Teachers in America

What will be trending in education in 2025? Host Kailey Rhodes sits down with Classcraft cofounder and HMH’s SVP of product management and strategy Shawn Young to discuss ed predictions. They cover topics like simplifying EdTech, leaning on AI tech tools to build teacher-student relationships, and bringing the "human element" into technology. Teachers in America profiles K–12 teachers ac...

How are educators feeling about AI? In this bite-sized episode, host Kailey Rhodes sits down with Andrew Goldman, founder of Writable and EVP of HMH Labs. Together, they dig deeper into HMH's Educator Confidence Report survey results and share what educators really think about AI use in schools. Plus they discuss innovative ways AI is being integrated into lesson planning and curriculum devel...

Math mistakes can open up new learning opportunities.   Today we are joined by middle and high school math teacher Russell Hanes, who has been teaching for two decades in public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad. In this episode, Russell discusses how to help students step out of their math comfort zone and see themselves as “math people.” Plus, Russell shares teaching strategies to use i...

A 60-second chat with students can lead to big changes. Today we are joined by education leadership expert Dr. Mary Hemphill, who details the transformative power of the One-Minute Meeting. Dr. Hemphill shares how to implement and leverage this unique approach to school improvement, where quick yet meaningful conversations with students shine a light on their well-being, achievements, and learning...

Educators are giving the teaching profession a low grade. Why is that? On today's bite-sized episode, we will be zeroing in on educator's top concerns, their views of the profession, and what we can do to make it better. We'll dive into HMH's Educator Confidence Report, which surveys educators about the issues that impact them daily and asks them how we can improve the professi...

Ms. Barnes encourages students to see math challenges as stepping stones to mastery. Today we are joined by middle school math teacher, Camyrea Barnes from Michigan. Camyrea believes that with the right mindset and community support, students can take on any math problem. As a leader on her school's positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) team, Camyrea is also dedicated to fosteri...

One Washington school district is putting AI into practice. Today we're joined by Peninsula School District leaders Kris Hagel and John Yellowlees, who together are making education more accessible using artificial intelligence. Kris and John discuss their AI integration efforts: from helping teachers leverage AI tools for lesson planning and differentiation to encouraging students to explore...

Missy believes, "there will always be joy in teaching." Today we are joined by 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman. Missy serves as at K-8 English as a second language specialist and program director for her school in rural Rogersville, Tennessee. In this episode, Missy reflects on her education career and offers words of inspiration and practical advice to nurture the joy...

Monday morning football lessons can spark student engagement. Just ask Mary. We’re kicking off our season with third-grade teacher Mary Martinez Crippen from Miami, Florida, joined by Teachers in America host, Kailey Rhodes. Mary became a viral sensation when she began tracking football stats with her class and sharing their journey on social media. Throughout the football season, her students lea...

With emerging advancements in education, like AI, how do you keep up with what's new in the classroom? Join us for a fresh season of Teachers in America and learn from educators and ed leaders, like you, who are embracing innovations, sharing instructional strategies, and discussing the latest trends. Tune in to hear classroom ideas that will influence the future of your teaching, inspire you...

Writing can serve as means of empowerment and healing.  Today we are talking to Briana Morales, 2024 Illinois State Teacher of the Year and high school English teacher at Gordon Bush Alternative Center in East St. Louis. Throughout her career, she has empowered her students through storytelling. In this episode, Briana will share how she uses healing-centered engagement and writing to help student...

Vocabulary can be the catalyst for building reading comprehension skills. Today we are exploring vocabulary instruction and how it ties to comprehension with K-12 curriculum integrator Abbey Behnke. In this episode, Abbey shares instructional strategies and activities to engage students in vocabulary learning. Plus, she’ll discuss how to incorporate vocabulary instruction into all subject areas, h...

In honor of 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona joins HMH's CEO Jack Lynch to discuss pressing issues in education. Together, they explore the integration of AI in the classroom, tackling teacher burnout, competitive salaries, and building respect for the teaching profession. Plus, Secretary Cardona shares an experience for his early days as a teacher and adv...

Teachers collect data in a number of ways, but how do you plan with it? Third grade teacher and HMH Teacher Ambassador, Latonia Grant joins us today and talks how data has been a valuable tool in her planning and instruction. In this episode, Latonia will provide data-driven planning tips, like how to lead data talks and set goals with students, and how to establish collaborative planning norms an...

Across the country, more schools are considering a 4-day school week. But how would that look like for students and teachers? Today we are talking to Dr. Claudia Singkornrat, a Florida science teacher at Pompano Beach High School, the only school in Broward County Public Schools that offers a 4-day school week. Claudia will give insight on her school’s 4-day schedule and how it impacts student lea...

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 stud...

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, incor...

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 candid...

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 de...

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...

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 thei...

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 student...

Eric is a true role model to his students: he shows that having a 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 th...

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...