I’m so glad you are here! My name is Kristin and I am passionate about helping teachers and homeschooling parents educate their children without all the stress. I love blogging and sharing tips, ideas, and resources that will challenge students and make learning fun! If this sounds like something you need, we are going to be great friends! 😉
My Life as a Teacher
Like many teachers, I always knew I wanted to be a part of this crazy world we call Education. I remember when I was in Middle School, I was asked to help a struggling student, and that was it—I was a Teacher (or at least I knew that’s what I wanted to be). The feeling of helping someone else learn something just made me happy! I couldn’t get enough.
I eventually earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Reading and Mathematics. Most of my years teaching were in 5th grade, but I’ve also taught in 3rd and 4th grade. During my final year as a teacher, I was a Title I teacher in Mathematics, grades 3-5. I “pushed in” to other classes and worked with struggling students. This experience changed how I looked at math instruction in general and made me a better teacher!
Throughout my teaching career, I have always loved developing resources for my students. It wasn’t that I had tons of extra time to make everything—we all know teachers never have “extra” time. I made many of the resources I used in my classroom because I was never satisfied with what I was given. I’m sure you can relate! I wanted resources and systems in my classroom that would meet the needs of my students. This desire is what led me to where I am today.
Why I Started One Stop Teacher Shop
In January 2012, my ex-husband unexpectedly lost his job. We were struggling to pay the bills and eventually foreclosed on our home. Right around this tough time, a close friend of mine introduced me to Teachers Pay Teachers. I used my love of creating resources for my classroom and began selling my resources on this website. One Stop Teacher Shop was born.
I eventually built my website and slowly turned my “side hustle” into the full-blown business it is today. With hard work and dedication, I became the sole provider for my family and single-handedly pulled us out of the financial hole we had found ourselves in. To this day, I continue to build my business and support myself and my two children. I am truly grateful for all the blessings this adventure has given me.
My Personal Life
Without my past, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. In 2014, I decided to leave teaching to pursue my love of creating. I am in love with the idea that my resources help students all over the world. In 2015, I made the HUGE decision to homeschool my two daughters. Homeschooling not only allowed me to spend quality time with my kids, but it also allowed me to continue to be the teacher I had always wanted to be.
About a year after covid hit the world, my girls decided they wanted to return to public school. The isolation was difficult, and socializing became a priority. Today, my daughters, Grace (12) and Lee (15), excel in public school, and I couldn’t be prouder.
As for me, I am still working hard to bring engaging resources to teachers around the world. When I’m not working, I try to enjoy life and the people I choose to have around me.
