn more about the College Football Playoff Foundation: https://cfp-foundation.org/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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/

    Elementary School Special Education Teacher is Fostering Acceptance: Meet Trisha Lopez, Our April 2026 Honoree

  5. Mar 23

    The Commit Partnership's Systemic Educational Impact: A Conversation with Abby Mayer Eelsen

    Abby Mayer Eelsen, the Chief Operating Officer of The Commit Partnership, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Abby combines her experiences as an educator, fundraiser, advocate, and parent of a Dallas ISD student to connect the philanthropic community with opportunities to ensure all students receive an excellent, equitable education.   You'll hear about: - The Commit Partnerships' mission and initiatives. - The Commit Partnerships' work for high-quality talent, rigorous instruction, and postsecondary access and success. - The incredible work The Commit Partnership is doing in ensuring more students attain living-wage employment and long-term economic stability. - How The Commit Partnership's work increases teacher retention and student success.   Links Mentioned: - Read the Episode Transcript: https://www.honored.org/honoree/the-commit-partnership/ - Learn more about The Commit Partnership: https://www.commitpartnership.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 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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/

    The Commit Partnership's Systemic Educational Impact: A Conversation with Abby Mayer Eelsen

  6. Mar 2

    High School Agriscience Teacher is Preparing Students For The Future: Meet Our March 2026 Honoree, Kera Reterstoff

    This month, we are celebrating National Agriculture Week to recognize and celebrate the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. In recognition of this celebration, we are honored to share the story of our March Honoree, Kera Reterstoff.  Kera Reterstoff, a high school Agriscience teacher and FFA Advisor at Ravenna High School in Ravenna, Michigan, is the recipient of our March 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Kodi. Joining Mrs. Reterstoff in this episode are Kodi and Kodi’s mom, Jamie.   You'll hear about: - Mrs. Reterstoff's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mrs. Reterstoff has had on Kodi and her family. - Mrs. Reterstoff's dedication to agriscience and FFA. - Mrs. Reterstoff's passion for ensuring her students leave high school feeling prepared for their futures.    You'll also hear from Brent DeSaegher, the 2025-2026 Michigan FFA State President. He shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". Brent DeSaegher graduated from Ithaca High School in 2025, and is currently at Michigan State University studying biosystems engineering, with the intention of becoming an agriculture engineer. Growing up on his family's dairy farm, he has always had a deep passion for agriculture. This fondness deepened when he entered high school, and began taking agriscience classes. Not only did this foster his interest in agriculture and its relation to science, but also led him to be passionate in advocating for agriculture, and what quickly became his other passion: FFA. Through FFA, he was able to expand his leadership and knowledge, all of which culminated in his year of service as the Michigan FFA State President.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Mrs. Reterstoff's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/kera-reterstoff - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Mrs. Reterstoff: https://www.honored.org/nominees/kera-reterstoff/ - Learn more about FFA: https://www.ffa.org/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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/

    High School Agriscience Teacher is Preparing Students For The Future: Meet Our March 2026 Honoree, Kera Reterstoff

  7. Feb 9

    K-8 Music Teacher is Building Confidence and Community Through Music: Meet Julian Coleman, Our February 2026 Honoree

    In recognition of Black History Month, we have partnered with Summer House Institute to honor an incredible Black male educator. Summer House Institute is an organization that exists to grow and develop young men of color who will soon finish college and enter the workforce through an affinity-based learning model.  Julian Coleman, a K-8 music teacher at Global Leadership Academy West in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the recipient of our February 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. Joining Mr. Coleman in this episode are eight of his scholars from 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 8th grade.   You'll hear about: - Julian Coleman's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mr. Coleman has had on his scholars. - Mr. Colemnan's dedication to creating a safe haven in the music room. - Mr. Coleman's passion for supporting scholars in cultivating a passion for music and the arts.   You'll also hear from Viola Davis, EGOT award-winning actress, philanthropist, and CEO/Co-Founder of JuVee Productions & JVL Media. She shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". This audio is credited to The Associated Press archive, and you can find more information on the source of this audio in the episode description.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Julian Coleman's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/julian-coleman - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Learn more about Summer House Institute: https://www.summerhouseco.org/ - Follow Summer House Institute on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhouseinstitute - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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 Viola Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pps41eu9-qw

    K-8 Music Teacher is Building Confidence and Community Through Music: Meet Julian Coleman, Our February 2026 Honoree

  8. Jan 5

    4th-Grade Teacher is Shaping Confident Learners: Meet Devon Houghton, Our January 2026 Honoree

    Devon Houghton, a 4th-grade teacher at Beatrice H Wood Elementary School in Plainville, MA is the recipient of our January 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the parents of her student, Sammy. Joining Mrs. Houghton in this episode are Sammy and Sammy's mom, Erin.   You'll hear about: - Mrs. Houghton's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mrs. Houghton has had on Sammy and her family. - Mrs. Houghton's dedication to building strong relationships with her students.  - Mrs. Houghton's passion for creating a safe, fun, and growth-oriented environment for her students. - How Mrs. Houghton supported Sammy when she was experiencing bullying.    You'll also hear from Angel Wunderlich, the Senior Regional Partnerships Manager at TEACH.org Minnesota. She shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". With a deep background in education and community development, Angela leads statewide efforts to diversify the teaching workforce and remove barriers to entry for aspiring educators. Angela brings years of experience in inclusion strategy, program leadership, and cross-sector collaboration to this mission. Before joining TeachMN, Angela taught high school Spanish at the Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester, MA, and served as the Director of Community Development and Inclusion for the YMCA of the North.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Devon Houghton's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/devon-houghton - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Devon Houghton: https://www.honored.org/nominees/devon-houghton/ - Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/ - Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers - Follow us on X: 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/

    4th-Grade Teacher is Shaping Confident Learners: Meet Devon Houghton, Our January 2026 Honoree
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Teacher recognition is a powerful way to keep exceptional educators engaged and fulfilled and prevent attrition—yet too often, their incredible contributions go unacknowledged. Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast shines a spotlight on the extraordinary impact teachers make across the country.

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