The Teachers Teaching Teachers Podcast

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!