A podcast for K-12 educators covering the ever-changing learning landscape. Featuring educators from around the country, every moment is a chance to create connections, share stories, and explore classroom ideas that will influence the future. Teachers in America is produced by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, inspiring the thinkers and doers of tomorrow.
It takes a community to support early readers in building foundational literacy skills.
In this episode, kindergarten teacher Melissa Hawkins joins us from Hawai'i to discuss how she communicates with families to ensure students are practicing skills rooted in the Science of Reading, even when they aren’t in school. Plus, she shares strategies to make foundational literacy skills fun for students in person and online.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
It’s hard for students to feel intimidated by math when their using it to make cookie dough.
Middle school math intervention teacher Melody Jacklin, from Michigan, shares how she’s helped her students build math confidence through hands-on STEM projects, like mixing cookie dough and creating 3D printed bubble wands. Tune in to hear strategies on creating relevant and meaningful math lessons, incorporating STEM challenges in math instruction, and getting students comfortable with productive struggle.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
We're back for season 6 of Teachers in America! Get the scoop from our host, former teacher and Senior Director of Community Engagement, Noelle Morris on what's in store for the new season.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
We've complied some of our favorite moments and memorable words of wisdom from our season five guest.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
After three-decades in education, Jennie Mau decided to try something new—teach junior high.
Jennifer "Jennie" Mau from Clovis, California has been serving Title 1 students and families for 35 years as an elementary school teacher, after-school program coordinator, instructional specialist, and now as a junior high reading intervention teacher. Today she joins us to talk about why she decided to take on a new challenge. Plus she shares her favorite reading instructional strategies and tools that have helped her students thrive.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
To advocate for her child, Sherrye decided to become a teacher herself.
In this episode, we are joined by math intervention teacher Sherrye Scott from Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Texas. When Sherrye realized her daughter needed additional help in school, she transitioned to a career in education. With 22 years in the classroom, Sherrye has found a passion for intervention. She shares how she incorporates social-emotional strategies into her math intervention class and discusses how to motivate students to learn and succeed.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Kahletsyalusla, an Oneida word meaning heartfelt encouragement, is at the core of Dr. Artley Skenandore's work as principal and cultural leader at Oneida Nation High School in Wisconsin.
In this episode, Dr. Skenandore will share how he encourages students to stay connected to their Oneida history, culture, and language, organizing powerful field trips to their homeland and incorporating their clan system into their student council. Plus he will provide strategies on how to honor Native American heritage in the month of November and all year long.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
When Mr. Bzovi and his ELA department saw a need for reading intervention resources, they knew they could count on their administration to help.
In today’s episode we are joined by assistant principal Randolph Hull and reading intervention teacher Joshua Bzovi from the South Redford District in Michigan. The admin-teacher duo will share how they’ve teamed up to support their middle school students in reading. Plus, they’ll give insight on programs and tools that have helped their students thrive.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Eric is a true role model to his students: he shows that having disability does not limit your ability to accomplish your goals.
In today's episode, we are joined by Eric Cavalli, an adapted physical education teacher from the Manor Independent School District in Texas. Eric uses a wheelchair for mobility and is an inspiration to his students. He has encouraged students to participate in the Special Olympics program, with participation tripling in the last school year. Eric will share strategies to create an accessible learning environment, including how to support students physically and emotionally and how to encourage students to advocate for themselves.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
In Blanca's class, students value, help, and learn from each other in English, Spanish, or Spanglish.
In today's episode, we welcome Blanca Hernandez a kindergarten dual language teacher from San Antonio, Texas. After the bilingual program at her school moved to a hub campus, Blanca worked tirelessly to bring the program back. Her dedication to bilingual education was recently recognized, as she was awarded the HMH Lighthouse Award. Tune in to hear how Blanca builds a bilingual classroom culture that fosters a growth mindset in English and Spanish.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Writing is more than putting thoughts on paper. How do you successfully guide students through the writing process?
In this episode, we are joined by Rhode Island educator Kayla Dyer, a former 4th grade teacher and currentin her district. She'll discuss instructional best practices that get students excited about writing. Plus, she'll share teaching tips for new and not-so new teachers, including how to join a connected community of educators.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
How can you motivate reluctant readers to reach for a book?
In this episode, we are joined by Texas teacher Russell Souders, who has been teaching for 29 years. He'll share tips on how he sparks his third-grade students’ interest in reading, including how he uses programs like HMH Into Reading to engage students in literacy instruction.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Past NSTA President and Into Science Texas author Dr. Karen Ostlund joins us in our new episode of Teachers in America to talk about best practices to engage students both in the physical and virtual science classroom. Plus she'll share exciting new changes to the TEKS and what it will mean for teachers and students in Texas.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Morning meetings can set the tone for the rest of the school day, even the rest of the school year.
In our latest back-to-school minisode, we welcome back 30-year seasoned teacher Teresa Meredith. Tune in and hear her expertise on creating a classroom community space and establishing expectations in the first weeks of school. Plus, she’ll give insights on how to structure morning meetings and address different student behaviors.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Connecting with your students this school year can be as simple as asking what's their favorite dipping sauce.
In our 13-minute minisode, we welcome back North Carolina State Teacher of the Year Leah Carper as she shares her number one social and emotional learning strategy that has been successful with her Gen Z students. Plus she dives into programs that support all students, including universal free lunch.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Getting in front of your class to teach is a lot like getting in front of a crowd to MC.
Fourth-grade Teacher MC Toney Jackson returns and shares tips to prep for the biggest teaching event—back to school! Learn how to start off the school year as a master of ceremonies in your class, including how to engage and empower students by sharing the stage and how to find your teaching crew.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
We're starting the school year off right with our Back-to-School minisode series! We've invited some your favorite guest back to give quick tips about getting ready for the year ahead.
"Learning to read to then reading to learn," is a saying heard often. But literacy instruction is a bit more nuanced than that.
In this episode, Utah elementary literacy coordinator and fellow education podcaster from the Teaching Literacy Podcast Dr. Jake Downs joins us and explores the intricacies of teaching reading. He shares his literacy expertise and talks about best practices for literacy instruction, the science of reading, and data-based decision-making to help struggling readers.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
School is almost out for summer! How are you wrapping up the school year? Hear how David Staton, a second grade teacher from Middletown, Ohio, is creatively counting down the last days of school.
In this episode, David shares activities to end the school year, tips on cultivating a positive classroom community, and resources to personalize writing instruction.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
For Colorado teacher, Amber Reyes, focusing on phonics has led to great student gains.
Today's guest has gone from phonics tutor to early childhood educator to elementary school teacher. In this episode, Amber shares strategies to engage students in fun phonics instruction, as well as resources to build fundamental reading skills.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
We welcome back Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona for a special Teacher Appreciation Week message for 2023. In this episode, he shares how the Department of Education is working on reimagine our schools through the “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” effort, which pushes to accelerate learning, boldly improve learning conditions, and create pathways for global engagement.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Differentiating instruction is challenging. But we're sharing how technology can help! Interventionist Becky Walker from the Blackfoot School District discusses how she's leveraged tech to meet the needs of her diverse student population.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Learn to unleash the power of teacher collaboration. Thirty-year seasoned teacher and education advocate Teresa Meredith shares best practices to build positive relationships with fellow teachers, both on and offline.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
We're dispelling dyslexia misconceptions with guests Rachael Cunningham and Sarah Fox, education leaders at the Charles Armstrong School.
Hear how Rachael and Sarah have tailored their school's curriculum to meet the needs of learners with dyslexia. Together they'll share their expertise on dyslexia, including instructional strategies and research-based programs to support students with learning differences.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
For high school English teacher Leah Carper, a challenge from her Gen Z students transformed her teaching.
Hear from Leah, the 2023 North Carolina State Teacher of the Year. She shares how her students inspired her to leverage technology and innovate her instruction. Listen to learn Leah's tips for the modern classroom!
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
2022 National Teacher of the Year finalist Autumn Rivera shares her journey as a middle school science teacher—from supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) to making the great outdoors her classroom, leading lessons right on the Colorado River.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
From poetry to puppetry—fourth grade teacher and artist Toney Jackson in Hackensack, NJ loves to bring his passion for the arts into his teaching practice. In this episode, Toney shares how he incorporates rhymes and raps to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all his students.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
2022 DoDEA Teacher of the Year, Rachel Guilfoyle joins us all the way from Daegu, South Korea. On this episode, she shares how she creates an inclusive classroom for her military-connected students.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Mother-daughter educators, Darla Moyers and Renae Kuhn, share a passion for education and encourage others to pursue the profession. Hear the duo’s journey about what—and who—sparked their love of teaching. They discuss everything from screen time to student agency.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Velnetta Runyon’s goal is to show students not to be afraid of math. She ensures that her middle schoolers are believed in and are pushed to their fullest potential. In this episode, hear how she encourages perseverance from the first day of school.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
How can you better connect with kids? Colorado teacher and author of I Wish My Teacher Knew, Kyle Schwartz, discusses how she helps students feel empowered to make a difference—and how she gives them a sense of belonging in her classroom and in the community.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
When customs broker Stacy Salter took on teaching elementary as a second career, she had to learn the ins and outs of classroom management, how to build student relationships, and what it took to be a teacher mentor. After years of contending with virtual learning and the evolution of her school's curriculum, Stacy has finally found her calling as a teacher in America.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Today we speak with teacher couple and the creators of Virtual Team Teaching, Rachel and Steven Lamb. After meeting at an education conference, they worked together to come up with a way to connect their classrooms, despite their schools being on opposite ends of the city.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Today we speak with charter school teacher and 2022 Changemaker Award winner, Melissa Tracy. Between their raised planters, vertical gardens, and hydroponic learning lab, Melissa and her high school students grow enough leafy greens to help provide for the food deserts nearby.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Today we are joined by the Hawai’i State Teacher of the Year and one of the four finalists for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, Whitney Aragaki.
She utilizes her state's natural resources for her place-based biology and environmental science high school lessons. She is passionate about teacher mentoring programs and supports learning that honors place, people, and cultures.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week everyone! Join us today as we welcome our special guest, Dr. Miguel Cardona, the 12th Secretary of Education for the U.S. We learn how educators have inspired him on his journey across 32 states, and why now is perhaps the most impactful time to become a teacher in America in recent history.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Autumn Dvorak's third graders never know what to expect when they enter her classroom. From a bakery to a museum to a carnival, her classroom transformations use hands-on projects and games to get her students excited about learning.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Pennsylvania educator Samuel Gonzalez spent his first year as a teacher attempting to build student relationships through a screen. Now that his virtual teaching journey is over and his students are back in the classroom, Sammy strives to provide diverse books to his second graders, all while studying for his doctorate and serving in the National Guard.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
We're kicking off season 4 of the podcast with Chicago Public Schools teacher Misty Richmond. By introducing her students to a range of careers paths and opportunities like the Chicago Invention Convention, she encourages a lifelong passion in STEM for her students. She shows students they matter.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
For the season 3 finale of Teachers in America, we've compiled highlights from each episode this year on the theme of teacher love. Featuring every guest from the last 10 episodes, this is our thank you to teachers everywhere for the work that you do for students every day.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Kitty Donohoe, an elementary teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, part of the Santa-Monica Malibu Unified School District in Santa Monica, California. Kitty joins us for a discussion on reading, looping with her class, and her debut children’s novel, How to Ride a Dragonfly, coming to shelves near you summer 2023.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Hannah French, fourth grade teacher at Rowe Elementary School in Western Massachusetts. Hannah utilizes the woodland area around her school for place-based learning, and has moved many of her classes outdoors. There, students engage in location-specific challenges, journaling, and free play, all while becoming more familiar with the natural area around them.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Qorsho Hassan, a second grade teacher at the Echo Park Elementary School of Leadership, Engineering and Technology in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district in Burnsville, Minnesota. She is also the 2021 Minnesota Teacher of the Year! On this episode we discuss the importance of independent reading, identity, and representation for our students.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Perry Hollins, a fourth grade teacher at Oakton Elementary School in the Evanston/Skokie School District in Evanston, Illinois. Before becoming a teacher, Perry worked in radio and television. As an educator, he has spent the past 11 years infusing an African-centered pedagogy into the curriculum. Perry utilizes his education to create a culturally responsive, project-based learning environment for independent, flexible thinkers.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
The Teachers in America crew is off for the summer, but Noelle's got some episode recommendations to keep you entertained in the meantime. For more K-12 podcast content, head over to the Shaping the Future podcast to hear from industry leaders on what the future holds for students, teachers, and classrooms.
Vote for Teachers in America in the Education and People's Choice categories this July on https://www.podcastawards.com/
Meet Owen Bondono, a high school ELA teacher at Oak Park High School, located in the Oak Park School district in Oak Park, Michigan. In 2021, Owen was named the first known transgender Michigan Teacher of the Year. He uses his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ student spaces and anti-racist teaching practices.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Angelica Moreno, a Spanish kindergarten teacher at the Dual Language Academy at Dr. Sue Shook Elementary in El Paso, Texas. This week's discussion includes the struggles of students (and their parents) as they learn a new language, the effect of the El Paso Walmart shooting on the community, and the school's reaction to losing one of their own to COVID-19.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Juliana Urtubey, co-teacher and instructional strategist at Kermit R. Booker Senior Innovative Elementary School in Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. Juliana is the 2021 Nevada Teacher of the Year and the 2021 National Teacher of the Year. Join us as we learn more about educational policy, and how our guest came to be known as "Ms. Earth."
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Anthony Swann, a fifth grade teacher in Rocky Mount, Virginia. From ages 9 to 21, Anthony lived in the foster care system. Today, he is an advocate for hope and empathy when it comes to students contending with trauma, and has been named the 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet CJ Reynolds, a high school teacher at an all-boys school in inner city Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By creating the teacher YouTube channel Real Rap with Reynolds, he has discovered that what might be ordinary for his classroom, could be someone else's extraordinary.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet LaNesha Tabb, a kindergarten teacher at the Metropolitan School District in Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. After starting a blog called Education with an Apron, LaNesha set her sights on writing a book about the importance of teaching social studies.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Find out what's up next on Season 3 of Teachers in America. Host and former teacher Noelle Morris gives you the scoop!
Meet Danielle Riha, a middle school teacher at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School in Anchorage. She is passionate about equity, indigenous languages, and culturally relevant lessons. She was the Alaska Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year Award in 2019.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Karen Johnston, an elementary school teacher at Harriet Tubman Montessori in New Orleans, Louisiana. Karen studied at The University of Southern Mississippi before she began her 14-year career in education. Montessori schools utilize student-directed activities with mixed grade level classes and Karen currently teaches grades K through 2. She serves as the Chief of Staff for the Blue Campus at her school, where she helps build a comfortable and open learning environment for her students.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Karl Grubaugh, a former AP economics teacher and advanced journalism advisor at Granite Bay High School, part of the Roseville Joint Union High School District in California. In 2020, Karl retired after almost 40 years as an educator and over 30 years in the journalism business. The student newspaper that he advised, The Granite Bay Gazette, has been inducted into the high school journalism Hall of Fame and is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Pacemaker, Quill and Scroll, and Gold Crown. Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Meet Margarita Lezama, a middle school ESL and ESOL teacher at Brownsville Middle School, part of Miami-Dade Public Schools in Miami, Florida. When she was a child, Margarita and her family fled the political situation in Nicaragua and immigrated to Mexico before seeking asylum in the United states in 1983. She now teaches a large immigrant population and relates with her students on topics like coping with culture shock, learning English, and facing discrimination. Margarita encourages her students to strive for higher education and set goals for themselves to pursue their passions.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com. During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Sharon Biava joins us once again to discuss virtual learning during COVID-19, and how she adapted to her new digital classroom with the help of her students. Sharon discusses strategies for mastering virtual learning, creating digital classroom rules, and taking time for self-care during this stressful time.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com. During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Sharon Biava, a 4th grade math teacher at Silver Lakes Elementary in Miramar, Florida, part of Broward County Public Schools.
A proud single mother of twins, Sharon has been an educator for 18 years after two successful careers in finance and healthcare marketing. She is a coach for both the speech and debate team and the chess team, and is passionate about literacy, civics, and equity for all students.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Dr. Chris Emdin an Associate Professor of Science Education at Columbia University.
Chris is the founder of Science Genius and HipHopEd, a nonprofit educational organization that boosts student voice by utilizing youth culture. His articles can be found in the New York Times and The Atlantic. He is also author of White Folks Who Teach In the Hood and the Rest of Ya’ll too, a New York Times best-seller.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Priyank Bhatt, a lead math teacher at West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey. This week he joins us for a follow-up episode to discuss his experiences with virtual learning as an urban educator, and the social-emotional learning required in the age of COVID-19.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Priyank Bhatt, a lead math teacher at West Side High School, part of the Newark Public Schools in New Jersey.
When he was a child, Priyank moved from India to the U.S., and learned English with the help of a dedicated ESL teacher and by watching cartoons with his friends. Even while he was struggling with the language barrier, Priyank discovered that math was universal, and began to tutor his friends when they struggled in class. By the time he was pursuing a master’s in education from Montclair State University, he had also begun working in Newark as an urban educator and has been there ever since.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Kelly Harper, a third-grade teacher at Mary Bethune Elementary, part of Fulton County Schools in Georgia.
After winning the 2019 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year Award and being named one of four finalists for the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, Kelly moved from Washington, D.C., to Atlanta, where she employs social-emotional learning to work toward dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline. Kelly champions student voice and has a passion for inspiring a love of reading.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and background on this episode: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/podcast-kelly-harper-in-atlanta-georgia-for-teachers-in-america
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Sarah Lerner, an advisor for the yearbook and an English and journalism teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
On February 14th, 2018, 17 individuals at the school lost their lives to gun violence. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Sarah and her students wrote and published an award-winning yearbook in the space of a few months honoring the victims.
Sarah is passionate about mental health and advocating for gun reform. She was a finalist for both the Florida Scholastic Press Association Teacher of the Year and the Columbia Scholastic Press Gold Key Award. She also oversaw the publication of the student written anthology Parkland Speaks: Survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share Their Stories. Follow Sarah on Twitter @mrs_lerner.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and background on this episode: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/podcast-sarah-lerner-in-parkland-florida-for-teachers-in-america
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
This week on the podcast, we are joined by a middle school educator out of Washington state for an important minisode of Teachers in America. Bianca Cole discusses what it is like to teach not only her class, but her son, during these times of change. From the effects of COVID-19 on Seattle to the BLM protests that have taken place across America, 2020 has already presented Bianca with ample teaching moments outside of her classroom.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and background on this episode:
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Debra Liese, our very first minisode guest, who met with Noelle to discuss Homeschooling during COVID-19. Debra is a publishing professional with a background in education who, like many parents, has been working remotely full-time while helping to teach her children whose public schools have been shuttered during the COVID-19 crisis. Currently the Curator of Ideas at Princeton University Press, Debra previously homeschooled one of her children, has taught multiple writing courses, and is a certified teacher of high school English with an MFA in writing and a lifelong interest in creative learning environments.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and background on this episode:
https://www.hmhco.com/blog/podcast-hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-homeschooling-during-covid-19
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Meet Chris Dier, a teacher of World History and AP Human Geography at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard’s Parish, Louisiana. A Louisiana native, Chris was uprooted by Hurricane Katrina in his senior year of high school, but eventually returned to earn two Master’s degrees from the University of New Orleans. Now working in the same high school where his mother taught before him, Chris’s focus is to provide an equitable and multicultural education for all. He has been featured in The New York Times, and more recently in The Washington Post for "An Open Letter to High School Seniors." Chris is the 2020 Louisiana Teacher of the Year and author of the book The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre: Blood in the Cane Fields. You can learn more on his website, or follow him on Twitter @chrisdier.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and background on this episode: hmhco.com/blog/podcast-hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-chris-dier-chalmette-la
See behind-the-scenes footage on our YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/JUK3OvgxIdI
During this time, HMH is supporting educators and parents with free learning resources for students. You can visit hmhco.com/learningsupport for more information.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
In today's episode, you'll learn more about our host, Noelle Morris. In addition to being our host, Noelle is the Director of Content and Programming at HMH, a former teacher, and forever friend of teachers. Her career in teaching and education consulting spans more than two decades; she started as a middle school language arts and science teacher and was then asked by the administration to become involved with the Orange County Literacy Project. She has since contributed to the development of HMH’s READ 180 and other intervention programs as a senior editor, and has written several nonfiction books as well as other educational materials for professional learning. Noelle received her bachelor’s degree in English from Florida State University.
Read more on HMH's Shaped blog: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/meet-noelle-morris-host-of-hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-podcast
Meet Ms. Debra Reynolds, a 7th grade World History teacher at Wicomico Middle School, part of Wicomico County Public Schools in Maryland. A passionate history buff, she's known for a long time that she wanted to become a history teacher in her hometown of Salisbury and is now finishing her third year teaching. As a second-year teacher, she was recognized by her county with the first-ever Rising Star Award. And she's also an avid skydiver, antique collector, and self-described "crazy cat lady." Debra uses social media and rapping to connect with her students and teach them elements of world history—you can follow her on TikTok or YouTube @rappingreynoldswm.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Read more on HMH's Shaped blog, including a full transcript and background on this episode: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/podcast-hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-debra-reynolds-salisbury-md
See behind-the-scenes photos on HMH's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR5sQc4fIs3sfxMYfj942ag
Meet Julia Allan, a Kindergarten teacher at Northfield Elementary School, part of Howard County Public Schools in Maryland. When she turned 30, Julia decided to quit her job in the hospitality industry to become a teacher—and now, she teaches in the very same classroom where she attended Kindergarten in 1986. In this episode, Julia talks with Noelle about social-emotional learning, equity in education, the stress of getting students to their bus, inflation with the tooth fairy, and much more.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and background on this episode: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/podcast-hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-julia-allan-ellicott-city-md
See behind-the-scenes photos on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/I2sGkn3_n1E
Meet LaQuisha Hall, a 17-year teaching veteran who currently teaches English Language Arts at Carver Vocational-Technical High School in Baltimore City Public Schools. In 2018, she was the Teacher of the Year for Baltimore. She is also the founder of the girls’ mentoring program Queendom T.E.A., the Baltimore branch of Project LIT, and the SheRose Awards which honors the unsung “sheroses” of sexual assault and domestic violence. LaQuisha is an outspoken survivor of childhood sexual abuse and is now passionate about supporting young women who are survivors and preventing further abuse from happening. You can follow her on Twitter or Instagram @MrsHallScholars.
Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and background on this episode: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-laquisha-hall-baltimore-md
See behind-the-scenes photos on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/K_r3B4zoE5I
TW: This episode of Teachers in America includes mention of suicide and sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help today, support is available from the Crisis Text Line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Rodney Robinson is the 2019 National Teacher of the Year and Virginia Teacher of the Year. He is a teaching veteran with nearly two decades of experience. In 2015, in an effort to better understand the school-to-prison pipeline, Rodney started teaching social studies at the Virgie Binford Education Center, a school inside the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center. Now, he uses the knowledge he has gained from his students to develop alternative programs to prevent students from entering the school-to-prison pipeline.
Rodney earned a Bachelor of arts in history from Virginia State University and a master’s in educational administration and supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has been published three times by Yale University and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments in and out of the classroom. He has worked with Pulitzer Award winning author James Foreman Jr. on developing curriculum units on race, class, and punishment as a part of the Yale Teacher’s Institute.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Today’s episode was recorded via phone.
Read more on Shaped, including a full transcript and research for this episode: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-rodney-robinson-ntoy-2019-richmond-va
Tracy Childers is a science teacher at Foothills Community School, a STEM magnet school, which is part of McDowell County Schools in North Carolina. After graduating from college, Tracy spent the next 30 years in supervision and management in the textile industry. He decided to pursue teaching to honor the memory of his two daughters, Casey and Courtney, after they passed away in an automobile accident in December 2002. In the 16 years he has been working as an educator, Tracy has been a middle school science and math teacher for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. His current school, Foothills Community School, is a Project Based Learning (PBL) school with mixed-grade classrooms.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. This episode was originally recorded at the 2019 Model Schools Conference.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-tracy-childers-marion-nc
Monica Fitzgerald teaches reading to vulnerable 7th graders in Syracuse, New York. She has taught in the North Syracuse Central School District for 24 years and has experience working as a classroom teacher for grades K–3, a Reading Recovery Teacher, a Reading Teacher for grades K–7, and a Literacy Coordinator. Monica received her bachelor’s in Inclusive Elementary/Special Education from Syracuse University, and master’s in Reading from SUNY Oswego. Currently, she is working on her second master’s degree in Instructional Design, Development & Evaluation at Syracuse University. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked as a weather specialist in the United States Air Force. In her spare time, Monica enjoys reading, golfing, and traveling, and she volunteers for Make a Wish, American Cancer Society, and Honor Flight Syracuse.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. This episode was originally recorded at the 2019 Model Schools Conference.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-monica-fitzgerald-syracuse-ny
Many teachers talk about the isolation of teaching. But what if you really were truly isolated? Today’s guest, Garrett Jackson, is a special education teacher in Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. commonwealth about 130 miles from Guam—geographically isolated in the western Pacific. And in October 2018 the islands were hit by Typhoon Yutu, which devastated their community.
Before moving to Saipan with his wife and son, Garrett taught high school history and government in Lawton, Oklahoma. He recently received his Master’s in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. In his spare time, Garrett enjoys playing with his son, traveling, hunting, fishing, and amateur radio.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day. This episode was originally recorded at the 2019 Model Schools Conference.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-garrett-jackson-saipan-cnmi
Georgette McClain is a Life Sciences teacher at Blanchester High School in Blanchester, Ohio, where she has taught for twelve years. Georgette holds her bachelor’s degree from Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio, where she studied Biology and Secondary Education, and earned her master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. In 2015, Georgette added a Principal license to her teaching certification. She was a panelist at SXSW EDU 2019 in Austin, Texas, in a session with other teachers featured on Teachers in America, and moderated by our host, Rose Else-Mitchell. Outside of the classroom, Georgette is a voracious reader and enjoys birdwatching, camping, and traveling.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Alexa Tegtmeier is a third-grade teacher at Curtis Guild Elementary, which is part of Boston Public Schools. Alexa has been teaching for five years and just completed her second year at Curtis Guild. While she was an undergraduate student at Northeastern University, Alexa took a class in urban education that inspired her to volunteer with JumpStart through AmeriCorps. Then, with Teach for America, Alexa taught a summer school course in Chicago, Illinois, and spent two years in Miami, Florida. She received her master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education before returning to teach in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-alexa-tegtmeier-boston-mass
Donna Gradel is the 2019 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award. Host Rose Else-Mitchell first met Donna in Washington, D.C., earlier this year at a reception for all of the state Teachers of the Year. Today’s episode was recorded via phone.
Donna teaches environmental science and innovative research at Broken Arrow High School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Along with her students, Donna created the Aqua for Tharaka campaign, which provides clean water and protein for orphans in Kenya. Under her leadership, Broken Arrow High School was the first Oklahoma school to receive a Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam grant. Donna also co-founded the Together Project, a collaboration between the city and the public schools, dedicated to finding environmentally friendly ways to restore and enhance the city’s waterways. In addition to being an award-winning educator, Donna is an Oklahoma girls’ basketball state championship coach, a Survivor Co-Chair for Tulsa’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and she holds a bachelor’s and master’s of science from West Virginia University.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-donna-gradel-broken-arrow-oklahoma
Brittany Mamphey is a 5th grade reading, language arts, and social studies teacher at Mt. Healthy North Elementary School in the Mt. Healthy City Schools District within Cincinnati, Ohio, where she has taught since 2013. She is a 2012 graduate of Bowling Green State University and completed her master’s degree at Miami University (Oxford) in 2016 in the areas of transformative urban education and curriculum development and has just completed work on her second master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati in educational leadership. Brittany is passionate about social justice and character education. She was a panelist at SXSW EDU 2019 in Austin, Texas, in a session moderated by HMH's Chief Learning Officer, Rose Else-Mitchell, between teachers featured on Teachers in America.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-brittany-mamphey-cincinnati-ohio
Amanda Rack is a 1st grade teacher at Knob Hill Elementary School in San Marcos, California, about 45 miles from the border with Mexico. Amanda is a new mother and returned to her classroom after maternity leave midway through this school year. She gives her all—and more—to her students and to her family, yet like many mothers, she struggles with feeling like her best is not good enough.
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-amanda-rack-san-marcos-cali
The Teachers in America series profiles K–12 teachers across the country. Hear firsthand from the people who are shaping young lives in the classroom every day.
Our first guest, Rachel Swartz, is a 6th grade ELA teacher at the David A. Stein Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy, a public school for students in Grades 6–12 in the Bronx, New York City. Rachel has been teaching for seven years and is an anti-bullying champion who ensures her lesson plans promote kindness and are socially and culturally relevant.
Read more: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/hmh-learning-moments-teachers-in-america-rachel-swartz-bronx-ny
