Ashley Perales is from Odessa, Texas. She has a passion for teaching young children and has been teaching for 18 years, 17 of those years in PreK.

Danae Boyd has taught middle and high school social studies since 1993 and joined the New Tech Network in 2013. She currently teaches Honors World Geography and AP Human Geography at New Tech High @ Coppell, helping learners explore how geography shapes our world. Guided by the belief that “there is no such thing as a lesser person,” Danae is passionate about human rights education and nurturing critical thinking. Her student-centered classrooms emphasize inquiry, empathy, and civic engagement. She loves exploring how geography influences culture, conflict, climate, and community—and inspires her students to do the same. Danae also thrives on collaborating with fellow educators to create purposeful, authentic learning that builds global awareness.

Henley Price teaches PreK at Gale Pond Alamo Elementary school in Odessa Tx. She has been teaching for 8 years, 6 years in special education and two in PreK. She went to school at Tarleton State University and got her bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Janelle Bence is a high school English teacher with 24 years of experience in Texas and a longtime National Writing Project member. Her work centers on identity, linking students to self, curriculum, and community. She collaborates with researchers to deepen her praxis and highlight Texas public schools. Currently, she is part of the Transdisciplinary Civic Composing Collective (UT Austin). Her writing appears in Civics for the World to Come (2023), Teaching for Equity, Justice, and Antiracism with Digital Literacy Practices (2024), and Building Civic Futures in K–12 Classrooms (2024). To reenergize, she does pottery, yoga, and sings in a band.

Jason Currie-Olson is a veteran high school educator with 26 years of experience, currently teaching English Language Arts at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD. Known for his dynamic and student-centered approach, Mr. Olson emphasizes student voice, choice, and classroom innovation. He holds a Master of Arts in American Literature from South Dakota State University and is certified as an NTN PBL Trainer, Kagan Instructor, Crucial Conversations Instructor, and Boys Town Certified educator. His professional passions include innovative instruction, student engagement, and project-based learning. Mr. Olson is committed to fostering meaningful learning experiences that equip students for academic and professional success.

I believe the best way to teach history is to live it. I’m a Kentucky middle school Social Studies teacher who makes the past feel real and relevant. With over a decade of experience, I turn historical events into authentic learning opportunities and lead student travel programs that bring global education to life. From ancient civilizations to current events, I keep students engaged, curious, and ready to explore the world.

Laura Pacheco is a dedicated educator with 14 years of experience, currently teaching middle school PE and high school health at the Young Women’s STEAM Prep Academy in El Paso ISD. A UTEP graduate, she holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and an M.Ed. in Education. Now in her seventh year of implementing project-based learning (PBL), Laura leads recurring campus-wide PBL initiatives that foster real-world, meaningful learning—especially for girls pursuing STEAM. She also serves as a coach and campus athletic coordinator. Outside of school, Laura is a proud mother to her daughter, Alora, and wife to her supportive husband, Paul. She remains passionate about inspiring the next generation of women in STEAM through dynamic, student-centered learning.

Rebekah has experience teaching both middle and high school math and has spent the past 11 years working in a New Tech Network school. Currently, she serves as an instructional coach at Handy Middle School in Bay City, MI, where she supports teachers in designing engaging, student-centered projects. She is passionate about helping educators create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and deeper understanding.