Front of the Class

Send us Fan Mail

Rachel Kinsaul has spent 15 years teaching high school agriculture in rural Georgia, where she focuses on real-world learning and helping students develop confidence and initiative. 

In this special topical episode, the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year shares lessons about the importance of building relationships with students and connecting their learning with the local community. Kinsaul also reflects on why making small changes can help educators continue growing and finding energy. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Across her career, 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Stephanie Williams is a music educator whose has embraced creativity, cross-curricular collaboration, and finding new ways to make learning memorable. 

As she begins a year serving with the Arkansas Department of Education, Williams reflects on creative lesson design, supporting new teachers, navigating challenging classroom moments, and finding joy in the teaching profession. Her story offers encouragement for educators seeking to build meaningful connections and make a lasting impact. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Michelle Gross, the 2026 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, has spent 22 years helping students discover that math is more than numbers on a page. Through project-based learning, she helps students connect mathematical concepts to real-world applications while improving their scores on state assessments. 

In this special topical episode, Gross shares how meaningful learning experiences can increase student engagement, strengthen understanding, and leave lasting impressions. She also offers practical advice for teachers interested in bringing more creativity into their classrooms. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Frederick Imadonmwinyi is a math educator and Moreland University graduate whose 11-year teaching journey has taken him from Nigeria to Liberia and Guyana. Working with middle and high school students, he’s found that his greatest passion extends beyond teaching math to building students’ confidence. 

In this episode, Imadonmwinyi reflects on making mistakes, becoming a reflective teacher, and extending learning beyond the classroom. His insights offer encouragement for educators looking to help students meaningfully engage with content and keep growing throughout their careers. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Allie Peterson recently completed her first year as a teacher, leading third grade classes in the same Idaho community where she grew up. It didn’t take her long to discover that success in education is about authenticity, reflection, and building meaningful relationships with students. 

In this special topical episode, Peterson shares an honest look at the realities of a teacher's first year, from navigating self-doubt and learning from mistakes to celebrating student growth and finding balance. Whether you're preparing for your first classroom or reflecting on your own teaching journey, her practical insights and encouragement offer a valuable perspective for educators at every stage of their career. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Jennifer Montgomery has spent more than two decades helping students build confidence, think critically, and connect classroom learning to the world around them. Throughout that time, the 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year career has prioritized curiosity, creativity, and meaningful relationships in her classrooms. 

In this episode, Montgomery shares how project-based instruction and building strong connections with students can be inspirational starting points for the rest of their lives. With practical ideas for creating engaging lessons and helping students develop real-world skills, this episode has something for new and experienced teachers alike. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Laron Johnson has spent nearly 30 years teaching in the shadows of the Grand Teton Mountains in Yellowstone National Park. He has built a career around helping students connect classroom concepts to their everyday lives, earning him recognition as the 2026 Idaho Teacher of the Year. 

In this special topical episode, Johnson shares how humor, relationships, and real-world experiences can make learning more meaningful and memorable. Focusing on the power of building connections with students, his stories offer inspiration for educators looking to spark curiosity and make learning come alive. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

From community partnerships and service projects to “productive struggle,” Megan Johnson has embraced it all over her 19-year career in education. That’s why the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year confidently believes a great career for educators — and a great education for students — starts with relationships and meaningful experiences. 

In this episode, Johnson shares how education continues to evolve and explains why teachers shouldn’t be afraid to think creatively and take risks. Her reflections and insights are encouraging for educators at every stage of their journey, and are a welcome reminder that there is far more good happening in education than often gets recognized. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

Linda “Wally” Wallenberg has spent more than 50 years helping students discover the joy of learning. As the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, she teaches English at Eden Prairie High School, where she blends literature, movement, and pop culture to create memorable classroom experiences. 

In this special topical episode, Wallenberg shares how she has adapted to decades of change while keeping humanity and hope at the heart of her career. From using technology as a partner to spicing up Shakespeare with foam swords, her story offers inspiration for educators looking to make learning more engaging and meaningful. 

Content Warning: mental health struggles and death 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months. 

Send us Fan Mail

After beginning his professional life as an attorney in Las Vegas, Matthew Neale made an unexpected career shift, moving across the country and into the classroom, where he was named the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year. 

In this episode, Neale discusses the deep fulfillment and “psychic income” of teaching as he draws on more than 20 years of coaching soccer, building relationships with students, and launching community wellness initiatives that address real challenges in their rural community in the Appalachian Mountains. 

Get your free copy of The K-12 Teacher's Guide to Saving Time While Lesson Planning! 

Download for free here ➡️ https://teach.moreland.edu/save-time-lesson-planning-guide

Moreland University can help you create the teaching career of your dreams. 

• Get your U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months 
• Earn a master's degree in 12 months 
• Keep growing with professional development

Learn more at moreland.edu

Thanks for listening to Front of the Class: Real Stories From Real Educators. 

Keep the conversation going with us on social: 

• Instagram: @frontoftheclass.podcast
• TikTok: @frontoftheclass.podcast

Want to jumpstart or grow your teaching career? 

Moreland University's 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can help you get certified in as little as 9 months. Moreland also offers master's degrees in high-demand areas that can be completed 12 months.