
TeachUNITED
Model & Strategy
Globally, over 250 million kids do not have basic reading, writing, and math skills, directly limiting their opportunities for future employment. Due to obstacles like isolation, child poverty, teacher shortages, and limited resources, schools in rural and underserved communities are hardest hit. TeachUNITED focuses on these communities where educational disparities are most acute to close the gap and break the cycle of poverty.
TeachUnited is dedicated to supporting and building the capacity of teachers as a means to improve education and reduce inequality in underserved, predominantly rural communities with acute educational disparities. By partnering with schools and districts and providing transformational training, instructional coaches, resources, and long-term connections for teachers, they improve student learning outcomes and increase teacher retention and leadership skills.



Heather Hiebsch co-founded TeachUNITED with a deep commitment to serving teachers, rooted in 20 years of experience and research in public education. Prior to launching TeachUNITED, Heather was the founding principal of an innovative K-12 school. During her time at the school, she made it her mission to support the teachers and staff by providing opportunities to try innovative new teaching practices, network with other educators, and focus on positive relationships with students. Academic growth data supported the belief that children have the highest potential to succeed when they are taught by highly-skilled, supported, and engaged teachers.
In 2016, Heather took those core beliefs to tackle the global education crisis and the United Nations SDG4. She launched TeachUNITED to ensure every child has the teacher he/she deserves. To reach this goal, Heather believes every teacher, everywhere, should have access to professional development and a supportive network of coaches and education leaders from around the world. Heather has been featured as the keynote speaker at Digital Learning’s Inaugural Conference and published as a case study education leader by the Christensen Institute, Evergreen Education, Project Tomorrow, EdWeek, and Forbes. She has been a featured speaker at the International Council for Online and Blended Learning, a finalist for the Global MindED Inclusive Leader Award, and a Cordes Fellow.
Impact
Employability Skills: TeachUNITED students report double-digit increases in 21st-Century and life skills, like critical thinking, collaboration, and academic perseverance.
Gender Equity: Girls in Tanzania showed a 2x increase in secondary school promotion rates.
Academic Growth: Students showed a 115% growth across all subject areas in US programs after just one year.
STEM Subjects: Students increased math and science outcomes in all regions served, including a 2x increase in math in Tanzania and a 50% increase in Costa Rica.
COVID-19 Response: Provided more than 2,300 hours in instructional coaching to schools to support quality learning during COVID-19 physical school closures.
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We personalize learning for our #students… why not do the same for our #teachers? 👇 #PD can’t be one-size-fits all… https://t.co/G4UM9m1UOX
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Want to make an impact with #teachers and #students? Join us to hear how far your investment goes with TeachUNITED.… https://t.co/SBIfN7c4fT
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TeachUNITED recently reached out to Michelle Witt, Principal at Barnard School in New Hampshire, to understand her… https://t.co/rLUpECj6Ek
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"TeachUNITED and its partners are striving to create a world where gender equality is a reality especially when it… https://t.co/2ucd7iWqum
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We’re celebrating #InternationalWomensDay today! As a women-led organization, we’re incredibly proud of the work we… https://t.co/ZA56fgk9r7
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#Education has the power to help women increase earnings, resist gender-based discrimination, and change her commun… https://t.co/HyjUwBmgtW
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International Women's Day is next Wednesday! We’re hosting an event to recognize our African NGO partners' work wit… https://t.co/r3lXR9RR5P
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Meet one of our board co-chairs! Robin is a Harvard Advanced Leadership Institute Fellow and former Amazon leader.… https://t.co/1n5NwKopL7
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Partnering with community-based organizations to build the capacity of their #educators ensures sustainable, locall… https://t.co/f2NyceWtG3
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So honored to be a part of this incredible work 🙌 https://t.co/u34J7fsO34
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Just one of many incredible milestones achieved last quarter! See all of the updates in our Q4 Impact Report 👉… https://t.co/wl2Uhp6E8f
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The TU and https://t.co/wgpVQRmUbH partnership is off to a strong start! We kicked off the Mentors for Change progr… https://t.co/1EkNMBgk9O
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Our teachers and students accomplished some AMAZING work in 2022. Join us in celebrating them! 🎉Happy New Year!… https://t.co/B3E7RhNhvZ
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There's still time to help! With just four days left in the year, will you consider donating? A #donation today hel… https://t.co/DOX0q4fLba
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Wishing you happiness and good health this holiday season! As always, thank you for being a champion of students an… https://t.co/wSaj2zYak0
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#Education has transformative power. Our #teachers are improving their students' academic achievement and persisten… https://t.co/3dbPZVKYuC
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Hearing from teachers, coaches, and donors this time of year is so energizing. Why do you support our teachers and… https://t.co/qha2RXSQ0W
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"As a retired teacher from a rural area, I know how lack of money and opportunity can affect faculty and students.… https://t.co/ztCimeSICj