As a first-year teacher transitioning from a marketing career, staying current, open to learning, and connecting with colleagues in my new field became cornerstones of my journey. The transition wasn’t just about figuring out what works in the classroom; it was about finding inspiration, resources, and a sense of belonging. Along the way, I discovered blogs that helped me expand my perspective on teaching, creativity, and personal growth. The Bitter Southerner, Wealthy Gorilla, Kit (ConvertKit), and Nat Eliason became guiding lights during this transformative year, each offering unique lessons I could bring back to my work and life.
The Bitter Southerner
The Bitter Southerner quickly became one of my go-to reads, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling, culture, and education. While not directly about teaching, its focus on human connection and authenticity struck a chord. Each article, from explorations of Southern culture to profiles of unsung heroes, reminded me of the importance of understanding my students’ backgrounds and stories.
This blog taught me that storytelling is a universal tool. Just as the Bitter Southerner connects with its audience by weaving narratives with meaning, I began to realize that storytelling could be a powerful way to engage students in the classroom. Whether it’s sharing a personal anecdote or connecting a lesson to a real-world issue, I’ve seen how the power of narrative can foster curiosity and create lasting impressions.
Wealthy Gorilla
Wealthy Gorilla was a surprising find that profoundly shaped how I viewed personal growth during my first year of teaching. Its focus on self-improvement, mindset, and motivation became a consistent reminder that teaching is as much about developing ourselves as it is about developing our students. The blog’s articles on resilience and goal-setting helped me navigate the challenges of balancing lesson planning, grading, and the ever-present learning curve of a new career.
One of the key lessons I took away was the importance of celebrating small wins. Whether it was mastering a new teaching strategy or seeing a struggling student have a breakthrough, Wealthy Gorilla reinforced that growth is a process, not a destination. This mindset helped me stay grounded and optimistic, even on the toughest days.
Kit (ConvertKit)
As someone with a marketing background, I gravitated toward Kit (ConvertKit) for its blend of creativity, productivity, and entrepreneurial spirit. While its primary audience is content creators, I found its strategies for building community and connecting with an audience surprisingly relevant to teaching. The blog’s focus on fostering genuine connections resonated deeply with my goal of building relational capacity with my students.
One article about crafting authentic email campaigns inspired me to rethink how I communicate with students and parents. Instead of generic newsletters, I began infusing my updates with personality and relatability. Kit taught me that authenticity matters, whether you’re running a business or building a classroom culture, and that small, meaningful touches can make a big difference.
Nat Eliason
Nate Liaison is best known for his podcast "The Bold Life Movement" but his blog captured my attention with its thoughtful book notes, particularly on philosophy. As a first-year teacher, diving into his reflections on works by thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus reminded me of the importance of perspective and resilience—not just in teaching but in life. His ability to distill complex ideas into practical takeaways resonated deeply as I worked through the daily challenges of the classroom.
One of the most impactful lessons from Nate’s blog was the idea of embracing discomfort as a pathway to growth. Philosophy became a mirror for my own journey—learning to balance humility with confidence, to accept setbacks as inevitable, and to focus on what I could control. These reflections didn’t just enrich my personal outlook; they also informed how I approached teaching my students about perseverance and critical thinking.
Closing Thoughts
These four blogs shaped my first year of teaching in ways I never expected. They offered more than just advice—they provided a sense of community, encouragement, and a fresh lens through which to view my role as an educator. Each blog reinforced the importance of staying current, open to learning, and willing to build relationships in a new career field.
Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, I encourage you to explore these blogs. They reminded me that teaching, like any profession, is a journey of growth, connection, and self-discovery. In the classroom and beyond, staying curious and connected is how we continue to make an impact.
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