Teachers in America

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, incorporating STEM challenges in math instruction, and getting students comfortable with productive struggle.

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.

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 candidate for Teachers in America, please email us at shaped@hmhco.com.

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 decided to take on a new challenge. Plus she shares her favorite reading instructional strategies and tools that have helped her students thrive.

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.

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 shares how she incorporates social-emotional strategies into her math intervention class and discusses how to motivate students to learn and succeed.

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.

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 their clan system into their student council. Plus he will provide strategies on how to honor Native American heritage in the month of November and all year long.

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.

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 students in reading. Plus, they’ll give insight on programs and tools that have helped their students thrive.

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.

Eric is a true role model to his students: he shows that having 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 the Special Olympics program, with participation tripling in the last school year. Eric will share strategies to create an accessible learning environment, including how to support students physically and emotionally and how to encourage students to advocate for themselves.

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.

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, as she was awarded the HMH Lighthouse Award. Tune in to hear how Blanca builds a bilingual classroom culture that fosters a growth mindset in English and Spanish.

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.

Writing is more than putting thoughts on paper. How do you successfully guide students through the writing process?

In this episode, we are joined by Rhode Island educator Kayla Dyer, a former 4th grade teacher and currentin her district. She'll discuss instructional best practices that get students excited about writing. Plus, she'll share teaching tips for new and not-so new teachers, including how to join a connected community of educators.

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.

How can you motivate reluctant readers to reach for a book?

In this episode, we are joined by Texas teacher Russell Souders, who has been teaching for 29 years. He'll share tips on how he sparks his third-grade students’ interest in reading, including how he uses programs like HMH Into Reading to engage students in literacy instruction.

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.

Past NSTA President and Into Science Texas author Dr. Karen Ostlund joins us in our new episode of Teachers in America to talk about best practices to engage students both in the physical and virtual science classroom. Plus she'll share exciting new changes to the TEKS and what it will mean for teachers and students in Texas. 

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.

Morning meetings can set the tone for the rest of the school day, even the rest of the school year.

In our latest back-to-school minisode, we welcome back 30-year seasoned teacher Teresa Meredith. Tune in and hear her expertise on creating a classroom community space and establishing expectations in the first weeks of school. Plus, she’ll give insights on how to structure morning meetings and address different student behaviors.

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.

Connecting with your students this school year can be as simple as asking what's their favorite dipping sauce.

In our 13-minute minisode, we welcome back North Carolina State Teacher of the Year Leah Carper as she shares her number one social and emotional learning strategy that has been successful with her Gen Z students. Plus she dives into programs that  support all students, including universal free lunch.

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.

Getting in front of your class to teach is a lot like getting in front of a crowd to MC.

Fourth-grade Teacher MC Toney Jackson returns and shares tips to prep for the biggest teaching event—back to school! Learn how to start off the school year as a master of ceremonies in your class, including how to engage and empower students by sharing the stage and how to find your teaching crew.

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.

We're starting the school year off right with our Back-to-School minisode series! We've invited some your favorite guest back to give quick tips about  getting ready for the year ahead. 

"Learning to read to then reading to learn," is a saying heard often. But literacy instruction is a bit more nuanced than that.

In this episode, Utah elementary literacy coordinator and fellow education podcaster from the Teaching Literacy Podcast  Dr. Jake Downs joins us and explores the intricacies of teaching reading. He shares his literacy expertise and talks about best practices for literacy instruction, the science of reading, and data-based decision-making to help struggling readers.

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.

School is almost out for summer! How are you wrapping up the school year? Hear how David Staton, a second grade teacher from Middletown, Ohio, is creatively counting down the last days of school.

In this episode, David shares activities to end the school year, tips on cultivating a positive classroom community, and resources to personalize writing instruction.

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.

For Colorado teacher, Amber Reyes, focusing on phonics has led to great student gains.

Today's guest has gone from phonics tutor to early childhood educator to elementary school teacher. In this episode, Amber shares strategies to engage students in fun phonics instruction, as well as resources to build fundamental reading skills.

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.

We welcome back Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona for a special Teacher Appreciation Week message for 2023. In this episode, he shares how the Department of Education is working on reimagine our schools through the “Raise the Bar: Lead the World” effort, which pushes to accelerate learning, boldly improve learning conditions, and create pathways for global engagement.

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.