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Updated: October 6, 2025 / 2025 40 Under 40 honorees

40 Under 40: Helen Cohen aims to bridge the gap between schools and families

Photo / Tim Greenway Helen Cohen, 33: Co-founder and CEO, ReachMyTeach
Helen Cohen, 33 Co-founder and CEO, ReachMyTeach Read about all the 40 Under 40 honorees
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Greatest achievement: My greatest achievement is growing ReachMyTeach from supporting a few districts in Maine to more than 40 here in the state, hundreds of schools nationwide, and international schools as well. We built ReachMyTeach out of necessity to solve a communication gap we experienced as teachers. Today, schools are reaching amazing levels of family engagement, with multilingual families engaging at even higher rates than their English-speaking counterparts. It’s so validating to see what worked for us, work for others. It shows me that when we design with universal access in mind, communication really can work for everyone. While I am proud of our national reach, it means a great deal to me to see the platform in use here in Maine by the educators and families I know personally.

Passion project: I love teaching adult ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) with the nonprofit In Her Presence, which offers language instruction, leadership development and community support for immigrant women in Maine.

Lightbulb moment: During my years in the classroom, I realized one of the most effective ways to support students is by strengthening school and family partnerships. Taking care of families is taking care of kids, and I want educators to have simple, intuitive tools to make that possible.

Influential book: “Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage,” by Laura Huang

Favorite TV show: “Call the Midwife”

Personal hero: Edna Adan. When I taught AP Human Geography, I introduced students to her work as an advocate for women’s health. I was, and continue to be, blown away by all she has accomplished and the impact she has made, and she continues to inspire me.

Favorite quote: “You make the road by walking.” — Antonio Machado

Best way to recharge: Enjoying my neighborhood, going on walks with my friends or my husband and reading in a hammock.

Maine’s biggest challenge: Balancing local control with equitable state and federal support. This balance shows up in so many spheres: education, housing, transportation, etc. Maine is a large state with diverse needs. Municipalities understand their communities well and need tools and resources that go beyond what local governments can provide.

Dinner party guests: Michelle Obama, because her stories are always inspiring and she’s so personable; Nina Totenberg, for her perspective and wit; and my grandmother, because she could talk to anyone and would love being part of this group.

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