Elle Sarkisian

What does it really feel like to teach today? The "Behind the Scenes of Learning" podcast shares raw, real stories from public school educators, revealing what’s working, what’s breaking down, and where change is needed. It explores what it takes to create systems that center connection, not just compliance.We hope this podcast sparks conversation amongst teams and inspires listeners to help shape what comes next. Click here to listen to Episode 1: Doing it Alone. 

What does it really feel like to be a public school teacher today?In this episode, "Doing It Alone," host Elle Sarkisian brings us into the lived experience of K–8 educators across the country as they speak candidly about a pervasive, often invisible challenge: isolation. Through powerful, unfiltered interviews, we explore how this sense of disconnection shows up across curriculum mandates, planning expectations, fractured parent partnerships, inconsistent administrative support, and one-size-fits-all professional development.You’ll hear stories that reveal just how much teachers are expected to shoulder on their own—and what could shift if schools and systems took a more human-centered, collaborative approach.This episode also features reflections from a participatory workshop hosted by Desklight and McGraw Hill, where educators, school leaders, and caregivers came together to reimagine what real support could look like.Regardless of where you reside at McGraw Hill, this conversation will help you see what’s at stake, and what’s possible.--- If you are interested in learning more about the topic of teacher isolation, view additional insights and teacher testimonials here.