Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast

High School Business Teacher Is Shaping Future Leaders: Meet Hailey Ellzey, Our May 2025 Honoree

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, AR, 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 nationalorganization committed to inspiring, developing and growing the next generation ofBlack 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/
 

High School Business Teacher Is Empowering Students to Think Critically: Meet Misty Burgess, Our May 2025 Honoree

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, AR, 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 nationalorganization committed to inspiring, developing and growing the next generation ofBlack 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/
 

1st-3rd Grade Special Day Class Teacher Is Advocating for Students with Autism: Meet Kiersten Wood, Our April 2025 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. Kiersten Wood, a 1st-3rd grade special day class teacher at Henry Miller Elementary School in Los Banos, CA, 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
 

2nd-Grade Teacher Is Meeting Students at Their Level: Meet Marcy Anderson, Our March 2025 Honoree

Marcy Anderson, a 2nd-grade teacher at Manchester Park Elementary School in Lenexa, KS, 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/
 

K-8 Drama Teacher Is Shaping Students' Passions: Meet Kurk Watson, Our February 2025 Honoree

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

Middle School Resource Specialist is Building Students' Confidence: Meet Aleah Watson, Our January 2025 Honoree

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

Middle and High School Orchestra Teacher is Inspiring Young Musicians: Meet Joseph Keeney, Our December 2024 Honoree

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

Kindergarten Teacher is Nurturing Emotionally Intelligent Students: Meet Diana Fernandez, Our November 2024 Honoree

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

Introduction To Honored

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