Pete Stone is a 10th-grade English, journalism, and public speaking teacher at Lewisville High School in Chester County, South Carolina, who received the prestigious 2026 Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence. He is one of only five public school educators in the nation to receive this national honor that recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, community engagement, and student advocacy.

He is known for centering his classroom on wonder, meaning, and the human spirit rather than standardized test numbers. His innovative teaching methods include: Nature Walks, Creative Expression, and Focus on the Individual: Providing students with a safe space to try, fail, and recognize their own personal wonder.

Chris McNutt is the co-founder and executive director of Human Restoration Project, a nonprofit organization focused on student engagement, well-being, and motivation. His work centers on realizing systems-based change, examining how progressive pedagogical shifts (e.g. PBL, ungrading) reimagine school to best suit the needs of students and teachers alike. He was a public high school digital media & design educator who focused on experiential learning, portfolio-driven assessment, and community involvement.

Ann Marie and Todd discuss various ways the system can evolve to better meet the human needs of teachers and their students.

Ann Marie and Todd dive deep into mindfulness practices and how they can support classroom/school culture.