This is Part 2 of our conversation about leaving the classroom. In this segment, Amanda and Jess shift gears to talk about building a sustainable business outside of TPT. Jess has been working with Claude AI to create a backup plan, and shares what that looks like - including the membership website idea she's been debating. They talk about pricing strategies, passive income myths, and why it's so hard to build a business while teaching full-time. Plus, Amanda shares her experience running a membership that hit 120 members at its peak. If you're thinking about diversifying your income or wondering what comes next after TPT, stick around - this one's packed with real talk and practical insights.

• Jess shares Claude AI's recommendation: build a membership website as a TPT backup plan
• Debate over pricing: Claude suggests $15/month, but Jess wants it lower (under $10)
• Examples of successful low-cost memberships ($1-$5) with high subscriber counts
• Two membership concepts: Teacher health & wellness vs. picture book library resources
• The challenge of being a full-time teacher while building a business
• Why the "wake up at 3:30 AM" advice from a TPT millionaire didn't work
• The importance of not relying solely on TPT or Instagram
• Passive income myth: TPT spoiled us, but constant marketing is needed for memberships
• Amanda's past membership experience: $25/month, 120 members at peak, years to build
• The motivation factor: memberships create accountability for consistent content creation
• Dad's wisdom on getting rich: marry it, inherit it, or get really lucky

Key Takeaway: Building a sustainable business requires strategic planning, consistent marketing, and finding what truly serves your audience - while accepting that luck and timing play a role.

In this episode Jess and Amanda discuss the experience of leaving the classroom for good! This is part one in a two part series about leaving the classroom.

• Amanda shares why she left teaching after working part-time for two years
• The reality of part-time teaching: working full-time hours for part-time pay
• Life after the classroom: more time for passion projects like podcasting
• How consistency in content creation led to an unexpected opportunity with Adrian Martinca  (Kids Dream Dreams Matter)
• The inspiration that sparked new product creation around AI and future skills
• New stresses replacing old ones: homeschooling, household responsibilities, and limited time despite no job
• TPT strategy insights from YDP: focusing on what people actually need vs. what you want to make
• The 80/20 rule: Only 5 of Amanda's 59 products generate most of her income
• The importance of getting top products to page one for increased sales

Key Takeaway: Leaving teaching doesn't mean less stress - it means different stress. Success comes from following your interests while being strategic about the marketplace.

In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda share their personal processes for creating educational products, especially for the Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) platform. They discuss their early approaches and how they've evolved to more efficient methods using templates and skeletons. The episode also touches on the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve product titles, descriptions, and accommodate diverse learning needs. A 10-year-old 'Ultimate TPT Checklist' is revisited, revealing that many core strategies are still relevant today. The importance of understanding market demands and incorporating SEO into product creation is emphasized.

00:00 Welcome Back, Teacherpreneurs!
00:45 Introduction to Product Making
01:56 Jess's Product Creation Journey
06:20 Amanda's Product Creation Insights
12:27 Using AI in Product Development
19:11 SEO and Market Research
24:02 Final Thoughts and Tips
27:49 Conclusion and Farewell

Make More Money Online Course

In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss the challenges teacherpreneurs face when they get used and exploited by business partners, clients, customers and friends. The conversation delves into personal experiences of feeling used, the importance of setting boundaries, and recognizing the signs of toxic relationships. Amanda also shares insights about how neurodivergent individuals might be more susceptible to exploitation. Tune in for real talk, personal stories, and advice on maintaining healthy business relationships.

00:00 Welcome to the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast
00:21 Getting Used as a Business Owner
01:53 Personal Stories of Being Taken Advantage Of
03:43 Challenges Faced by Autistic Individuals
06:45 Emotional Labor and Attracting the Wrong People
08:47 Partnership Dynamics and Red Flags
18:49 Setting Boundaries and Agreements
22:01 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Make More Money Online Course

In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss crucial insights they wish they had known before entering business partnerships. They share personal anecdotes about the importance of having contracts, recognizing and avoiding being co-opted, understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, and building personal scaffolding to support oneself through entrepreneurial ventures. With conversational exchanges about their own business missteps and the emotional impact of these experiences, this episode provides valuable lessons for aspiring teacherpreneurs aiming to protect their interests while nurturing business relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:04 The Importance of Contracts in Business Partnerships
04:44 Recognizing Red Flags and Setting Boundaries
06:48 Understanding Co-opting and Maintaining Individuality
14:50 Dealing with Narcissism and Mental Health in Partnerships
19:13 Building Independence and Personal Scaffolding
23:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Make More Money Online Course

In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss their experiences with social media collaborations, sharing personal stories of challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Jess opens up about being overwhelmed by popularity on platforms like Periscope and Instagram and dealing with failed collaborations, while Amanda reflects on misunderstandings and periods of awkwardness in their long-standing friendship. Together, they offer insights on identifying genuine collaborations, managing self-esteem in partnerships, and the importance of getting to know collaborators deeply before committing to long-term projects. Listeners will gain valuable tips to help avoid common pitfalls in social media collaborations.

00:00 Welcome to Wacky Teacherpreneur Frenzy!
00:25 The Perils of Social Media Collaborations
01:34 Introducing the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast
02:12 The Longstanding Collaboration with Amanda
02:58 The Drama and Falling Out
03:38 Reconnecting and New Collaborations
14:58 Lessons Learned from Failed Collaborations
20:26 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Make More Money Online Course

In this episode of Two Wacky Teacherpreneurs Tell All podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda dive into the challenges of marketing without being cringey. They discuss their personal experiences with feeling cringey in marketing efforts, with Jess sharing a detailed story about her woodworking business and its fluctuating success. The discussion explores the fine line between authentic self-promotion and desperate sales tactics, emphasizing relationship-building and genuine engagement. They also highlight the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in offering non-cringey marketing strategies and touch on the effectiveness of email marketing. Throughout, humor and real-life anecdotes keep the conversation lively and relatable, concluding with a soft sell of their course on making money online.

00:00 Introduction and Breaking News
00:09 Promoting Our YouTube Channel
00:40 Today's Topic: Being Cringey
02:44 Jess's Struggles with Cringey Marketing
08:40 Amanda's Insights on Cringey Marketing
09:20 Email Marketing Strategies
11:19 Soft Selling vs. Hard Selling
14:00 Personal Stories and Authenticity
16:35 Course Promotion and Conclusion

Make More Money Online Course

Watch this episode on Youtube! 

In this lively and humorous episode, Jess and Amanda from the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast engage in a whimsical New Year's themed session, filled with archetypal readings, tarot insights, and reflections. Amanda sets the stage with playful psychic props like candles and holistic sprays, while Jess delves into tarot readings to explore Amanda's impending move to Uruguay. The duo also share comical and thoughtful moments around meditation, predictions, and the meaningful connections found in their teacherpreneur journey. Tune in for a blend of fun, spirituality, and teacherpreneur wisdom as they navigate 2026's potential challenges and joys.

00:00 Introduction and New Year's Reading Setup
01:07 Cleansing and Preparing the Deck
04:14 Meditation and Setting Intentions
05:31 Drawing Cards for Each Month
12:20 Interpreting the Cards and Yearly Theme
17:57 Identifying and Addressing Psychic Venom
19:20 Discussing Relationships and Psychic Awareness
20:22 Exploring Tarot Readings and Their Meanings
23:16 Reflecting on Past Tarot Readings
34:17 Tarot Reading for a Major Life Transition
39:02 Astrology and Birth Chart Insights
40:39 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda discuss a unique opportunity for teachers to join a professional development tour to Germany led by Jess! Message Jess if you want to talk to her about the details and or visit the website to learn more: 

Message Jess on Instagram
Bookbag Tours in Germany

 
They then dive into their business plans for the upcoming year, sharing insights on potential high-demand educational products for 2026. The hosts leverage AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT for ideas, but emphasize the importance of a human touch in content creation. They also highlight the ongoing importance of SEL resources, math tools, and seasonal products in the education market. Join them for an engaging conversation filled with tips and personal anecdotes.

00:00 Exciting Opportunity to Tour Germany with Jess
01:44 Welcome to the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast
03:09 Jess's Plans for the Year
04:37 Amanda's Big Move and Plans
09:54 AI-Generated Ideas for 2026
14:43 Claude's Insights and Specific Ideas
20:33 The Human Touch in Teaching
21:40 Seasonal Products and Final Thoughts

Watch This Episode On YouTube

In this episode of the Wacky Teacherpreneur Podcast, hosts Jess and Amanda delve into the process and implications of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life. Amanda shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism, ADHD, OCD, and chronic pain, and discusses the impact of these neurodivergent conditions on her life and career. Jess opens up about her sensory sensitivities and the challenges she's faced, contemplating the value of a formal diagnosis. They offer resources for self-assessment and emphasize the importance of self-awareness in personal and professional growth. Listen in for a candid conversation about self-discovery and embracing neurodivergence.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:36 Amanda's Autism Diagnosis
02:04 Jess's Sensory Sensitivities
05:11 The Cost and Process of Adult Autism Diagnosis
06:07 Self-Diagnosis and Understanding Neurodivergence
07:19 Impact of Diagnosis on Personal and Professional Life
14:21 Resources and Assessments for Autism
19:08 Sharing the Diagnosis with Family
21:13 Conclusion and Farewell