Leading From The Classroom

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Maine Teacher of the Year Tammy Ranger tells us about the moment she spoke up about School Choice, and why it's up to teachers to make School Choice more equitable.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Louisiana Teacher of the Year Joni Smith tells the story of what it was like to take part in discussions with U.S. Department of Education, and why it's her mission to keep those discussions focused on students.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Washington, D.C. Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Dewhurst shares how she learned to rely on a community of educators to help her be a better teacher for her students.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Florida Teacher of the Year Jessica Solano talks about the difference between involving parents and engaging them, and how her life changed when she started visiting students in their homes.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 North Carolina Teacher of the Year Bobbie Cavnar tells us about what happened when he was slated to deliver a prepared speech to educators — and how he followed his instincts and went off-script.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Chris Gleason tells us about the tuba lesson that changed his perspective on education.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Missouri Teacher of the Year Darbie Valenti tells us about her passion for teaching STEM lessons, and why she believes that STEM is the key to teaching the skills that matter most.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Texas Teacher of the Year Allison Ashley shares her experiences contributing to her state's new educational standards, and how vastly different educators turned their differences into something powerful for students.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 New Jersey Teacher of the Year Argine Safari tells us how she used music to help students cope with their fears after the violence in Charlottesville.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Illinois Teacher of the Year Ricardo Castro shares his story of meeting Donald Trump, and how he turned a brief encounter into a "moment that mattered."

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Vermont Teacher of the Year Kate McCann shares how she overcame fear by letting others in, and was able to realize her dream and hold Vermont's first State Math Fair.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 South Carolina Teacher of the Year Jennifer Wise shares what it's like to come from a long line of educators, and how her family's legacy inspires her every day.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Wyoming Teacher of the Year Ryan Fuhrman shares how he overcame self-doubt and learned the value of his own leadership.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 New York Teacher of the Year Amy Hysick shares how a single moment or conversation can change a student forever.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Kansas Teacher of the Year Jason Sickel tells us about Tommy, a student who taught him a meaningful lesson about what happens when we learn to use our voices.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Oregon Teacher of the Year Gloria Pereyra-Robertson tells the story of the heartbreaking letter she received from a parent, and the unexpected conversation it led to about race and immigration.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Idaho Teacher of the Year Mary Spiker shares her story of speaking to the Senate and House committees, and using her voice on behalf of her youngest, most vulnerable students.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Maryland Teacher of the Year Sia Kyriakakos shares how an unexpected conversation with a lobbyist, and a deep love for her students, moved her to aspire to advocate for her students on a bigger platform.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Iowa Teacher of the Year Shelly Vroegh talks about the importance of teachers supporting teachers, and why you can't do it alone.

In this episode of Leading from the Classroom, 2017 Georgia Teacher of the Year Casey Bethel tells the story of his son's first day of school, and how a single moment reminded him that teachers do much more than teach.