The Teachers Teaching Teachers Podcast

Ashley Vara is an accomplished educator with a passion for creating balanced and effective learning environments. With over a decade of experience in teaching, Ashley was awarded the prestigious ESL Teacher of the Year, highlighting her dedication to supporting English Language Learners and fostering inclusive classrooms. She played a pivotal role as an ELA partner at Mahaffey, a high-tech school where she expertly managed the demands of teaching while maintaining a strong work-life balance. 

Known for her time management skills and ability to leave work on time, Ashley has been a role model for many teachers striving to balance their professional and personal lives. Currently on a leave of absence to care for her child, Ashley continues to inspire educators with her practical advice on classroom management, time efficiency, and navigating maternity leave.

Callie Danielle is a former elementary school teacher known for transforming her classroom into a vibrant, student-centered space where everyone wants to be! With an eye for design and a knack for engaging students, Callie is turning classrooms around the country into a second home for both teachers and students. 

After teaching, Callie transitioned into entrepreneurship, where her passion for art and education flourished. Today, her classroom decorations can be found in stores like Target, spreading joy and positivity to teachers and students alike. Her unique blend of creativity and educational expertise has made her a go-to resource for teachers looking to bring personality and pop culture into their classrooms.

Instagram @shop.callie.danielle

Heather Bookstaver is a dedicated educator with over 33 years of teaching experience, currently working as a 4th-grade teacher in the same school district where she grew up. A second-generation teacher, Heather has a deep connection to her community, having taught 3rd grade for 25 years before transitioning to 4th grade. Known for her passion for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Heather has championed programs like the Positivity Project and Calm Classroom to help students regulate their emotions and build positive, supportive classroom communities. Despite facing personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis during COVID, Heather continues to innovate her teaching approach, putting students' emotional well-being at the forefront. In addition to her teaching, she has served as a board member for the Illinois Literacy Foundation and is soon to be a proud grandmother. When she’s not in the classroom, Heather aspires to become a park ranger!

Lili Reyna is an exceptional bilingual educator known for her creativity and dedication to teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). With a career spanning decades, Lili has consistently demonstrated a passion for innovative teaching methods, particularly in math, where she seamlessly integrates technology and hands-on learning to engage her students. Her unique approach to education has not only made her a favorite among students but also earned her the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year.

Lili’s classroom is a place where creativity thrives, and where students are encouraged to think critically, take risks, and embrace challenges with confidence. Beyond her work with students, Lili is a collaborative colleague who has influenced and inspired fellow educators through her thoughtful lesson planning and dynamic teaching strategies. 

Rachel Gurr is an educational consultant and coach with over 25 years of experience, dedicated to helping teachers create student-centered learning environments that foster growth, agility, and curiosity. Passionate about giving students a greater sense of agency and helping them creatively overcome challenges, Rachel has built a career around supporting educators in making the shift from traditional, teacher-centered methods to more autonomous, engaging classrooms. 

In addition to her work in education, Rachel is a business owner, a devoted wife of 25 years, and an enthusiastic vacation planner. She’s also the proud parent of a miniature schnauzer who has taken the place of her two adult children (for coping reasons). Rachel brings a wealth of experience, humor, and practical advice to every project she tackles, with a mission to spread the benefits of student-centered learning across the education world—one classroom at a time.

Instagram: @rachelwhatif

Tonya Dunn is the kind of teacher every student dreams of having. With over 25 years of experience in the classroom, she’s touched countless lives in the Houston area with her warmth, humor, and genuine love for teaching. Whether she was guiding new teachers as a mentor or sparking a love for reading and writing in her students, Tonya brought creativity, energy, and heart into everything she did.

Tonya's now busy exploring new hobbies and spending time with her family, but the impact she’s made as an educator continues to inspire everyone who was lucky enough to know her.