The Commit Partnership's Systemic Educational Impact: A Conversation with Abby Mayer Eelsen

Micheal Quach, a high school Science teacher at Townsend Harris High School in Flushing, New York, is the recipient of our November 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. He was nominated for this award by his former student, Haein, who joined us in this episode to share the impact of Micheal's teaching.    You'll hear about: - Micheal Quach's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Micheal has had on Haein. - Micheal's dedication to creating an encouraging environment where students believe in themselves. - Micheal's passion for supporting students both personally and academically.   You'll also hear from Aimee Cunningham who shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". Most recently, Aimee served as President and CEO of The Boone Family Foundation. 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.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Micheal Quach's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/micheal-quach  - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Micheal: https://www.honored.org/nominees/micheal-quach-townsend-harris-high-school-science-2026/ - 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/  

Anna Tykwinski, a 3rd-grade teacher at Westside Elementary School in West Fargo, North Dakota, is the recipient of our October 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the mom of her student, Dax. Joining Anna in this episode are Dax and Dax's mom, Jamie.   You'll hear about: - Anna Tykwinski's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Anna has had on Dax and his family. - Anna's dedication to creating strong, meaningful relationships with her students. - How Anna has supported Dax in transitioning from spending most of his day in the special education classroom to the general education classroom.   You'll also hear from JJ Abrams, an American producer and filmmaker known for his work in action, drama, and science fiction. He shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired".    Links Mentioned: - Read more about Anna Tykwinski's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/anna-tykwinski  - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Anna: https://www.honored.org/nominees/anna-tykwinski - 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/ - Teachers Who Inspired Segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pmZ4_I_mgo  

Osi Imeokparia, the CEO of Kode With Klossy, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Kode With Klossy is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on closing the gender equity gap in tech. Technology has been the through line in Osi's multi-sector career across for-profit, nonprofit, philanthropic, and political organizations. Before joining Kode With Klossy, Osi worked in philanthropy as a Vice President of Technology and Head of Justice & Opportunity at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Prior to CZI, Osi was the Chief Product Officer for the Hillary for America presidential campaign from launch to election day. Before pursuing philanthropic and nonprofit work, Osi spent 15+ years as a product leader in startup, mid-size, and large for-profit software organizations. While at Google, Osi spent almost a decade working on ad technology. At eBay, she worked on seller and trust & safety products for the marketplace, and she began her career at a venture-backed collaboration software startup.   You'll hear about: - Kode With Klossy's mission and initiatives. - Kode With Klossy's continuous support programs for young women and gender expansive youth ages 13 to 26. - The importance of community building when it comes to encouraging young people and minorities to experience the STEM field. - How Kode With Klossy teaches their scholars to be responsible, empowered builders and users of tech. - The incredible success of Kode With Klossy's programs.   Links Mentioned: - Read the Episode Transcript: https://www.honored.org/honoree/kode-with-klossy - Learn more about Kode With Klossy: https://www.kodewithklossy.com/ - Follow Kode With Klossy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kodewithklossy/?hl=en - 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/

In celebration of National Coding Week in September, we have partnered with Kode With Klossy to honor an incredible Computer Science teacher. Kode With Klossy creates learning experiences and opportunities for young women and gender expansive youth. Their programs ignite a spark that fuels their scholars’ agency to pursue their passions in a tech-driven world. Madeline Gerena Franco, a high school Computer Science teacher at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, Illinois, is the recipient of our September 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. To help share the impact of Mrs. Franco’s teaching, we will also hear from students, Joey and Logan.   You'll hear about: - Mrs. Franco's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mrs. Franco has had on her students.  - Mrs. Franco's dedication to creating an engaging, interactive classroom environment. - Mrs. Franco's passion for being a Hispanic, female role model in STEM.    You'll also hear from Osi Imeokparia, who is the CEO of Kode With Klossy. She shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on her journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". Osi Imeokparia is the CEO of Kode With Klossy, a 501c3 nonprofit focused on closing the gender equity gap in tech. Technology has been the through line in Osi's multi-sector career across for-profit, nonprofit, philanthropic, and political organizations. Before joining Kode With Klossy, Osi worked in philanthropy as a Vice President of Technology and Head of Justice & Opportunity at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). Prior to CZI, Osi was the Chief Product Officer for the Hillary for America presidential campaign from launch to election day. Before pursuing philanthropic and nonprofit work, Osi spent 15+ years as a product leader in startup, mid-size, and large for-profit software organizations.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Madeline's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/madeline-gerena-franco - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Madeline: https://www.honored.org/nominees/madeline-gerena-franco/ - Learn more about Kode With Klossy: https://www.kodewithklossy.com/ - Follow Kode With Klossy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kodewithklossy/?hl=en - 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/  

Shavonya Coleman, a 3rd-grade teacher at Positive Tomorrows in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is the recipient of our June 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by the parent of her student, Serenity. Joining Shavonya in this episode are Serenity and Serenity’s mom, Krystle.  Positive Tomorrows is a school serving families experiencing homelessness. They offer kids stability and quality education while giving parents the support they need to create a better life.   You'll hear about: - Shavonya's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Shavonya has had on Serenity and Krystle. - Shavonya's dedication to meeting students where they are and creating a safe environment for students to learn. - The impact of Positive Tomorrows on students and families.   You'll also hear from NiKole Nickerson, the Senior Regional Partnerships Manager at TEACH.org North Carolina. She shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". 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.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Shavonya's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/shavonya-coleman - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Shavonya: https://www.honored.org/nominees/shavonya-coleman/ - Learn more about TEACH.org: https://teach.org - Follow TEACH.org on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachorg/ - Learn more about Positive Tomorrows: https://www.positivetomorrows.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/  

Jill Dwyer, an Early Childhood Development CTE teacher at North Valley High School in Grants Pass, Oregon, is the recipient of our May 2026 Honored National Teaching Award. She was nominated for this award by her student, Ava. Joining Jill in this episode are Ava and Ava's mom, Melissa.   You'll hear about: - Jill Dwyer's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Jill has had on Ava and her family. - Jill's dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for her students. - Jill's passion for hands-on learning experiences. You'll also hear from award-winning actress Jennifer Garner, as she shares about the teachers who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired".  Jennifer Garner has enjoyed a successful career at the top of her field in both film and television and has also taken on the role of philanthropist and entrepreneur. 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.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Jill's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/jill-dwyer - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Jill: https://www.honored.org/nominees/jill-dwyer/ - Listen to Jennifer Garner's Honored Advocate for Teachers Award podcast: https://www.honored.org/honoree/jennifer-garner/ - 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/  

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. Joining Trisha in this episode is DJ's mom, Rebecca.   You'll hear about: - Trisha Lopez's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Trisha has had on DJ and his mom. - Trisha's dedication to creating an encouraging environment where students' needs are exceeded. - Trisha's passion for supporting families with children with disabilities. You'll also hear from Britton Banowsky, the Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Foundation. He shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". 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.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Trisha's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/trisha-lopez - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Trisha: https://www.honored.org/nominees/trisha-lopez/ - Learn more about the College Football Playoff Foundation: https://cfp-foundation.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/  

Abby Mayer Eelsen, the Chief Operating Officer of The Commit Partnership, joins us for an organizational spotlight podcast episode. Abby combines her experiences as an educator, fundraiser, advocate, and parent of a Dallas ISD student to connect the philanthropic community with opportunities to ensure all students receive an excellent, equitable education.   You'll hear about: - The Commit Partnerships' mission and initiatives. - The Commit Partnerships' work for high-quality talent, rigorous instruction, and postsecondary access and success. - The incredible work The Commit Partnership is doing in ensuring more students attain living-wage employment and long-term economic stability. - How The Commit Partnership's work increases teacher retention and student success.   Links Mentioned: - Read the Episode Transcript: https://www.honored.org/honoree/the-commit-partnership/ - Learn more about The Commit Partnership: https://www.commitpartnership.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 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/

This month, we are celebrating National Agriculture Week to recognize and celebrate the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. In recognition of this celebration, we are honored to share the story of our March Honoree, Kera Reterstoff.  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.   You'll hear about: - Mrs. Reterstoff's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mrs. Reterstoff has had on Kodi and her family. - Mrs. Reterstoff's dedication to agriscience and FFA. - Mrs. Reterstoff's passion for ensuring her students leave high school feeling prepared for their futures.    You'll also hear from Brent DeSaegher, the 2025-2026 Michigan FFA State President. He shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". Brent DeSaegher graduated from Ithaca High School in 2025, and is currently at Michigan State University studying biosystems engineering, with the intention of becoming an agriculture engineer. Growing up on his family's dairy farm, he has always had a deep passion for agriculture. This fondness deepened when he entered high school, and began taking agriscience classes. Not only did this foster his interest in agriculture and its relation to science, but also led him to be passionate in advocating for agriculture, and what quickly became his other passion: FFA. Through FFA, he was able to expand his leadership and knowledge, all of which culminated in his year of service as the Michigan FFA State President.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Mrs. Reterstoff's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/kera-reterstoff - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Read the incredible nomination for Mrs. Reterstoff: https://www.honored.org/nominees/kera-reterstoff/ - Learn more about FFA: https://www.ffa.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/  

In recognition of Black History Month, we have partnered with Summer House Institute to honor an incredible Black male educator. Summer House Institute is an organization that exists to grow and develop young men of color who will soon finish college and enter the workforce through an affinity-based learning model.  Julian Coleman, a K-8 music teacher at Global Leadership Academy West in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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.   You'll hear about: - Julian Coleman's journey to becoming a teacher. - The impact Mr. Coleman has had on his scholars. - Mr. Colemnan's dedication to creating a safe haven in the music room. - Mr. Coleman's passion for supporting scholars in cultivating a passion for music and the arts.   You'll also hear from Viola Davis, EGOT award-winning actress, philanthropist, and CEO/Co-Founder of JuVee Productions & JVL Media. She shares about a teacher who left an incredible impact on their journey in our segment "Teachers Who Inspired". This audio is credited to The Associated Press archive, and you can find more information on the source of this audio in the episode description.   Links Mentioned: - Read more about Julian Coleman's story: https://www.honored.org/honoree/julian-coleman - Nominate a teacher for our Honored National Teaching Award: https://www.honored.org/nominate/ - Learn more about Summer House Institute: https://www.summerhouseco.org/ - Follow Summer House Institute on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhouseinstitute - 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/ - Teachers Who Inspired segment audio of Viola Davis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pps41eu9-qw