My Favorite Resources for All Types of Teachers
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Why I Stopped Using ConvertKit
If you are anything like me, you have looked into all of the email marketing platforms. There are so many out there to choose from! I used Convertkit for a long time, but recently made the switch to email marketing with Flodesk and I don’t regret it at all. Not even a little.
Email marketing is an important part of marketing my Teachers Pay Teachers store (and serving my virtual assistant clients). Growing email lists require upkeep and nurturing. You want to let your customers and subscribers know when you are having a sale or offering a new product or service. Managing an email marketing campaign is time-consuming and can quickly become expensive.
HP Ink
I use a mix of digital props and 3D props in my classroom but MOST of my classroom decor, reward systems, and props are 2D. When I did my free trial with HP Ink I bumped up to the maximum level plan and printed a full year of seasonal decor and rewards, trial system rewards, and some other classroom essentials. When it was time to pay I moved down to the lowest monthly plan and it takes care of all of the printing needs for my online classroom, my household, and my business. They monitor my ink levels for me and mail me replacements long before I ever notice I will run out of ink soon. HP Ink is a MUST have for online ESL teachers.
Blogging Legally
If you use your blog to make money please make sure you don’t take shortcuts in the legal department. Amira has been wonderful to work with and her legal bundle will get you up and running FAST if you aren’t sure if your blog has all the required legal components in place.
Affiliate Marketing Course
Affiliate marketing has a lot of rules and best practices and Michelle’s blogging story is so inspiring to me that it was a thrill to learn from her in this course.
SEO Course
Search Engine Optimization helps you make sure that all the people searching on Google each day are connected with your content. While I love his paid course Stupid Simple SEO, and the support he gives in his Facebook group, I can’t stop talking about the incredible value he gives in this Free 5 Day SEO Bootcamp.
Building a StoryBrand
by Donald Miller
If you love reading novels and watching movies then you will love how this book explains how you should be talking about your business with others and building your website. I listened to it on Audible and then immediately ordered a physical copy so I could take notes and take action.
Profit First
by Mike Michalowicz
I share a summary of the Profit First system in this post. If that financial approach resonates with you then I suggest reading the full book.
Resources made by teachers for teachers are always the best!
Resources made by teachers for teachers are always the best!
HP Ink
I use a mix of digital props and 3D props in my classroom but MOST of my classroom decor, reward systems, and props are 2D. When I did my free trial with HP Ink I bumped up to the maximum level plan and printed a full year of seasonal decor and rewards, trial system rewards, and some other classroom essentials. When it was time to pay I moved down to the lowest monthly plan and it takes care of all of the printing needs for my online classroom, my household, and my business. They monitor my ink levels for me and mail me replacements long before I ever notice I will run out of ink soon. HP Ink is a MUST have for online ESL teachers.
Boom Learning
You only have 2 eyeballs and 2 hands so lean on Boom Learning resources to give students engaging practice with instant feedback when you cannot be with them 1:1.
When you need a laugh from someone who understands, this book hits the spot...
Go See The Principal
by Gerry Brooks
After 12 years of life in the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom I loved making resources for the classroom and I loved teaching, but I was frustrated that we simply were not given the time in a day to do both well. I left the traditional classroom and began making resources to help teachers from home. Once a year I read this book to remind me of the struggles and light my fire to keep listening to what teachers need and help make resources to make their school year go smoothly. If you are looking for a quick read to put some pep back in your step this school year, this book is a great choice. Read more about why I loved this book as a teacher HERE and why I loved it as a parent HERE.
The 5 Second Rule
by Mel Robbins
This book is a MUST READ. It is great for people who feel stuck, can’t get out of bed, struggling with anxiety, worried about how to handle panic attacks, not happy with how they are reacting to others in their relationships—everyone needs Mel Robbins in their ear. I also found her journal really good for me when I was just beginning to add journaling into my daily routine.
Big emotions, panic attacks, trouble getting out of bed in the morning—for many teachers, these are very real struggles—this is my favorite book with actionable strategies that can help push through those hard days!
Zen Guitar
by Philip Toshio Sudo
I feel every teacher should read this book once a year. It talks about the feeling of being a beginner and how you begin with a white belt which gets dirty as you do the work and practice. Then when your belt is black you continue to work until it is worn and white again. It is an easy read and a powerful reminder of that raw feeling that our students have when they are learning.
...A hidden gem of a book that is a quick-read about learning, both as adults and as students.
TESOL Course
While some online ESL companies will provide a TESOL or TEFL course after you are hired, having a TESOL certificate in place right from the start when you are applying positions you well for the highest possible base pay offer. As you begin to work at multiple companies, you might have to backtrack and get an additional TESOL certificate that isn’t company-specific. I always suggest taking a few hours to just get a company neutral TESOL certificate from the start.
Props, Rewards, and Backgrounds to get your classroom setup
HP Ink
I use a mix of digital props and 3D props in my classroom but MOST of my classroom decor, reward systems, and props are 2D. When I did my free trial with HP Ink I bumped up to the maximum level plan and printed a full year of seasonal decor and rewards, trial system rewards, and some other classroom essentials. When it was time to pay I moved down to the lowest monthly plan and it takes care of all of the printing needs for my online classroom, my household, and my business. They monitor my ink levels for me and mail me replacements long before I ever notice I will run out of ink soon. HP Ink is a MUST have for online ESL teachers.
Loud and Clear
by Ed Nace
You could read a book about Chinese culture and read a book about writing to parents and try to apply that knowledge to your day as an Online ESL teacher but reading this book is a much more efficient way to learn. Ed Nace has lived in China and knows the culture well. He speaks Chinese and English and also is in the trenches with us as an Online ESL teacher. In his book he talks about how to write feedback to parents for any and all situations you will find in your online classroom.
Little Soldiers
by Lenora Chu
Once you feel like you know the basics about teaching ESL online and have a moment to breathe, you often have a long list of questions about Chinese culture and the educational system that places such pressure on the students that we teach each day. I really enjoyed this book and the insights that were shared.
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