As the number of podcasts increases each year, it can be difficult to sort through which ones are worth the listen. According to estimates in April 2021, there are over 48 million podcast episodes that have been created—one for nearly every K–12 student in the U.S.!
Whether you’re on a road trip, doing chores, or hopefully enjoying a
little well-earned time off this summer, we’ve compiled a list of the
best teacher podcasts for 2024, at least according to us. Dive into
conversations in everything from fun teacher stories to pedagogical
theory. It doesn’t matter if you're at the very beginning of your teacher journey or recently retired, there is a podcast for you.
Podcasts for Teachers
While we at HMH create podcasts with educators top of mind, we recognize that there are thousands of podcasts recorded for teachers, coaches, administrators, curriculum builders, technology specialists, parents, and anyone else looking out for our children's learning. Here are some of our favorite teacher podcasts, all exploring different aspects of the educational landscape.
In our very own podcast that features teacher stories from across the country, host Noelle Morris seeks to understand what K–12 educators are going through in the classroom today. A former teacher herself, Morris’ interviews quickly become far-reaching conversations on everything from history to hip-hop. With guests including teacher influencers and award-winning National Teachers of the Year, Teachers in America gives today’s educators a platform to share their insights, hopes, and stories. |
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Our second podcast, Shaping the Future, goes beyond the classroom and provides a space for experts and innovators to discuss how what happens in classrooms today can influence the leaders of tomorrow. Host Matthew Mugo Fields dives into what it takes to create more change-makers by sitting down with experts in the arts and sciences to discuss education, technology, and the future. |
It’s no secret that we’re a fan of CJ Reynolds and his book Teach Your Class Off. We’ve even gotten the chance to interview him on Teachers in America. CJ also has a podcast of his own called Sunday Night Teacher Talk, where teachers call in and ask any questions they have before the new school week begins. Join the conversation yourself on his Real Rap with Reynolds YouTube channel each Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. |
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Weston Kieschnick, former high school teacher and Shaped contributor, satisfies cinephiles and educators alike with the Teaching Keating Podcast. The show is hosted by both Weston and his wife Molly, who is herself a former teacher. Together they relate education to film, one popular movie at a time. Hear them engage with topics like discipline (Home Alone), pressure (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), and passion (Toy Story) and transform film scenes into classroom advice. |
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Matthew Mugo Fields took a break from hosting Shaping the Future to drop by TeachLab with Justin Reich and discuss his own personal EdTech story. This podcast has Reich, the director of the MIT Teaching Systems Lab, engaged in conversation with guests ranging from professors to entrepreneurs, all offering different perspectives on how to improve education in the US. |
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A favorite among listeners, The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast provides advice in everything from equity to EdTech. Jennifer Gonzalez hosts this must-listen for educators hoping to freshen up their teaching strategies and improve their practice. Expert guests will have you rethinking your classroom strategies by the end of every episode. |
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Teacher practitioners have the spotlight on The Heinemann Podcast. With guests like We Got This author Cornelius Minor and Risk. Fail. Rise. author Colleen Cruz, the podcast covers profound ideas like equitable teaching practices and writing reluctance in students. Be sure to explore the podcasts’ several mini-series including Water for Teachers, aimed at connecting with the hearts of the humans who teach. |
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Although you might have watched a TED Talk or two by now, did you know there was also a podcast especially for educators? All ideas around learning are fair game on TED Talks Education, with topics like how to use comics in the classroom and how to close opportunity gaps. With the best and the brightest across education at the mic, this podcast is poised to transform your teaching. |
No matter your teaching style, there is an educator podcast for you.
While these are some of our favorites here at HMH, there are many more
to choose from on whatever platform you choose to listen on. If you
yourself are an educator, with or without a podcast, email us at
shaped@hmhco.com. You might be a guest on an upcoming episode of Teachers in America!
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To keep up with the latest episodes of Teachers in America and Shaping the Future, check our HMH Podcasts blog. You can subscribe to Teachers in America and Shaping the Future on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
