Celebrating the teaching profession with Alaina Peterson, Sarah Nandi, and Thomas Hekma
From Highest Aspirations by Ellevation Education
May 20, 2025 · 22 min
About this episode
Former educators share how their classroom experiences influence their work in edtech to support teachers and students.
This episode of Highest Aspirations features Sarah Nandi, Alaina Peterson, and Thomas Hekma—former educators who now work at Ellevation—sharing how their classroom experiences shape the way they support educators across the country. Tune in to hear how their journeys from teaching multilingual learners to working in edtech help them build tools and resources that are relevant, empathetic, and grounded in real classroom needs. Learn how they stay connected to what matters most for teachers and students, and how their roles at Ellevation allow them to amplify the impact they once made in a single school or district. For additional episode and community resources: Download the transcript here . For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, visit our blog .
People in this episode
Guests: Sarah Nandi, Alaina Peterson, Thomas Hekma
Topics covered
- teaching profession
- educators support
- multilingual learners
- edtech
- classroom experiences
- resources for teachers
Keywords
- teaching
- education
- edtech
- multilingual learners
- teacher resources
- classroom support
- Ellevation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ellevation
More episodes of Highest Aspirations
- Centering indigenous voices in education with Georgina Owen · November 6, 2025 · 28 min
- Sustaining EL success through teacher leaders with Dr. Michelle Benegas · October 21, 2025 · 33 min
- Effective coaching for teachers of English learners with Paula Polk · October 7, 2025 · 29 min
- Student agency through academic languaging with Dr. Margo Gottlieb and Dr. Gisela Ernst-Slavit · September 23, 2025 · 31 min
- Organizing a summer newcomer program with Sarah Whitfield · September 9, 2025 · 34 min
- Creating authentic learning experiences for ELs with Dr. Carol Salva · August 26, 2025 · 36 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Highest Aspirations podcast page.