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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September 14, 2022
What Does it Mean to Truly Support Teachers?
Effective student advising is about more than course selection. It's about supporting teachers as humans.
September 8, 2022
How to Build Community and Collaboration into Online PD
Online teacher professional development (PD) doesn't have to be a lecture. 4 tips to create an effective learning community
August 24, 2022
Back-to-School Planning for Principals: Creating a Playbook for a Strong Start
How can school leaders focus their time on what matters most - not just on putting out fires? The "Playbook" approach is your guide to creating healthy school culture, supporting teachers, and more.
August 4, 2022
Marrying High Expectations and Compassion Through a Culturally Responsive Lens
How is Relay's curriculum evolving in the 2022-23 school year? Relay's Provost of Teacher Preparation explains.
August 4, 2022
Culturally Responsive Teaching: Bridging the Gap Between Teachers and Students to Promote Academic Success
Culturally responsive teaching is at the heart of a warm, engaging classroom. But it's often misunderstood. Here's what it looks like for Relay.
August 4, 2022
Our Next Chapter: Centering Humanity, Strengthening the Relay
Relay has been evolving our curriculum and advising model in response to feedback. Our commitment to great teaching is stronger than ever.
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.
