This website started as a joke, but being a “broke teacher” isn’t funny. 

One day, I met a broke teacher. She moved to another state for a job that paid half what her teaching job was paying. She said, “They need me!” and ran out of money. I posted jokes to cheer her up–things like “Best Places to Steal Pens for Your Classroom,” “How to Eat for Free” and other tips to stretch the teacher dime.

Eventually, I put some of those things here on this website. I added other useful things too–advice like “never tell anyone you can fix a copier,” and “Creative writing that will get your requisitions filled every time!”

The jokes made sense to a lot of people because–there are a lot of broke teachers.

Too many.

I realized–I was one too.

Being a broke teacher isn’t only about money.  And it’s not a joke.

This site’s been up for a long time now. Some of the articles are a little bit dated, and I’d like to think I’m a better writer these days. 

But: the message is still the same..

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BROKE TO BE A TEACHER.  IN FACT, YOU SHOULDN’T BE. 

You’re buying pencils, pens, paper, upgrading your software, buying studio production equipment for remote days, treats for your classroom. You’re donating to every cause, buying tickets, making raffle baskets, and getting art supplies to decorate your room. 

But… have you looked at your bank account? Your student loan statement? At what you’re saving for your future financial success?

If you’re just breaking even, or worse…going backwards…You’ve got to stop today. 

Most teachers tell me, “I can’t…” or “It’s for the kids.” 

Trust me, I said it for years. It’s half of what made–and kept–me broke.

The other half was something much deeper–the “teacher mindset.” 

If you gave a teacher a million dollars, they’d give it all away. And there would still be kids left to save. 

Something I learned: turns out the very same things that make teachers effective, loving, and generous… are the same exact things that make top CEOs successes. It’s not about how much you give, it’s about how you give. 

It’s all in the mindset.   Change it up a bit, and you’ll leave your inner “broke teacher” behind.

I promise you, I’m not going to have you fleecing your second graders for lunch money, either.

Make today the first day you leave your “broke teacher” behind.