Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast

Middle School Math Teacher is Encouraging Students to Push Through Challenges: Meet Our September 2025 Honoree, Rachel Bowen

Rachel Bowen, a middle school Math teacher and volleyball, basketball, and track coach at Warren Middle School in Forney, Texas, is the recipient of our September Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Ethan. Joining Rachel in this episode are Ethan and Ethan's mom, Jessica.
 
You'll hear about:
- Rachel Bowen's journey to becoming a teacher.
- The impact Rachel has had on Ethan and his family.
- Rachel's dedication to creating an environment that instills hard work and perseverance.
- Rachel's passion for helping students of all abilities gain confidence in math.
 
You'll also hear from Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, Tony Award-winning songwriter, actor, producer, and director Lin-Manuel Miranda, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on his journey. This audio is credited to CBS Mornings.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Read more about Rachel Bowen's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/rachel-bowen
- Nominate a teacher: 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 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 Lin-Manuel Miranda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulJcC7kMDYc&t=123s
 

TEACH.org's One-Stop Platform for Teachers: A Conversation with Angela Wunderlich and NiKole Nickerson

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/
 

Summer House Institute is Increasing Teacher Representation: A Conversation with Vincent Cobb

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/
 

The College Football Playoff Foundation is Committed to Teacher Recognition: A Conversation with Britton Banowsky

Britton Banowsky, Executive Director at the 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/
 

High School Teacher and Coach is Changing Lives After the Palisades Fire: Meet Our June 2025 Honoree, Dave Suarez

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/
 

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

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/
 

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

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/
 

1st-3rd Grade Special Day Class Teacher is Advocating for Students with Autism: Meet Our April 2025 Honoree, Kiersten Wood

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
 

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

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/
 

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

Kurk Watson, a K-8 Drama teacher at Albert M. Greenfield School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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 are 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/