The saying goes, “There’s nothing so stable as change.” But that doesn’t mean I’m a fan of it. In fact, I really don’t like it. However, no matter how hard we try, change is always around the corner.
As many of you know, I started this blog nearly three years ago. It began as simply a hobby. The Teacher Diva was merely a creative outlet to share thoughts and moments in my life with my family and friends. I wanted my content to focus on my life with Austin, our traveling adventures, fun hair and beauty tips, and the occasional outfit post. From the beginning, I wanted this blog to be a place to share my daily inspiration with the world and to serve as a creative outlet.
Never did I think this site would provide such amazing opportunities. Over the past three years, I’ve had the chance to work with some of my favorite brands, travel to new places and meet some truly inspirational people. It has been an incredible (and scary) journey, but something I have loved every minute of. Each day, I look forward to sharing my new post with you.
But the journey hasn’t been easy. As my name suggests, I have also been teaching full-time while blogging part-time. Since I was eight years old, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Whenever someone would ask what I wanted to be when I grow up, my answer was “teacher” without a second thought. As I made my way through college, receiving my Bachelor and Master of Education degrees, my love for education only grew.
I’ve continued to love teaching more and more and I still get butterflies thinking about how I’ve had the opportunity to grow the minds of some really amazing kids over the past six years. I’ve always encouraged my students to reach for the sky and go after their passions.
In fact, for my birthday last year, my sister-in-law Megan gave me this print that said, “The World is Your Oyster.” I love that print. I even had it sitting on my classroom desk. It was a great reminder to my students.
I’ve always stressed to my students that they could do anything and be anything they want to be. And one day, I realized I had to take my own advice. After a lot of hard work, The Teacher Diva has really grown and exciting opportunities are happening.
As my new passion grew, I realized I had to give this a real shot. If I didn’t fully give this my all and shoot for the moon, I would always wonder “what if.” With the support of my family, friends, co-workers and boss, I decided to take that chance.
The simple truth is that I cannot dedicate my best self to both jobs. Managing a successful classroom takes a lot of work. And maintaining a professional career as a teacher while trying to successfully run my own business was nearly impossible.
So after much prayer, hours of thoughtful planning and discussions with friends and family, I have decided to dedicate myself to this site full-time. Last March, I informed my principal that it would be my final year. Even as I write this, my eyes are tearing up. As excited as I am to start this new beginning, my heart is sad by the thought of not being in the classroom. I love my coworkers and I love being able to encourage and educate students.
I am truly amazed at the support from each and every one of you. Seriously. From each email to comment, you guys keep me inspired, excited and motivated. Starting this full-time is something that I take seriously and I cannot wait to share the new and exciting changes I have in store for this year!
Wow – congratulations! I am so happy for you! As a teacher myself, I am worried about how I’ll keep up with my blog once I return to work in two weeks. I think I’ll just have to do less posts per week, but it’ll still be hard. You’re right — teaching definitely can take it out of you — and it’s only getting harder. I applaud you for your courage and excitement as you start this next journey in your life. I’ll be following along!
The Busy Brunette
http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com
That’s awesome, Ashley. A true inspiration!
Good for you! The great thing about teaching is it will always be there and you’ll never forget how to do it! I took years off when my kids were born and returned when my youngest started school ten years ago. And let’s face it, teaching is changing big time. Here in Florida so many great teachers are leaving the field. Your blog is a blessing to you, enjoy the opportunity!
Such exciting news Ashley! You deserve all the success and I’m excited to follow along as the blog grows!
Wow! What big news! So happy you’re following your heart and so excited for this big change for you!! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!
Congrats! This is amazing. Change is always hard, but it’s so great that your embracing this opportunity to really let your blog business bloom. I’m excited to follow along as it does!
Proud of you, Ashley!!
What an exciting opportunity!!! I know your students will miss you!!! You are an amazing teacher!! Gary still says you are one of his favorites 🙂 best of luck on this new and exciting journey!!
How amazing! Congratulations. I found your blog at the start of last school year (I teach college English and for me ‘the year’ really revolves around the school calendar), and I have fallen in love with your effortless style–personally and with this blog. Making big changes is a scary thing, but it IS an adventure and it has the chance to be fun. Life is fluid in its most natural sense–one thing leads to the next–it’s just that WE add barriers and boundaries. Good for you for recognizing fluidity and embracing what has grown and emerged.
I am excited to keep on reading and seeing where you take your blog and how you open up a window into your world for us readers!
xo
A random woman living in Savannah
So proud of you! 🙂 And like the comments above said, you’ll never forget how to teach! Excited for these happy changes!
Great news, Ashley! You have a unique beauty and talent that can’t be ignored. Enjoy!
This will be such an exciting time for you. As a teacher myself, I think you have set such a good example of determination and strength to your students. You should be so proud of all your accomplishments, & excited about where this journey takes you next!
Way to go sweets! It is amazing where the world of teaching can take you! The reality is we are all gifted in more than one area and many times the field of teaching opens true windows. So happy for you…lets do lunch soon! Hugs!!!
Congratulations Ashley!!! You will still be a teacher, just teaching a different group of people!!! You have one of the best blogs out there, and I am glad for your choice! xoxo
Wow, how exciting! This is such an amazing opportunity for you! As a teacher myself, it’s hard to balance both blogging and teaching but you need to follow what you’re passionate about. And teaching will always be there for you! 🙂
http://www.toreybeerman.com
Congratulations, Ashley! I don’t comment much, but I have been following you and enjoyed watching you grow. You give me hope that it can happen for me too. Can’t wait to see how your blog grows now that your full-time! xo
This is so great! I know you’ll miss teaching, but you could always volunteer and stay involved in the classroom. You’ll find ways, and if not- you’re teaching all of us through your blog. Proud of you for following your heart!
Way to follow your dreams!! Big things are in store for you!!
Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com
Praying for your transition out of the classroom. I’ve enjoyed watching your business endeavor grow and flourish through the years.
I wondered after your last post when we would see the next blog post from you. I thought to myself that school should be starting soon so you will not blog as often. Great to hear that will not be the case this school year. Leaving a full-time job is a very difficult decision. You’d always regret it if you never made the decision. Congratulations!
Congrats Ashley! What an amazing opportunity. Cannot wait to see where this takes you.
I am impressed at your courage and your decision. I am a high school choral director and I’m trying to see if I can work in any way operatically outside of my position in addition to teaching full time (whew!). What people may not understand about our profession is that it is a part of our very identity. As much as I am an operatic singer, I am also a teacher and perhaps a teacher first. I completely get it. But we are compelled to follow our destinies and our talents and if we don’t we are fraudulent to our students. You must do this and do it to the best of your ability wherever it takes you. And you will return to teaching and when you do your power of example will be even MORE powerful because you followed your star. Congratulations to you and thank you for being a power of example to all of us in and out of the teaching profession.
Wow!! Love this! Imgetting my degree in secondary eu cation and love fashion as well. You mentioned that you have your masters degree, may I ask in what? And did you get your masters degree before working in the school or did you do it simultaneously? Thanks for the help!! Also, do you think having your masters for teaching is useful? Pros cons? Seriously, could use some advice! I am going into my senior year of college and pondering if I should get my masters or go straight to teaching. Thanks!! Love love love your blog and your style.
Blessings on your future endeavors!!
I think it depends on the state and your certifications. Competition for teaching jobs where I’m from (Michigan) is absolutly cutthroat. Since they typically have to pay you more for having a master’s I would recommend getting the job first and then doing the graduate degree while working. This is VERY doable, I did an M.A. in English focusing on literary criticism while teaching high school full time-it sucks for a couple years, but it can be done. Another reason to wait to get the graduate degree if it is directly related to education is that I would be nervous about investing more money in training for a field that can be difficult to get employment in, but again this depends on the region and certifications so it might be a non-issue for you.
I’m a brand new subscriber and I love your style. Congratulations on making your adventure full time!
Congratulations on your willingness to be courageous and step into your “right now”! You will ALWAYS be a teacher whether or not your name is on a classroom door. I’m sure any teacher friend will welcome you as a volunteer when you get the itch and if you decide one day that this season has passed any principal will welcome you back with your new experience under your belt!
Thank you for posting this! First off, congratulations on your new journey, it is exciting to hear that things are working out for you and that you are following your passion! So inspiring to hear of other people that are successful in following their dreams. I am wishing you goodluck with everything the future has in store for you! Love your instagram account and your website!
-K
I enjoy following you! Thank you for sharing with me. Congratulations on your new endever! You’re gone be great at in.
Ashley
Congratulations. Speaking from experience I can say that if you can’t stop thinking about something you should definitely do it.. so bravo on pulling the trigger on your day job and jumping feet first into your dream job.
Running your own business is exciting and challenging.. like jumping off a cliff and making up your own paper airplane on the way down! Good luck and enjoy the ride.
xo
Mona
Hand In Pocket
Hand In Pocket
Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing all of your hard blogging work pay off!
Xx,
Sarah
http://Www.fashioncatapult.com
Congratulations Ashley!! You were the first blogger I started following for fashion tips! Love, love, love your style and personality that shines throughout your blog. Wishing you continued success on your full-time journey!
How sad that teaching is the career you chose to give up! It is certainly possible to do both, if you desire…;-(
Congratulations on taking the leap to a full-time blogger! That is such an exciting opportunity and it is inspiring for bloggers who are just starting out like myself. Best wishes!
Congratulations on this exciting new adventure ahead! I love reading your blog on the daily. I am currently approaching the year mark on my blog (this Friday!) and I as well started mine as a creative outlet for myself. The fact that you will be able to do this full-time is inspiring to other bloggers out there.
Good luck & enjoy this new experience!
xoxo
Congratulations in taking such a big step to focus on another one of your passions! I did the same thing last year – leaving teaching to pursue my dream of opening a gift shop. It was hard last August when it was “Back to School” time, but I’m glad I did it. The great thing about teaching? There will always a need for incredible teachers if/when you decide to go back!
http://www.velvetcrate.com
Congrats Ashley, I always enjoy reading your post on the blog, so I know that you will do well. As someone mentioned, once a teacher, always a teacher. Looking forward to reading about all your new adventures.
http://www.musthaveahandbag.blogspot.com
XOXO
Thank you all for your support and encouraging comments. I appreciate each one of you!
xx Ashley
While it’s wonderful that you are pursuing your goal as being a full-time blogger, it is disappointing to see your teaching career end for that. With your background and teaching career, I hate to see another woman wasting her education to become a blogger.
I hope that you have continued success and that once blogging is no longer a trend, you are able to get back into teaching.
I have to start out by saying that I was always so impressed to know that you were a teacher even though your blog was obviously so very successful. It made your blog even more special. As a mother, it is hard to hear that a person who is meant to teach will not be educating young minds anymore. However, it is very important to follow all your dreams. I have to politely disagree with the above comment that you are wasting your education. Running a blog IS running your own business. It is not as simple as it might appear (even though I don’t blog myself). I wish you all the best!! I wish you could follow both your dreams!! The future is always open to whatever makes your heart the happiest and that’s truly what’s most important.
You are such an inspiration. I love all your posts. I can tell just by reading your blog (and buying so much from it) :)this is going to be such a wonderful adventure for you, you will do amazing. You are my go to girl for tips and putting pieces together. I am so happy for you. I know you will be missed by your sweet kids. You are starting a new chapter. Congratulations. I know you will do great things! Enjoy your new journey. I am excited to read your blog and see all the wonderful things in store for you. You deserve it! xoxo
Wow, how exciting!! It really is so hard to run two careers at once, but the great thing in this is knowing you can always come back to the classroom if you choose to. And in the meantime, you could always tutor on the side a few days a week so that you still get some interaction and are able to impact students!
Best of luck as you take this leap of faith!
xo Mary-Katherine | http://www.goldhattedlover.com