About Us

How and why we support our teachers

At Teacher Reuse, we are dedicated to supporting educators in central Texas, by providing a sustainable solution for used teacher supplies. We understand the challenges teachers face in creating engaging learning environments, and we believe that every classroom deserves access to quality materials. Our nonprofit is committed to reducing waste while empowering teachers to thrive in their roles. Together, we can make a positive impact on education and foster a community that values and supports our teachers.

Our Story

The Teacher Reuse brings together teachers & community members and encourages recycling & reuse. There is no better way to support our children’s education than to support the teachers that educate our children. Collecting unwanted supplies and providing them to teachers at no cost keeps these supplies out of the landfill.

Everyday when teachers come to shop for free supplies, we hear disbelief that the supplies are truly free and enthusiastic & creative ideas of how these supplies will be used in the classroom.

We began as retired teachers remembering the amount of money we spent to supply our classrooms. Texas teachers spend on average of $750-$1000 yearly out of pocket on supplies.

We are the hub for reused and recycled (and sometimes new!) resources for teachers. Pulling together resources that teachers no longer need and those items that community members have to donate was the start of The Teacher Reuse. Encouraging this relationship between teachers and the community, and encouraging recycling and reuse is a win, win!

Meet The Board

Shelly O'Donnell

Executive Director

Shelly ODonnell is the Executive Director of Teacher Reuse. She is a retired Texas teacher who taught Deaf Education PK-12 and American Sign Language for 26 years. Shelly received her bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her master's degree in Education of the Deaf and hard of Hearing from Texas Woman's University.

Shelly taught at Austin Community College, Grayson County College, Howe ISD, Round Rock ISD, Hays CISD, and Lockhart ISD, meeting exceptional students and teaching with some outstanding faculty.

Her proud accomplishments:

Founded the Texas ASL Educators state-wide workshop
Taught swimming lessons to economically disadvantaged children
Engaged the community in learning sign language.
Started Teacher Reuse nonprofit teacher store

Angela Rice

Treasurer

Angela’s life has been marked by three diverse careers.

Prior to her current role in mortgage processing, she was an engineer, specializing in the design of computer peripherals and cellular infrastructure. However, her most cherished career role was that of a dedicated home-educating teacher, nurturing her children's education from kindergarten through high school.

Her passion for teaching, learning, and helping others has been a constant throughout her life. She thrives in witnessing the success and growth of those she has had the privilege to guide.

In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, family time, and long walks.

These experiences and interests have shaped Angela’s perspective, and she is eager to contribute her unique background and enthusiasm to helping ease the burden on teachers as they inspire the next generation.

Chey Helt

Secretary

Chey Helt serves as the Secretary for Teacher Reuse, a role she has maintained for the past year. Originally from Texas, she lives in Georgia due to her professional obligations. Chey is dedicated to assisting teachers in their efforts and is actively pursuing a bachelor's degree in English. In her free time, she writes and enjoys fishing.

Mónica Vásquez Neshyba

President

Mónica serves as President for Teacher Reuse as of September 2024. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UT Austin, M.Ed from Texas State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in Curriculum and Instruction: Bilingual and Bicultural Education. Mónica has served in the following roles in various Texas school districts: bilingual educator, bilingual curriculum specialist, English as a Second Language instructional coach. She also served as an English Language Learner assessment program specialist for the Texas Education Agency. adjunct professor for the University of Southern California, clinical associate professor for Texas A&M University and currently serves as an associate professor of practice ofr UT Austin. Mónica is currently in her 25th year of her education career and is passionate about working with and supporting students and teachers. She is very honored to serve on the board of Teacher Reuse and is excited to continue the important work of providing teacher access to materials at no cost.

Meet the Volunteers