Teacher recognition is a powerful way to keep exceptional educators engaged and fulfilled and prevent attrition—yet too often, their incredible contributions go unacknowledged. Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast shines a spotlight on the extraordinary impact teachers make across the country.
Every month of the school year, Inspiring Teachers shares the stories of the recipients of our $5,000 Honored National Teaching Award. These conversations highlight the life-changing impact of Pre-K to 12th-grade teachers across the United States and the meaningful relationships they cultivate with students and families. We also feature podcast episodes from our organizational spotlight series, which highlights educational organizations making a positive impact.
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Featured Episodes
THE COMMIT PARTNERSHIP'S SYSTEMIC EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
Abby Mayer Eelsen: The Commit Partnership
Dallas, Texas
March 2026 Honoree: Kera Reterstoff, Agriscience Teacher And FFA Advisor
Ravenna High School
Ravenna, Michigan
Honored Advocate for Teachers Award Recipient
Jennifer Garner
September 2025
Episodes
Keep up with the latest stories from Honorees and educational organizations!
March 2026 | 30 Min
Abby Mayer Eelsen, the Chief Operating Officer of The Commit Partnership, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode.
March 2026 | 25 Min
Kera Reterstoff, a high school Agriscience teacher and FFA Advisor at Ravenna High School in Ravenna, Michigan, is the recipient of our March 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Kodi. Joining Mrs. Reterstoff in this episode are Kodi and Kodi’s mom, Jamie.
February 2026 | 30 Min
Nominated by Summer House Institute, Julian (King) Coleman, a K-8 music teacher at Global Leadership Academy West in Philadelphia, PA, is the recipient of our February 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. Joining Mr. Coleman in this episode are eight of his scholars from 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 8th grade.
January 2026 | 31 Min
Devon Houghton, a 4th-grade teacher at Beatrice H Wood Elementary School in Plainville, MA is the recipient of our January 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the parents of her student, Sammy. Joining Mrs. Houghton in this episode are Sammy and Sammy's mom, Erin.
