Celebrating Educational Innovation: The Journey of ReachMyTeach
In an era where effective communication is vital for educational success, Helen Cohen’s initiative, ReachMyTeach, stands out as a beacon of innovation. Cohen’s greatest achievement has been the remarkable expansion of ReachMyTeach, which began as a localized solution for a handful of educational districts in Maine. Today, the platform has grown to support over 40 districts in the state, numerous schools across the nation, and several international institutions. The impetus behind ReachMyTeach emerged from Cohen’s own experiences as a teacher, where she identified a significant communication gap between educators and families.
The platform has notably enhanced family engagement in schools, fostering increased participation among multilingual families—often surpassing that of their English-speaking counterparts. This surge highlights a vital aspect of educational communication: when resources are designed with universal accessibility in mind, they prove to be effective across diverse demographic groups. For Cohen, witnessing the platform’s impact in her home state is especially rewarding, as it affirms the principle that meaningful communication can bridge gaps and create partnerships among schools and families.
In addition to her work at ReachMyTeach, Cohen is passionate about teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) through the nonprofit In Her Presence. This organization focuses on providing language instruction, leadership development, and community support specifically tailored for immigrant women in Maine, thereby enriching the local educational landscape.
Cohen emphasizes the importance of strengthening school-family partnerships. Drawing from her classroom experiences, she notes that effective family engagement is crucial for student success, encapsulating her belief that educators need intuitive tools to facilitate such partnerships seamlessly.
Amidst her professional achievements, Cohen finds inspiration in literature, particularly the book “Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage” by Laura Huang. She also draws motivation from personal heroes such as Edna Adan, a prominent advocate for women’s health, whose work she introduces to her students in AP Human Geography courses.
Looking ahead, Cohen acknowledges a significant challenge facing Maine: the balancing act between local governance and equitable state and federal support. This challenge is echoed throughout various sectors, including education and housing, as municipalities navigate their unique needs in a vast and diverse state.
When reflecting on the importance of community and companionship, Cohen imagines a dinner party guest list that includes influential figures like Michelle Obama and Nina Totenberg, alongside her grandmother—demonstrating her appreciation for meaningful dialogue and collective inspiration.
As Cohen continues her journey, her dedication to fostering relationships and enhancing communication in education serves as a testament to her belief that empowering families ultimately leads to better outcomes for students. Through initiatives like ReachMyTeach, she exemplifies how innovative solutions can create a lasting impact in the realm of education.
