What does it really take for TPT teachers to build a thriving business? In this Hall of Fame episode of The CEO Teacher® Podcast, we're diving into one of our most powerful themes—how real educators are growing successful online businesses by becoming TPT teachers. You'll hear from three incredible CEO Teacher® School students—Kiana, Jocelyn, and Sydney—who turned their teacher skills into top-selling resources.
These real stories prove that it's never too late to start. Whether you're in the classroom or exploring new opportunities, you'll get real strategies, encouragement, and practical ideas to help you take action. You'll walk away with renewed belief in what's possible for TPT teachers.
Jocelynn Hubbard is the founder and managing director of Custom Teaching Solutions, LLC. She is an experienced educator, speaker, professional development creator, and facilitator. Driven by a passion to see the diverse people of our world feel welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated, she provides training on becoming and remaining culturally competent. As a wife and mother of five, her goals include squeezing in time for exercise, finding moments of joy each day, and parenting each of her children as unique individuals. Jocelynn received a B.S. in Education from Miami University (OH) and an MA in Education from The University of North Carolina – Pembroke. She also has a graduate certificate in Gifted & Talented instruction from The University of North Carolina – Charlotte.
Sydney Lafrenz holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She taught 4th grade for 7 years but left the classroom a year ago to focus on supporting student teachers in landing their dream job and transitioning from student to teacher. While working from home as a TpT seller and her Teacher For Hire online coaching course, Sydney is also a mom to 2 girls and one little boy on the way!
Keanna Funderburk currently teaches fourth-grade math, science, and social studies in Metro Atlanta. She specializes in making learning engaging for students and making upper elementary math instruction hands-on. She was named her school's 2020 Teacher of the Year. In her seven years as an educator, she has also had experience teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade. She uses social media to share teaching ideas, connect with other educators and The Art of FUNology is her TpT store.
How TPT teachers can launch their store from scratch
What works for TPT teachers without a big social following
How other educators have gone from idea to income
Why mindset makes all the difference for TPT success
The role of SEO for TPT teachers
How to grow through coaching and community
The daily habits of high-performing TPT teachers
You're already a wealth of knowledge! You're a teacher after all. You've got the skills, the passion, and the creativity to build a thriving online business. You may just not yet know what you want to create or how to get started.
If that's you- First things first: Grab the "Start or Expand Your Teacher Business" workbook. It's your roadmap to success! This isn't just another worksheet to fill your Google Drive downloads folder– it's your personalized blueprint for getting started building a profitable online business.
Now if you are a seasoned CEO Teacher® who has all the systems in place, has started showing up, and is still feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks and to-dos of building your teaching legacy? No problem! Let's break it down together.
Your first step is to understand your CEO Teacher® Type, and all the goodness and inspiration that comes along with your already remarkable skill set! Take the 2 Minute quiz here so we can navigate the hard parts together!
And if leveling up your knowledge with books is your love language, I have a whole library shelf of goodness just for you! CEO Teacher® Book List
Instagram: Tag me @theceoteacher and let's chat about your edupreneur journey. No topic is off limits, and it's always a party in the DM's- just sayin'
Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes and never miss an episode. This is your weekly go-to for all things teacher business, marketing, and mindset…
Leave a Review: Help other teachers discover the CEO Teacher® Podcast and lean into their teacher magic!
Join The Community: The CEO Teacher's Lounge is a community for ANY educator building an online business who doesn't want to do it alone. kaysemorris.com/patreon
Let's make your teacher dreams a reality!
P.S. Check out our latest CEO Teacher® Podcast episodes and blog posts for more inspiration and actionable advice.
How to Sell On Teachers Pay Teachers With Strategy & Systems
Learn How To Make Teachers Pay Teachers Products In 5 Actionable Steps
P.P.S. Don't forget to grab your free bag of virtual teacher goodies and start making your mark online!
I believe in you! YOUR best is yet to come!
Kayse 💖