December Story Roundup

An elementary school student with dark hair in a green and beige school uniform is standing in front of a bulletin board smiling.

2025 Year-End Story Roundup: Celebrating the Stories That Moved Us

As we wrap up an unforgettable year in education, we’re taking a moment to reflect, connect and celebrate the stories that remind us why teaching matters.

This year-end roundup features inspiring moments from our partner states—from Texas to Minnesota—alongside powerful stories from classrooms across the country and one special feature close to home.

Featuring heartfelt reflections by Teachers of the Year to viral classroom moments and innovative glimpses into students’ futures, these stories show that educators do more than teach. They spark joy, build belonging and create moments that last far beyond the classroom.

1. 2025 Teachers of the Year Share Their “Why” (National)

A woman sits in a chair looking at the camera. She has dark curly hair and a black shirt.

The 2025 State Teachers of the Year share what fuels their love of teaching. Their candid answers remind us why the teaching profession matters so deeply. Congratulations to all of the 2025 teachers, and a special shout out to those in our partner states:

Janet Damon, Colorado
Julia Miller, Connecticut
Tracy Byrd, Minnesota
Lorilei Chavez, New Mexico
Colleen Keough, New York
Heather Smith, North Carolina
Braden Sullivan Wilson, South Carolina
Christine Mihealsick, Texas

(Source: Google for Education)

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2. Fort Worth Educator Makes Sure Students Get Gifts (Texas)

A woman holding a red sign with white text in front of her face. The sign reads “UPDATE: 42 days to save Christmas.”

Fort Worth teacher Kyle Murphy turned to Tik Tok to keep her school’s gift-giving program alive, spreading holiday cheer to her students in a big way. This feel-good, viral story reminds us how teachers create the moments kids never forget. Click below to read the story or watch the video, then follow this teacher on TikTok @Kylesaveschristmas

(Source: NBCDFW News)

A man holds up a pair of plaid Vans shoes. He is in a classroom with a blue background behind him.

Students in South Charlotte surprised their teacher, Jeff Swicegood, with a special gift and a heartfelt moment that spread across the internet and showcased the powerful relationships built in classrooms every day. Click below to read the story or watch the video on TikTok. It has 11 million views and counting!

(Source: The Charlotte Observer)

One of this year’s most emotional tech moments came from Houston, where Sadiya Ishaq’s first grade students imagined their future careers, then she used AI to bring their dreams to life. Watch their priceless reactions by clicking on the YouTube video linked below.

(Source: KHOU 11 News)

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5. TEACH.org on the Honored Podcast (Minnesota & North Carolina)

Two women are smiling in front of a blue circle with the words “Inspiring Teachers, the Honored Podcast” in the background.

Last but not least, we’re proud to spotlight our own Angela Wunderlich and NiKole Nickerson, Senior Regional Program Managers at TEACH.org, who joined the Honored Podcast to talk about the work happening every day at TEACH to recruit and support the next generation of teachers.

Their conversation highlights the heart of our mission to end the teacher shortage and the impact happening in our partner states. See the feature on our Instagram, here, or click below to listen to the full episode on Podbean.

(Source: The Honored Podcast)

Listen to the Episode