About Us
Torace isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool. It’s purpose-built for the unique needs of teacher prep programs and K-12 schools—grounded in research, designed by educators, and tailored to your goals.
Built for Educators, Backed by Research
Educator mentorship programs are critically important, yet too often they’re managed with inefficient mixtures of emails, surveys, and paper files. Torace offers a better way forward. We put a modern, research-backed tool in administrators’ hands so they can spend less time on logistics and more time on what truly matters: strengthening mentorship experiences and developing the next generation of teachers and leaders.
Torace is the only mentorship matching platform built specifically for schools and educator preparation programs. We replace spreadsheets and guesswork with a smarter, faster way to connect aspiring educators with ideal mentors. By making better matches from day one, Torace helps school districts fill vacancies with homegrown talent, reduces teacher turnover, and gives mentorship programs a strategic edge through built-in training and real-time data insights.
Our Core Beliefs
Increasing the value of mentoring
We remove the logistical hurdles so that administrators can focus on making good matches and continuous, strategic program improvement.
Expanding access to opportunities
Exploring new contexts, developing new skills, sharing enthusiasm and curiosity are critical aspects to every career and should not depend on whom you know or how well connected your personal network is.
Supporting career development and satisfaction
Mentoring enhances growth and engagement for both mentors and mentees.
Honoring individuals' voices
People should be able to express their professional interests and needs and be heard.
Contributing to community building
Tools to support educators in their work should be available to all and affordable.
Meet the Team Behind Torace
Our Founders' Story
Torace was born out of firsthand experience and a passion for solving K-12 talent challenges. Co-founders Aleka Calsoyas and Don O’Callaghan have spent the better part of the last decade working together to improve educator pipelines. Previously, they led initiatives at a national non-profit, and for six years they ran an independent consulting firm focused on human capital in education. Their work took them to school systems large and small – urban and rural – across more than 10 states, tackling issues from teacher shortages to leadership development. Along the way, they observed a recurring theme: mentorship and field experience programs were essential, but the tools to manage them were falling short.
Drawing on their extensive field research and on-the-ground insights, Aleka and Don set out to build a practical solution. They envisioned a platform that could blend AI-driven matching with human insight, honor the voice and choice of participants, and provide actionable analytics to school and program leaders. That vision became Torace. Today, as CEO and COO of Torace, Aleka and Don remain committed to helping schools and educator prep programs “grow their own” talent. Their philosophy is simple – when mentors and mentees are matched with purpose, everyone thrives. Torace is the product of their expertise, mission-driven design, and an unwavering belief that better matching can transform the education workforce.
