Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast

Hui Couch, a 9th-grade Algebra teacher at Newcomer Academy in Louisville, Kentucky, is the recipient of our November 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the Modern Classrooms Project, a nonprofit organization that equips teachers to redesign their classrooms with blended, self-paced, mastery-based practices that personalize learning and strengthen student engagement. To help share the impact of Hui’s teaching, we are joined today by three of her students, Juan, Obama, and Kelia.
 
You'll hear about:
- Hui Couch's journey to becoming a teacher.
- The impact Hui has had on her students.
- How Hui utilizes the Modern Classrooms Project method to teach her Algebra class with nine home languages.
- Hui's dedication to equipping her students with lifelong skills such as empathy, independence, and resiliency.
 
You'll also hear from Kareem Farah, the CEO and Co-Founder of the Modern Classrooms Project, as he shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". Kareem began his career as a high school math teacher in Hawaii and Washington, DC. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught mathematics through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos.
In 2018, he received the DC Public Schools Award for Classroom Innovation and was featured in Edutopia and CBS News for his work. In an effort to scale his classroom model, Kareem co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project. As CEO, he has led the organization to become a nationally recognized leader in instructional innovation, training, and supporting over 20,000 educators across diverse schools and districts.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Read more about Hui Couch's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/hui-couch
- Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Learn more about the Modern Classrooms Project: https://www.modernclassrooms.org/
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/
- Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers
- Follow us on X: https://x.com/honored/
- Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/
- Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org
 
Episode Music Credits:
- Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/
- Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/
 

Omar Lisojo, a high school English teacher at Dover High School in Dover, New Jersey, is the recipient of our October Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by multiple students. Joining Mr. Lisojo in this episode are his students Jacob, Nicole, and Osvaldo.
 
You'll hear about:
- Mr. Lisojo's journey to becoming a teacher.
- The impact Mr. Lisojo has had on his students and their families.
- Mr. Lisojo's dedication to seeing the humanity in each student and creating a safe environment where they can come as they are.
- Mr. Lisojo's ability to meet students at their level to help them succeed.
 
You'll also hear from Tomiko Ball, as she shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on her journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired".  Dr. Ball has sixteen years of experience serving elementary youth in Washington, D.C. Employing conscious leadership, she utilizes affirmative-based pedagogical practices and learning designs for all students in PreK-20. She has two book chapters published in 2024; advocating her research on the inequities within higher education, healing practices of doctoral students of color, and socially just leadership. Presently, Dr. Ball serves as an Assistant Principal in the district, an Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at American University School of Education, and a Contributing Writer with Philly’s 7th Ward.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Read more about Omar Lisojo's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/omar-lisojo
- Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Read the incredible nominations for Omar Lisojo: https://www.honored.org/nominees/omar-lisojo/
- 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/
 

Aimee Cunningham, President and CEO of The Boone Family Foundation, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Aimee is a highly experienced principal in the progressive movement with significant fundraising, strategic planning, and management expertise. Over the last 20 years, Aimee has led work on the politics and policies that impact women and families, particularly around access to sexual and reproductive health care.
Previously, Aimee served as the Chair of the Board of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and founded several organizations designed to empower women to engage in politics and to fight for the right of all people to access affordable, high-quality healthcare. In addition, Aimee has served on the boards of a number of national progressive organizations, including the Center for Reproductive Rights and EMILY’s List.
Today, Aimee leads The Boone Family Foundation in charting its mission to create equity for women and girls; to drive innovation and justice for students in public schools; and to steward and create accessible green spaces. In 2015, Aimee received the Robbie and Tom Ausley Award to honor her work on behalf of Planned Parenthood in Texas. She was also the 2022 recipient of Viola’s House Hero Award; in 2023, she received the Texas Women’s Foundation’s Maura Award for Women Helping Women. Aimee lives with her husband, Ed Cunningham, in Austin, Texas.
 
You'll hear about:
- The Boone Family Foundation's mission and initiatives.
- Incredible education organizations in North Texas making life-changing impacts.
- Aimee's passion for gender equity and the importance of gender equity in schools.
- The necessity for and impacts of teacher appreciation and recognition.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Learn more about The Boone Family Foundation: https://www.theboonefamilyfoundation.org/
- Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/
- Follow us on 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/1xEGnHg8OEZe-iEfcOJt7l0DSFfyphUy0mcI1mkZXmEA/edit?usp=sharing
 
Episode Music Credits:
- Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/
- Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/
 

Award-winning actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Jennifer Garner joins us for an episode to celebrate receiving our first-ever annual Honored Advocate for Teachers Award!
Garner is known for her versatility in a wide range of starring-roles in Alias, Dallas Buyers Club, Love Simon, Juno, and more. Most recently, Garner executive produced and starred in the hit Apple TV+ limited series The Last Thing He Told Me, based on the eponymous New York Times bestseller by Laura Dave, and the Netflix comedy features Family Switch and Yes Day, which became Netflix’s biggest Kids & Family film release after launching on the platform. Next, Garner will star and executive produce a sequel to Yes Day for Netflix and The Five-Star Weekend for Peacock. Garner recently wrapped production on Season 2 of Apple TV+ The Last Thing He Told Me where she also serves as an executive producer. 
In 2017, Garner co-founded a leading childhood nutrition company Once Upon a Farm. As Chief Brand Officer, she has helped grow the company with the goal of providing organic, crave-worthy snacks and meals for children of all ages. As a businesswoman, Garner has worked with major brands including Neutrogena and Capital One, and also joined the Virtue Labs team to amplify and raise awareness about the unique health and beauty benefits of the company’s premium hair care line. 
As a philanthropist, Garner is a Save the Children Trustee and has worked with the organization since 2008. In 2014, Garner joined the global non-profit’s board of trustees, deepening her commitment to issues affecting children in America and around the world.
 
You'll hear about:
- The teachers who have left a life-changing impact on Jennifer.
- The incredible work Jennifer is doing with Save the Children.
- The effects of generational poverty on education.
- The importance of teacher recognition and how to take action to recognize teachers.
 
About Honored:
Honored's mission is to inspire and retain great teachers, keeping them in the classroom as long as possible. Every month of the school year at Honored, we select an exceptional educator in the United States to be the recipient of the Honored National Teaching Award. Each Honoree, as we call them, receives a $5,000 cash reward, and we then tell the story on our website and our social media platforms of how that teacher has impacted their students' lives. To learn more about our organization, you can go to our website at Honored.org. While you're there, if you have a teacher you would like to recognize, you can nominate them at honored.org/nominate. 
 
Links Mentioned:
- Follow Jennifer Garner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.garner/
- Learn more about Save the Children: https://www.savethechildren.org/
- Nominate a Teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/
- Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers
- Follow us on 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/
 

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
 

Angela Wunderlich and NiKole Nickerson, Senior Regional Program Managers at TEACH.org, join us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. As Senior Program Manager at TEACH.org North Carolina, Nikole combines a deep empathy and passion for education with a BA in History and an M.Ed in Social Studies Education, and an MPA, with an Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership on the horizon. Her passion for education drives her work, creating impactful programs and initiatives. Angela, a Senior Program Manager at TEACH.org Minnesota, is an educator and innovator who has pioneered roles and programs in every full-time position she’s held. With a BA in Education and Hispanic Studies from Bowdoin College and a K-12 World Language Teaching Certification, she brings a passion for language learning and curriculum development. Whether leading new initiatives or shaping learning experiences, Angela thrives in dynamic environments.
 
You'll hear about:
- TEACH.org's mission and initiatives.
- The incredible work TEACH.org is doing in recruiting and retaining teachers. 
- The tools and resources offered through TEACH.org's one-stop shop platform.
- How TEACH.org is chipping away at the barriers individuals face on their paths to becoming educators.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Learn more about TEACH.org: https://www.teach.org
- Learn more about TEACH.org North Carolina: https://northcarolina.teach.org
- Learn more about TEACH.org Minnesota: https://minnesota.teach.org
- Follow TEACH.org on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teach.org
- Follow TEACH.org on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teach-org/
- Follow TEACH.org on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachorg/
- Follow TEACH.org North Carolina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachNCorg
- Follow TEACH.org Minnesota on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teach_mn
- Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/
- Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/
- Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/
- Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org
- Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers
- Read the episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11CnrsHV5Ek_dhWzYQfXbs4YDG7amjDxif71sqng0JZc/edit?usp=sharing
 
Episode Music Credits:
- Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/
- Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/
 

Vincent Cobb, CEO of Summer House Institute, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Summer House Institute is a national organization committed to inspiring, developing, and growing the next generation of Black and Latino male educators in U.S. public schools. Vincent is responsible for working with program partners in major school districts across the country to advance racial equity, diversity in schools, and creating better access pathways for high-quality Black and Latino male leaders to stand in front of classrooms.
 
You'll hear about:
- Summer House Institute's mission and initiatives.
- The importance of diversity and representation in the education field.
- The incredible work Summer House Institute is doing in supporting the next generation of teachers. 
- The outcomes and inspirational work of Summer House Institute's summer fellowship program.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Learn more about Summer House Institute: https://www.summerhouseco.org/ 
- Follow Summer House Institute on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhouseinstitute/
- Follow Summer House Institute on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerhouseinstitute
- Listen to Summer House Institute's Podcast: https://www.summerhouseco.org/the-power-of-exposure-podcast
- Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/
- Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/
- Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/
- Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org
- Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers
- Read the episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P9wNHg3_wShIaI0N9InvQgaQ_hVyRDwLHi4rBLWffCU/edit?usp=sharing
 
Episode Music Credits:
- Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/
- Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/
 

Britton Banowsky, Executive Director at 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/
 

This month, we recognize the ongoing impact of the devastating wildfires in Southern California. In the aftermath of a tragedy, teachers often assume a role to offer students emotional support, stability, and hope. This month’s Honoree has been an anchor for his students, supporting them through one of life’s most difficult moments.
Dave Suarez, a Social Sciences teacher and golf coach at Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, California, is the recipient of our June 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by his student, Jacob Leatherman. To help share the impact of Suarez’s teaching, we are joined today by Jacob and Jacob’s mom, Jeannette.
 
You'll hear about:
- Dave Suarez's journey to becoming a teacher
- Dave's dedication to using engaging activities to help students understand topics and apply them to real-life situations
- Dave's incredible impact on his students after the Palisades Fire
- Dave's passion for coaching golf and helping students create opportunities for themselves academically, athletically, and personally
 
You'll also hear from Rachel Martin, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey. Rachel Martin is the co-creator and host of Wild Card, an NPR interview game show about life's biggest questions. She invites notable guests to play a card game that lets them open up about the memories, insights, and beliefs that have shaped their lives. Martin spent six years as a host of Morning Edition, and was the founding host of NPR's award-winning morning news podcast Up First.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Read more about Dave Suarez's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/dave-suarez
- Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/
- Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/
- Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/
- Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org
 
Episode Music Credits:
- Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/
- Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/
 

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in May, we are excited to have our first-ever double Honorees! This month, we are sharing the story of two incredible educators who have changed the lives of their students. Hailey Ellzey, a Business teacher at Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier, Arkansas, is one of the recipients of our May 2025 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Jenna Whitely. Joining Hailey in this episode are Jenna and Jenna’s mom, Melanie.
 
You'll hear about:
- Hailey Ellzey's journey to becoming a teacher
- The impact Hailey has had on Jenna
- Hailey's extraordinary work in helping students learn how to adapt to a fast-changing world
- Hailey's passion for supporting students with community involvement and professional development
You'll also hear from Vincent Cobb, who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey. Cobb is the CEO of Summer House Institute (‘Summer House’), a national organization committed to inspiring, developing and growing the next generation of Black male educators in U.S. public schools.
 
Links Mentioned:
- Read more about Hailey Ellzey's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/hailey-ellzey
- Listen to the story of our other May 2025 Honoree: https://honored.podbean.com/e/may-honoree-misty-burgess-greenbrier-high-school-greenbrier-ar/
- Nominate a teacher: https://www.honored.org/nominate/
- Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honored/
- Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/honored/
- Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honored.org/
- Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/honored.org
- Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@honoredteachers
 
Episode Music Credits:
- Music by DanaMusic: https://pixabay.com/users/danamusic-31920663/
- Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/