Episode 21: Meredith Cooley Veteran Teacher to Freelance Copywriter

🎙 Teachers Transition Podcast – Season 2 From Classroom to Copywriter: Meredith Cooley’s 17-Year Journey to FreedomIn this powerful episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, Alex Kirton sits down with Meredith Cooley, a former classroom teacher of 17 years who made the courageous leap from education into entrepreneurship.Meredith shares her honest, behind-the-scenes story of quietly building a freelance copywriting business while still teaching — and how she eventually transitioned into full-time work serving education companies.If you’ve ever felt exhausted, invisible, or unsure whether your skills translate beyond the classroom, this episode is for you.The emotional and physical toll of teaching — especially during early motherhoodWhy the “exit ramp” feeling can start years before you act on itHow Meredith replaced half her salary before making the leapThe power of leveraging classroom experience instead of abandoning itWhy education companies value former teachersWhat copywriting for EdTech actually looks likeHow to build confidence while starting something newThe mindset shifts teachers must make before transitioningWhy no one will give you permission — and why that mattersThe surprising challenges of working for yourselfOne small step teachers can take this month to explore what’s nextTeachers trust teachers.Your classroom experience is not a liability — it’s a competitive advantage.Permission isn’t coming.If you feel the nudge toward something different, that feeling deserves your attention.You don’t have to burn the bridge.Meredith transitioned strategically — building income slowly, going part-time, and securing retainer clients before leaving fully.Mindset matters.Letting go of guilt, identity attachment, and the “sunk cost” mentality is often harder than learning new skills.There is life beyond the classroom.And sometimes, it begins with simply being curious.Meredith now works as a freelance copywriter serving education and literacy companies. Her projects include:Blog posts and thought leadership contentEbooks and long-form guidesEmail campaignsSocial media contentCustomer success stories and case studiesShe also created a program designed specifically for teachers called:A step-by-step pathway helping educators:Build foundational copywriting skillsDevelop a portfolioLeverage classroom expertiseConfidently pitch education companiesMeredith is hosting a free masterclass for teachers interested in exploring copywriting.Join her email list here:pageandpurpose.kit.com/turnthepage📍 LinkedIn: Meredith Rice Cooley(Meredit’s preferred platform — her DMs are open.)If you’re listening and feeling the nudge…It doesn’t mean you failed.It doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your calling.It may simply mean you’re growing.There is space beyond the classroom.And you are allowed to explore it.If you’d like, I can also create:A short episode description (150 words) for Apple/Spotify3–5 promotional social postsA powerful email blast to your listOr 5 viral clip captions for TikTok/ReelsYou’re building something important here. Let’s keep amplifying it.🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:💡 Key Takeaways🚀 Meredith’s Current Work✍️ From Classroom to Copywriter🎓 Free Training Opportunity🔗 Connect with Meredith🎧 Final Encouragement