A little about the owner...

Hello!

My name is Kate Elise. I am a primary school teacher and the owner of The Teacher Store. The inspiration for TTS all started with a Cricut machine and an organic tote bag on TikTok back in 2021… I then decided to have the bags made professionally in 2023 and the store has blossomed from there.

What made you want to become a teacher?

I always wanted to be a teacher. I loved school growing up and I had a couple of teachers in particular who really had an impact on me. They showed me the difference a good teacher can make. After high school though, I did the sensible thing and pursued an administrative job that would give me a secure income and higher job opportunities… but it wasn’t for me. I decided to follow my heart back to teaching.

How did you find uni? Where did you do your degree? 

I did my Bachelor of Education at the Australian Catholic University in Canberra. At the time it felt longer than four years!! Now looking back, they are some of the best years of my life and I learned a lot. My favourite units were around behavioural science and classroom environments. It's true what everyone says... university doesn't quite prepare you for the real thing. You learn more in the first year on the job than those four years at uni. I also remember the pain of working nights and weekends! I worked at a winery through uni and I mostly worked weddings. Fun but exhausting times!

Where have you taught?

I started my career in Canberra. I was so grateful to have secured a position from my final prac at a beautiful Catholic school and I went on to teach there for 6 wonderful years. I then moved to Queensland at the end of 2022 and I now live and teach on the Gold Coast. 

What keeps you motivated as a teacher?

My favourite teaching quote sums this up.. 

'They might not remember what you said but they will always remember how you made them feel.'

I had a tough year when I moved to the GC in 2023 and I think what kept me motivated on my hardest days was knowing I had the opportunity to make someone's day a little better every time I went to work. Even if it was little. Also the little glimmers of progress I saw in the students I was showing up for each day. 

What are your plans for the future?

There are a few exciting things in store for TTS and for now I am in my happy place raising my beautiful daughter by the ocean.