Officially Published- my first book!

 

 

Guess what?! I just published my very first book! In college, I had an interest in writing children’s books and even went through a few courses during my free time. I enjoyed it and knew I would write a book at some point. Although, I didn’t get around to publishing any of the children’s stories I began to write, I never let go of the dream!

Once I began teaching, I wrote down ideas from veteran teachers and my mentors on index cards. These cards helped me at the beginning of each successive school year as a reminder of what I could do to continue being a rockstar teacher. A lot of the advice I had forgotten over the course of the year, so rereading these cards each summer to gear up for the next school year was helpful. I added so many ideas to this index card box that eventually I had to buy another!

I realized I had a lot of knowledge shared with me and I should probably share it with others. So, each student teacher I had I would allow them to go through my index card box and steal ideas. I knew this was part of my passing the torch duty but my audience was very few.

Two years ago, I began working part-time after school hours with The New Teacher Project via TEACH Charlotte. Here I was able to coach new teachers. Aha! A bigger venue to share my index card knowledge! This helped me feel like I was really paying it forward for all the help that was once given to me.

However, as you have probably guessed by now, I still felt there was more I needed to do to help other teachers. As I looked at the massive amounts of index cards in front of me, I realized that in order to be efficient and organized I should write them down in one file on the computer to alleviate the carrying around of multiple index card boxes. This would also allow me to share my knowledge with a mass audience instead of one person at a time (not to mention save time from having to reorganize the cards if not placed back correctly).

So here we are… the file of index cards in one neat and tidy book.! I am so proud that I followed my dream and am officially an author! I encourage all you educators out there to purchase a copy, add your own advice on the inside cover, and pass on to a new teacher at your school. We all have something to contribute to our future generations, and this is one way to ensure the success continues- no secrets here!

Don’t worry, I have already started on my next book and YES it’s a children’s book! I cannot wait to help children through the use of an interactive text, interesting pictures, and an inspiring message. I’ll be sure to post about it when its official too!

Thank you to all of you who have read my blog and encouraged me to continue writing. A huge THANK YOU to the company that made this all possible:

Click here to order from Outskirts Press at a 10% discount. Click here to order from Amazon at full price.

(Interested in writing a book yourself? Click here!)

I dedicated this book to all 5 of nephews in hopes that they will always have highly effective teachers to help them achieve their dreams. Recently, my brother sent me this photo of 2 of my nephews pretending to read my book. Such a sweet moment!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on my book! Leave your comments below!