Celebrating the teaching profession with Alaina Peterson, Sarah Nandi, and Thomas Hekma

Celebrating the teaching profession with Alaina Peterson, Sarah Nandi, and Thomas Hekma

Author: Ellevation Education May 20, 2025 Duration: 22:10

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.



At the heart of Highest Aspirations are the voices and stories of English Language Learners, a dynamic and fast-growing part of the student population. Created by Ellevation Education, this podcast moves beyond theory to explore the real-world experiences shaping classrooms today. Each episode connects you directly with educators who are in the trenches, students navigating dual languages, and researchers translating data into practical strategies. You’ll also hear from families and community advocates, whose perspectives are crucial yet often overlooked. These conversations collectively tackle a central question: how do we build systems that genuinely allow every student to thrive? Rather than offering simple answers, the series delves into the complexities of policy, instructional practice, and cultural belonging. It’s a space where the vibrant ELL community gathers to discuss both challenges and breakthroughs. Tuning in provides a nuanced look at the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing actionable insights and shared humanity. The Highest Aspirations podcast ultimately serves as a thoughtful forum for anyone invested in creating more equitable and effective learning environments for all.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Highest Aspirations
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Season 7 Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:44
Welcome back to Highest Aspirations, an education podcast that focuses on how we can help maximize impact on multilingual learners. If you’d like to join us on the podcast or if you have an idea for a topic or guest, we…

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