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

    1D AGO

    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/

    28 min
  2. The Commit Partnership's Systemic Educational Impact: A Conversation with Abby Mayer Eelsen

    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/

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

    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/

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

    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

    30 min
  5. 4th-Grade Teacher is Shaping Confident Learners: Meet Devon Houghton, Our January 2026 Honoree

    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/

    31 min
  6. The Teacher's Lounge's Commitment to Creating Community Among Students and Teachers: A Conversation With Lynn Darby

    12/15/2025

    The Teacher's Lounge's Commitment to Creating Community Among Students and Teachers: A Conversation With Lynn Darby

    Lynn Darby, high school History teacher and Founder of the Teacher's Lounge, joins us for a spotlight podcast episode. Lynn Darby was born and raised in South Central Pennsylvania. Coming from a small but tight-knit family, Lynn had the opportunity to watch both his mom and uncle serve as educators from a young age. This, along with a strong intrinsic desire to make a positive impact in the world, inspired Lynn to pursue a career in education. Graduating from Temple University in Fall '21 and Relay Grad School of Education in Spring '24, Lynn currently works as a high school history teacher at MacArthur High School, Washington, DC's first new public high school in over 30 years. In his free time, Lynn enjoys watching Steelers football, cooking, working out, and spending time with friends.   You'll hear about: - Lynn's journey to becoming a teacher. - The Teacher's Lounge's initiatives to provide networking and fellowship opportunities for educators in DC. - The importance of diversity and representation in the education field. - How cultivating positive student relationships improves student outcomes.   Links Mentioned: - Learn more about the Teacher's Lounge: https://www.instagram.com/teacherslounge.dc/ - Listen to the Teacher's Lounge podcast: https://lellisdllc.podbean.com/ - 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/1UomhrxPKnL4Evljp5DIjQu9LaeJaBBh9JTIOiVPjAw8/edit?usp=sharing   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    27 min
  7. Middle School Special Education Teacher is Cultivating an Inclusive Classroom Environment: Meet Luis Durán, Our December 2025 Honoree

    12/03/2025

    Middle School Special Education Teacher is Cultivating an Inclusive Classroom Environment: Meet Luis Durán, Our December 2025 Honoree

    Luis Durán, a 6th-8th-grade Special Education cluster class teacher at Talcott Fine Arts & Museum Academy in Chicago, Illinois is the recipient of our December 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by his student, Kenny, and Kenny’s mother, Kimberlee. Joining Luis in this episode are Kenny and Kimbelee.   You'll hear about: - Luis Durán's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Luis has had on Kenny and his family. - Luis's dedication to creating an inclusive and encouraging environment for his students. - Luis's passion for making learning fun and interactive.   You'll also hear from award-winning journalist Walter Ray Watson, Jr. He shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". He has produced and reported news stories, features, and specials for more than three decades with NPR. He launched NPR’s Code Switch podcast that explores race, identity, and culture. Walter previously produced the weekend broadcasts of NPR’s All Things Considered.  He is the recipient of a Peabody Award and several Salute to Excellence Awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, most recently, for a feature co-reported with correspondent Debbie Elliott in 2024, among other honors. He began his career writing about arts and culture for The New Pittsburgh Courier in Pennsylvania. Walter earned his Bachelor of Arts in English writing from the University of Pittsburgh and was a 2008 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Luis Durán's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/luis-duran - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Luis Durán: https://www.honored.org/nominees/luis-duran/  - 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/

    24 min
  8. The Modern Classrooms Project's Transformative Classroom Structure: A Conversation With Kareem Farah

    11/10/2025

    The Modern Classrooms Project's Transformative Classroom Structure: A Conversation With Kareem Farah

    Kareem Farah, CEO and Co-Founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Kareem began his career as a high school math teacher in Hawaii and Washington, DC. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught mathematics through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos. In 2018, he received the DC Public Schools Award for Classroom Innovation and was featured in Edutopia and CBS News for his work. In an effort to scale his classroom model, Kareem co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project. Under his leadership, the Modern Classrooms Project equips teachers to redesign their classrooms with blended, self-paced, mastery-based practices that personalize learning and strengthen student engagement, while preserving the human connection at the heart of great teaching. Kareem is also a member of Honored’s Board of Directors.   You'll hear about: - The Modern Classrooms Project's mission and initiatives. - The impact of self-paced learning on student success, teacher burnout, and teacher retention. - The incredible work the Modern Classroom Project is doing in supporting teachers who want to move beyond the traditional teaching method. - The Modern Classrooms Project's amazing success with its instructional model.    Links Mentioned: - Learn more about the Modern Classrooms Project: https://www.modernclassrooms.org/ - Follow the Modern Classrooms Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernclassproj/  - Listen to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast: https://www.modernclassrooms.org/podcasts  - 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/1e03-Y0nZ-malKQzJfUDH-JKXB6uN1UibZ9QLCI_9_V0/edit?usp=sharing   Episode Music Credits: - Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/ - Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

    19 min
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About

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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