Podcast Summary: The CEO Teacher Podcast – "How to Write a Book to Share Your Teaching Magic With Other Teachers"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The CEO Teacher Podcast
- Host: Kayse Morris (@kaysemorris)
- Episode Title: How to Write a Book to Share Your Teaching Magic With Other Teachers
- Release Date: October 9, 2024
- Description: This episode delves into the journey of transforming teaching expertise into a published book, offering practical insights and strategies for educators aspiring to share their knowledge through writing.
Introduction and Announcement (00:00 – 04:00)
Kayse Morris opens the episode by welcoming listeners to the CEO Teacher Podcast, emphasizing the platform’s mission to help educators build successful online businesses. She introduces the monumental launch of the CEO Teacher Coaching Directory, a comprehensive resource connecting teachers, coaches, and business owners globally.
Notable Quote:
“The CEO Teacher Coaching Directory is your lesson plan shortcut. You can now hire a teacher business coach.” – Kasey Morris [00:10]
Kayse highlights the importance of community and support for teachers transitioning into entrepreneurship, ensuring that educators have access to top-tier coaching tailored to their unique needs.
Guest Introduction: Juliana Tapper (04:00 – 05:25)
Juliana Tapper, an esteemed math educator and consultant, joins the show. She shares her background as a high school math intervention teacher across various locations and her transition to full-time consulting in 2018. Juliana is also the forthcoming author of “Teaching 612 Math: A Practical Framework to Engage Students Who Struggle”, published by Routledge’s Eye on Education.
Notable Quote:
“I have been a high school math intervention teacher... now [I help] 6th through 12th grade math teachers increase engagement of their students who struggle.” – Juliana Tapper [04:07]
Overcoming Stress and Barriers to Writing a Book (05:11 – 07:06)
Kayse and Juliana discuss the significant barrier of stress associated with writing a book. Juliana candidly shares her initial fears about not being a “writer” despite her passion for helping math teachers.
Notable Quote:
“The biggest stress level for me was just feeling like, I can do this. I can be a writer... I need to get into that mindset.” – Juliana Tapper [07:06]
Juliana emphasizes the mental shift required to transition from teaching to writing, highlighting the importance of self-belief and mindset in overcoming self-doubt.
Securing the Book Deal and Traditional vs. Self-Publishing (09:14 – 17:45)
Juliana narrates her defining moment when Routledge approached her to write a book based on her presentation at the ASCD Annual Conference. This opportunity validated her effort and solidified her path towards authoring a professional development book.
Notable Quote:
“I just opened my email and I had an email from Routledge... it was everything I could have dreamed of, like, with a traditional publisher.” – Juliana Tapper [09:14]
The conversation shifts to the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Juliana provides a comprehensive comparison:
-
Traditional Publishing:
- Pros: Credibility, marketing support from the publisher, access to professional resources like developmental editing.
- Cons: Lower royalty rates (10% as mentioned by Juliana), lack of upfront payment, less control over the publishing process.
-
Self-Publishing:
- Pros: Higher royalty rates (100% of sales), complete control over the process, ability to implement personal marketing strategies.
- Cons: Requires upfront investment for editing, design, and marketing. Less credibility compared to traditional publishing.
Notable Quote:
“With traditional publishing, I'm going to be able to meet with the director of marketing for Routledge to like kind of talk about strategy for selling the book.” – Juliana Tapper [12:19]
Juliana underscores the strategic advantages of traditional publishing, especially in reaching administrative audiences and leveraging the publisher’s resources to enhance the book’s impact.
Navigating the Writing and Editing Process (19:50 – 28:26)
Juliana details her structured approach to writing her book using the Break it Math Intervention Framework. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, dedicating 30 minutes to an hour daily to maintain momentum.
Notable Quote:
“I started February 1st just writing 30 minutes every single day... at the end of two months I had the word vomit draft done.” – Juliana Tapper [20:09]
She candidly discusses the challenges of refining her manuscript, including combating imposter syndrome and advocating for additional support from her publisher. Juliana credits her CEO Teacher community and mentor Mona Eel for providing invaluable support and resources during this phase.
Notable Quote:
“I relied on Mona a lot. Have a community of people supporting you as well.” – Juliana Tapper [25:27]
Juliana highlights the essential role of having a supportive network and professional guidance in navigating the intricacies of book publishing.
The Importance of Frameworks in Educational Books (29:03 – 30:57)
The discussion shifts to the critical role of frameworks in educational books. Juliana explains how her Break it Math Intervention Framework serves as both the foundation of her book and her professional development course. She illustrates how frameworks provide clarity and direction, making complex educational strategies accessible and actionable for teachers.
Notable Quote:
“Having that roadmap, then you're going to be able to get there faster and easier.” – Juliana Tapper [29:03]
Kayse echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the universal importance of frameworks in transforming educational content into practical, usable tools for educators.
Advice for Aspiring Educational Authors (30:57 – 32:25)
Juliana offers heartfelt advice to teachers aspiring to write a book:
- Believe in Your Qualification: Every teacher has unique experiences and insights worthy of sharing.
- Overcome Mental Hurdles: The biggest challenges are often internal. Cultivate confidence and push past self-doubt.
- Leverage Community Support: Utilize networks like the CEO Teacher community for encouragement and feedback.
Notable Quote:
“You are totally qualified... write a book about your TPT line... you are qualified to do this.” – Juliana Tapper [31:05]
Juliana emphasizes the transformative power of community and continuous learning, encouraging educators to harness their passions and experiences to create impactful literary works.
Closing Remarks and Book Information (32:25 – End)
As the episode wraps up, Juliana shares details on how listeners can pre-order her upcoming book, "Teaching 612 Math: A Practical Framework to Engage Students Who Struggle", available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and her website gatebreakerbook.com. She mentions exclusive pre-order bonuses, including additional content aimed at supporting teachers in their professional development journey.
Notable Quote:
“You can head over to Amazon or Barnes and Noble to pre-order now... gatebreakerbook.com for bonus content.” – Juliana Tapper [32:35]
Kayse encourages listeners to take action, expressing excitement for Juliana’s contribution and inspiring educators to embark on their own writing journeys.
Key Takeaways:
- Mindset is Crucial: Belief in one's ability to write and share knowledge is the first step towards authoring a successful educational book.
- Frameworks Enhance Clarity: Implementing structured frameworks makes complex educational strategies accessible and actionable.
- Community Support is Essential: Leveraging supportive networks can provide the necessary encouragement and resources to overcome challenges in the writing and publishing process.
- Strategic Publishing Choices: Understanding the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing is vital in aligning publishing decisions with professional goals.
Final Thought: Juliana Tapper’s journey underscores the transformative potential of educators embracing their expertise to author impactful books. Her candid insights and practical advice serve as a beacon for teachers aspiring to extend their influence beyond the classroom through writing.
Connect with Juliana Tapper:
- Website: gatebreakerbook.com
- Pre-order on Amazon: Teaching 612 Math: A Practical Framework to Engage Students Who Struggle
- Social Media: Juliana Tapper on Instagram
Subscribe to The CEO Teacher Podcast: Stay updated with weekly lessons, interviews, and strategies to elevate your teacher business by visiting kaysemorris.com.
Remember, your best is yet to come. Tune in next Wednesday for more inspiring stories and actionable strategies to grow your teacher business.