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.
Available On:
Featured Episodes
April 2026 Honoree: Trisha Lopez, Special Education Teacher
Columbia Elementary School
Madison, Alabama
THE COMMIT PARTNERSHIP'S SYSTEMIC EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
Abby Mayer Eelsen: The Commit Partnership
Dallas, Texas
Honored Advocate for Teachers Award Recipient
Jennifer Garner
September 2025
Episodes
Keep up with the latest stories from Honorees and educational organizations!
April 2026 | 26 Min
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. Trisha Lopez, an elementary school Special Education teacher at Columbia Elementary School in Madison, Alabama, is the recipient of our April 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the parent of her student, DJ.
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.
