Hi! Hello! I am Tollie, the teacher behind Taught by Tollie.
As an middle school literacy teacher, I am excited to share my passion for teaching and learning with other educators. With a master's degree in education and over ten years experience in the classroom, I have gained valuable experience in creating student-centered resources and functional decor to make life easier for other teachers. I am dedicated to sharing ideas, resources, and book recommendations for the classroom to inspire and engage you and your students. Join me on this journey of lifelong learning and let's make a difference together!
My Story
How Getting Fired Led to Being a Teacher
I was creating long before I was a teacher, but there is nothing I love more than creating a resource that makes learning feel like magic! And to think, if it wasn't for that one time I got fired...I probably wouldn't be here!
Before I Was a Teacher
I didn't always want to be a teacher (or so I thought). I graduated college with a marketing degree and dabbled in retail management before finding my first passion, fashion and web design. I loved that job; I truly did! But here and there, I started having serious conversations about what I wanted from life -- to help make a difference, and teaching, because it was a family career, was always in the back of my mind. Soon, I began to think about making a change, but I was terrified that going back to school to become a teacher would be a mistake.
The Kick in the Pants I Needed
Well, I guess God knew I needed a kick in the butt because the Monday after I told my boss I was going back to school and could no longer work the extra hours, I walked into work to the "big boss" sitting in my office. He told me that if I couldn't devote all my time to their business, I could grab my things and go. I was fired. Just. Like. That. CANNED!
And that was that. I was devastated that the six years I devoted to building that career was over. As upset as I was, I would eventually realize, it was a blessing in disguise.
In all honesty, if it wasn't for that kick in the pants (and out the door), I probably would have drug my feet getting my masters, or not even done it at all!! I might even have changed my mind about doing the teacher thing. WILD to think about! After losing my full time job, I was blessed to be able to buckle down and attend graduate school while working part-time, and in just one and a half years, I was in my very own classroom. Now, looking back, being fired from a job I loved was the absolute best thing that ever happened to me!
The Cliché IS True: Teaching is my passion!
So here I am, NINE years later, still doing that "teacher thing" and absolutely knowing in my soul that I am where I am supposed to be. I love my job. I love being asked what's my job and getting to say, "I am a teacher." I can't see myself doing anything else right now. But now that I feel like I have my feet under me, I feel it in my heart that sharing what I do with others, my creations and resources, is the next step in my teaching journey. So follow along, join my newsletter, and join me on the next nine (or so) years of my journey.
Welcome, y'all!
💕 Tollie