Shannon Houtrouw has been teaching computer science since 1998. This year, he learned he won a top award for educators.

Patricia Houston is director of Children's Community School, a nonprofit preschool and early childhood education center in a racially diverse but rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of West Philadelphia.

Makeba Averitte, an art teacher at Liberty Grove Schools, connects art in the classroom to life outside the classroom — from building family relationships to providing clothes and haircuts to students.

Middle school English teacher Marc J. Gregson is a bestselling fantasy novelist. He hasn’t quit his day job.

Tobye Ertelt says more students are checking out books since the pandemic.

Amber Faris has sponsored the Gay-Straight Alliance at her Kentucky high school for nearly two decades. That’s given her insight into the kinds of support LGBTQ teens need right now.

Nia Freeman, third grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School, started a DEI-focused newscast for her students.

A year into the job, the head of Chicago Public School’s disability office is focused on chronic absenteeism and students’ transition to adulthood.

Trips to the post office, Statehouse, and polling station are all part of the practical education that Laura Hinz teaches her students.

The nonprofit network helps operate 17 city public schools that cater exclusively to newly arrived immigrant students, serving as a national model for educating newcomers.

Kelley Cusmano teaches student leadership and English language arts at Rochester High School.

Janet Damon learned a valuable lesson after a hard year in third grade.

Mary Easley teaches early childhood education to high schoolers at the same career center where she developed her love of teaching.

Jayme Margolin-Sneider recently completed a six-week teaching fellowship in Vietnam.

Yan Carlos Mejia now incorporates materials from his visits to the Frida Kahlo Museum, Machu Picchu, and other stops in Latin America to help his students learn English.

Government can feel far away and abstract. Kimberly Huffman helps her students use their voice and understand the Electoral College.

In a partisan political landscape, these students learn to research issues and make informed choices

Jarryd Hudock teaches English and social studies to middle schoolers at Samuel Gompers School in Philadelphia. He offers his students a glimpse into Black history and Black author studies.

Civics teacher Lem Wheeles wants his students to know the government is made up of people just like them.

Illinois School Counselor of the Year Marisa Mathews says collaboration is key in helping students post-pandemic