Blog
The Relay blog is a space for educators, school leaders, and changemakers committed to expanding opportunity for every student. Here, we share practical strategies, classroom insights, research, and stories from schools and communities across the country. Grounded in practice and shaped by the experiences of educators in the field, these perspectives are meant to inspire connection, spark new ideas, and support the important work happening in classrooms every day.
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January 25, 2023
Phonics and More - Secondary Teachers Need Literacy Training, Too
Middle and high school teachers are missing a key skillset. We can empower them to support every student's reading needs.
January 9, 2023
Discovering Each Teacher's "Math Autobiography"
To be successful in math, students need to develop a positive math identity. But first, teachers need to understand their own math autobiographies
December 15, 2022
Why Consider Cultural Relevance Before Teaching a Text?
Every text was created within a culture - including geography, time period, and aspects of the author's identity. Here are 5 ways to support your students in accessing texts from all cultures.
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December 13, 2022
Relay Alum Jermar Rountree Wins DC Teacher of the Year Award, with a Focus on Healthy Communities
Jermar Rountree, Relay MAT 2018 alum, explains how he connects PE to students' every day lives
October 7, 2022
Start of School 2022: How'd it Go?
It's October, so educators are starting to hit their stride. We check in with some newbies and a veteran to see how the first two months went.
September 27, 2022
How Content-Rich Curriculum Builds Mathematicians, Writers, Scientists and Historians
A content-rich approach to teacher preparation goes beyond being a subject expert. It's about the particular strategies and identites we bring to the classroom
Spotlight on: Relay's People
June 17, 2025
Employee Spotlight: Antwan Allen
In this month’s Employee Spotlight, learn how Antwan’s passion for teaching led him from the Harlem school he once attended to becoming a professor, curriculum designer, and mentor at Relay. A former principal and one of the key architects of Relay’s practice-and feedback-based 2.0 curriculum, Antwan shares what drives his work and why diversifying the teacher workforce is a mission he leads with heart.
May 14, 2025
Employee Spotlight: LaResha Jola-Isiba
This month, we are thrilled to feature Relay’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, LaResha Jola-Isiba. From aspiring lawyer to educational operations leader, LaResha’s journey has been anything but conventional. After discovering her passion during a volunteer stint in D.C. schools, she pivoted from the courtroom to the classroom and eventually into school operations, where she found her true calling. Since joining Relay in 2019, LaResha has brought her problem-solving mindset and people-first leadership to every space she enters, helping teams align resources and talent toward shared goals. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband and daughter, watching football, and decorating sweet treats. In addition, Her most fulfilling passion project is personal finance coaching, through which she helps people reach their financial goals.
