Read time: 2.5 minutes
It’s no secret that we are experiencing a teacher shortage and that educators are leaving the field for numerous reasons.
Are you curious about what teachers do after leaving the classroom to pursue a different career? Do you ever wonder if being a teacher impacts how they operate in their new career or if they do something so far from teaching that it seems unimaginable?
During the past year, I met someone who actually made this life change, and I decided to interview her about her experience. Lindsey Green is a former special educator who has had the opportunity to teach in various places, including Philly, Thailand, and Scranton.
Her time teaching in Thailand deeply influenced Lindsey. While in Thailand, she taught in a school that focused on teaching students “life-giving” skills “such as gardening, mindfulness and meditation, conflict resolution, physical activity, music, art, and sustainability.” Now, as a business owner, she promotes sustainability in different ways.
A year and a half ago, she left the classroom to open her own business, The Releafery. Her business is a sustainable bath and beauty shop located in Scranton, PA. Lindsey makes several of the products that she sells, including soaps.
I asked Lindsey how she would compare the challenges she has now as a business owner to the challenges of being an educator.
Lindsey says “The challenges I currently face, while difficult at times, are overall much easier to face because I only have to answer to myself.”
Like most special educators, Lindsey claims that some of the most difficult aspects of teaching included having a “looming” feeling of dealing with legal issues, parents, and the “overwhelming presence” of paperwork that needed to be done.
Lindsey feels her experience has taught her three things she currently uses as a businesswoman. Working with students taught her how to manage a team. She also feels that she learned to be more assertive and to “ask forgiveness instead of permission.”
In my humble opinion, it’s our job as educators to encourage lifelong learning and growth. Not only does Lindsey own and run the shop, but she also teaches and hosts workshops with community members. I’ve had the privilege of attending a workshop on soap making and saw how much passion and love she puts into teaching others. Do you know what else I saw that made an impact on the outcome of the workshops?
Lindsey used hooks, hands-on learning, and differentiated instruction while leading her classes and engaging with attendees; things taught in college when learning to become a great teacher. She works hard to educate community members about self-care and sustainability by providing hands-on learning experiences.
Every week, she provides a safe space for people who are eager to learn new skills and try new things. Though she is one person, she brings the community together for common goals and encourages growth.
Bottom line: I think it’s beautiful and refreshing to see that Lindsay has used her experience as a classroom educator to influence her decisions as a businesswoman. Maybe she’s left a career in a typical school building, but I would argue that she has made the world her own classroom for diverse learners.
Leaving something “comfortable” to pursue the unknown can be quite a scary, yet brave, move. I will leave the reader with a lovely quote from Lindsey that can be applied to many situations and walks of life.
“If you're having trouble fitting in, create the world that you desire,” shares Lindsey.