Podcast Title: The CEO Teacher Podcast
Host: Kayse Morris
Episode Title: How to Make 100k as a Teacher (Hall of Fame Episode)
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Introduction: Challenging Financial Limits for Teachers
In the opening segment of this compelling episode, host Kasey Morris sets the stage by addressing a pivotal and often daunting topic for educators: money and financial success beyond traditional teaching salaries. Kasey begins by sharing her personal journey, reflecting on the conventional expectation of earning between $32,000 to $35,000 annually as a teacher. She challenges teachers to redefine their financial boundaries and embrace the present moment to achieve greater financial heights.
“What if I told you that time isn't necessarily in the future or in the past? The only moment that we are guaranteed is right now, is this present moment.”
— Kasey Morris [00:02:30]
Kasey emphasizes that teachers possess immense potential beyond the classroom and urges them to explore avenues for increasing their income without necessarily leaving their teaching roles.
Spotlight on CEO Teacher Trailblazers
The heart of the episode features inspiring stories and actionable insights from five successful teacher entrepreneurs who have achieved or surpassed the $100,000 annual income mark. Each guest shares their unique journey, mindset shifts, and practical tips that can help fellow educators replicate their success.
1. Christy Deroche: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Focusing on Growth
Christy Deroche, a full-time 5th-grade teacher from South Louisiana, discusses her battle with imposter syndrome and how she overcame it by focusing on personal growth rather than comparing herself to others. Her experience highlights the importance of self-belief and continuous development in building a successful teacher business.
“Selling my resources has absolutely changed my life and I know it can change yours too.”
— Christy Deroche [09:42]
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid Comparisons: Focus on your own growth rather than measuring against other teacher sellers.
- Embrace Growth: Constantly work on personal and business development to foster success.
2. Mary Gallagher: Embracing Small Beginnings and Learning from Failures
Mary Gallagher splits her time between running Amazing Day Academy and her business coaching practice for women. She underscores the significance of starting small and being open to the messy beginnings that come with launching a business.
“Be okay with starting small and having it be messy. The important part is that you are starting, which takes so much courage.”
— Mary Gallagher [10:39]
Mary also highlights the value of learning from every experience, good or bad, and using those lessons to propel forward.
Key Takeaways:
- Start Small: It’s perfectly acceptable to begin with modest goals and grow from there.
- Learn from Failures: Reframe failures as learning opportunities to enhance your business acumen.
3. Stephanie Nash: Balancing Mindset and Hard Work
Stephanie Nash, the CEO behind A Touch of Class Teaching, shares her transformation from dreaming to implementing effective business strategies. She discusses the necessity of balancing a positive mindset with structured hard work to achieve sustainable business growth.
“We produce what it is we keep in front of us. All the encouragement that's given keeps me focused on what I need to focus on to ensure my mindset is where it needs to be.”
— Stephanie Nash [11:33]
Stephanie's advice centers on establishing routines and systems that support both the creative and operational aspects of her business.
Key Takeaways:
- Dual Focus: Maintain a strong, positive mindset while diligently working on business tasks.
- Structured Growth: Implement routines and systems to support and sustain business expansion.
4. Tara Tuchel: The Power of Mentorship and Abundance Mindset
Tara Tuchel of Autism Little Learners emphasizes the critical role of finding a mentor or coach when starting a teacher business. She also discusses the impact of adopting an abundance mindset, which has allowed her to dream bigger and believe in the limitless possibilities for her business.
“Finding a coach, someone to guide you along the way and show you all of the best practices... will save you a lot of hassle and grief later.”
— Tara Tuchel [15:26]
Tara highlights how shifting from small goals to big dreams and embracing abundance has significantly contributed to her business growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Seek Mentorship: Having a coach can provide invaluable guidance and shortcuts to success.
- Abundance Mindset: Believe in the possibility of achieving and expanding beyond your initial goals.
5. Dr. Laurie Friesen: Embracing Fear and Leveraging Failures
Dr. Laurie Friesen, host of the Beginning Teacher Talk podcast and creator of the Ready for School Academy, shares her insights on acting despite fear and using failures as stepping stones. She encourages teachers to embrace bold actions and redefine failure as a learning experience.
“Just do it scared... every failure takes me one step forward towards figuring it out.”
— Dr. Laurie Friesen [16:49]
Laurie’s approach involves continuously experimenting and letting go of perfection, which has been instrumental in her business's progress.
Key Takeaways:
- Act Despite Fear: Take bold steps even when you don’t feel entirely ready.
- Reframe Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for learning and advancement.
Listener Segment: Crafting Effective Email Strategies
In the latter part of the episode, Kasey addresses a listener question from Nicole about starting to write emails for her business. Kasey provides a step-by-step guide tailored for teachers looking to build and engage an email list effectively.
“You just have to put it on the books and get it done.”
— Kasey Morris [17:50]
Key Strategies Discussed:
- Use Lead Magnets: Offer valuable free resources to entice subscribers.
- Build Relationships: Send initial emails that deliver value and foster a connection rather than pushing for immediate sales.
- Gradual Selling: Once trust is established, introduce products or services with thoughtful offers like discounts or promo codes.
Kasey also highlights the importance of understanding your traffic sources and tailoring email content to meet the specific needs of your audience.
Conclusion: Empowering Teachers to Achieve Financial Success
Kasey wraps up the episode by reinforcing the central theme: teachers have the potential to significantly increase their income through strategic online businesses. She reiterates the importance of mindset, community support, and actionable strategies in transforming teaching passion into profitable ventures.
“Remember that the best is yet to come.”
— Kasey Morris [18:30]
Listeners are encouraged to take the next steps towards financial empowerment by engaging with the CEO Teacher community and utilizing the resources available to them.
Notable Quotes:
- Kasey Morris: “You are really one of the most successful people in all of the world. Teachers make the world go round.” [00:04:15]
- Stephanie Nash: “If you can play both ends, eventually you will reach the middle.” [11:50]
- Tara Tuchel: “My mindset has really changed from small goals to dreaming really, really big and believing in abundance.” [15:35]
- Dr. Laurie Friesen: “Putting your blinders on, caring less about what other people think... just owning your big, bold, beautiful energy.” [17:10]
Final Thoughts
This episode of The CEO Teacher Podcast serves as a powerful motivator for educators aspiring to transcend traditional financial boundaries. Through personal anecdotes, expert advice, and practical strategies, Kasey Morris provides a roadmap for teachers to transform their expertise and passion into thriving online businesses. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale your existing ventures, the insights shared by these trailblazing CEO Teachers offer invaluable guidance on the path to financial freedom and professional fulfillment.