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, California, 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/