35: You’re Not “Just a Teacher”: Why So Many Teachers Don’t Believe They Can Sell on TPT or Start Any Business

So many teachers want more. More income, more flexibility, more ownership over their time, but never take the first step toward building a business. Not because they lack skills. Not because they don’t have ideas. But because of a belief they’ve been carrying for years: “I’m just a teacher.” In this episode, I unpack a deeply ingrained mindset that came up for me recently. One rooted in culture, class, and identity and how it quietly shows up when teachers think about selling on Teachers Pay Teachers or starting a business of their own. We talk about the harmful messages many of us internalized about where we come from, what we’re “allowed” to want, and who we’re allowed to become and how those beliefs keep us playing small, even when we’re capable of so much more. If you’ve ever thought: “I don’t have anything worth selling.” “Other teachers are better than me.” “I wouldn’t even know where to start.” “People like me don’t do that.” This episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: The hidden belief that keeps teachers from seeing their value How cultural and family messages shape our business identity Why where you come from does not determine where you’re going What it really means to “act as if” when building confidence Why selling on TPT isn’t about being special, it’s about believing you’re capable How to take the first small step toward a new identity in business You are not “just” a teacher. You are a problem-solver, a creator, and someone with real value to offer. And if you’re ready to explore what that could look like for you — even if it feels scary — you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a clarity call with me and let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what your next step could be.