Zach Arenz | 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year

In June 2025, the Trump administration withheld over $6 billion in federal funding from public schools—a decision that put critical programs and student services at risk across the country. As the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year, I appeared on ABC World News Now to voice the urgent concerns of educators and spoke about the harm these cuts would cause, especially in already under-resourced communities like my own in Rochester. I called for renewed investment in public education and urged leaders to prioritize students, teachers, and equity.

"Why I Teach" is hosted by Cindy Schwartz, a former Social Studies teacher and host of WCWP’s “Rockin’ History”. Listen in on conversations with veteran, new, and retired teachers as we share our reasons for becoming teachers and the ‘AHA” moments from when we knew we made the right decision to enter the teaching profession. Click to listen on Spotify!

Schools increasingly use restorative practices to help students resolve conflicts through dialogue, empathy, and accountability. This hour on Connections, with host Evan Dawson, we explore how these practices shape school culture, empower students, and build stronger communities inside and outside the classroom.

Join Zach in the studio with Ruth Turner (Deputy Superintendent, Rochester City School District), Brandin Jones (Principal, Greece Olympia High School), and Deanna Green (11th grade student and Peer Advisory Council member at Greece Arcadia High School)

In this early-2024 interview, I sat down with Greg Gershowitz for Gersh Talks. Dr. Gershowitz is a dedicated educator and literacy researcher. In this hour, we discussed several issues and trends impacting education and insights for how we might navigate our ever-evolving classrooms.

In this edTrends webinar, educators were invited to pause and reflect on the heart of their practice. Through personal storytelling and honest conversation, I explored how our “why” evolves over time—and how reconnecting to that purpose can reignite passion, build resilience, and sustain us through the ever-changing landscape of education.

In this Teacher Feature by Music Will, I shared how discovering music as my safe space led me to a lifelong dream: becoming a music teacher who helps students find their voice and their place. I spoke about the transformative power of relationships, and how music doesn’t just teach notes, but nurtures identity, unlocks potential, and changes lives from the inside out.

Following a presentation to more than 150 Long Island students, 'Take a Look at Teaching' high schoolers created a word cloud to show why they want to become teachers! With 3/5 new teachers leaving the profession within five years of starting, we must work to create environments that openly welcome & support new teachers.

SUNY Fredonia Music Education students had the chance to learn from the 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year and Fredonia alumnus as he returned to campus for a special workshop to share his journey as a music educator, offering insights into building meaningful student relationships and navigating challenges in urban education.

After being recognized at the 2023 NYSCOSS Fall Leadership Summit, I challenged education leaders to reflect on who the future of education is truly for and how we can better support students and teachers. I shared the urgent need for empathetic leadership, reminding all of us that empowered educators create empowered communities.

In this WXXI Connections interview, host Evan Dawson invites Arenz to discuss his teaching career, his work with students in Rochester, and what it means to be a leader in social-emotional learning.