For years, since I started my teachers pay teachers shop in 2021 (click HERE to go directly to the shop), I’ve quietly built quality, engaging and educational resources, uploaded them very early in the morning or very late at night, working on the weekends, attending webinars, attending in person events, refined listings, worked on the brand of the shop, and celebrated some small wins in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. Occasionally, I’ve shared best-seller roundups (like this one), but lately I’ve felt a nudge to invite you into the journey itself—not just the highlights, but the faithful, behind-the-scenes work of becoming.
This process for me has had some starts and stops along the way due to life and a variety of seasons. In the late winter of 2025 I decided to really start investing time into the shop and it has truly been an amazing experience. There were a couple of "life things" that took place that didn't allow me to fully focus on the shop for various reasons all the time as much as I would have liked, but it is okay. That is something I have definitely learned this year. It is slow going but that is okay- this again is not about highlights but about the faithful, behind-the-scenes work of becoming and building this in a full-time income. I am sure that many people, like myself, are wanting to develop a TPT store as one of your 3-7 income streams that is recommended for a healthy "wealth" lifestyle.
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to grow a Teachers Pay Teachers store toward a full-time income—with a full-time job plus other life responsibilities- so slowly, imperfectly, and with intention—this is for you.
November by the Numbers (The Honest Version)
Overall- november felt steady and grounding. Not flashy—but deeply encouraging.
Store ranking: 17,229 (85th percentile)
New followers gained: 1 🎉
Total earnings: $79.04
Shop views: 292
Resources sold: 32 units
Reviews: 0
None of these numbers shout “overnight success.” But put together, they tell a story of forward motion and if you are working full-time like I am and balancing multiple responsibilities and trying to grow a TPT store than you completely understand how wonderful this success felt.
A Quiet Global Reach I Didn’t Expect
One of the most meaningful surprises this month was where my resources traveled.
In November, sales came from: the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. There is something profoundly humbling about realizing that lessons created in my home are finding their way into classrooms around the world. It reminded me that this work—no matter how small it feels—has reach far beyond my own screen.
November’s Top 5 Best-Selling Resources
Seasonal resources clearly carried the shop this month, reinforcing the value of timely, classroom-ready materials.
Top-selling resource:
.jpg "thanksgiving and christmast unit bundle")
My #1 product in November—proof that teachers are looking for cohesive, low-prep ways to teach financial literacy during busy seasons. This continued to be true for December which I will share next month, currently the best selling product is tied for the Personal Finance Christmas and January Holiday Unit Bundle (shop HERE) and the Holiday Scams Activity (shop HERE)!
Following close behind:
I just have to add a little note - this activity is only $1.00!!! This has quickly risen to be one of the best sellers in the shop this December!
This was interesting to me- it is definitely not a holiday option but it remains one of the most popular word searches in the shop consistently month after month! For $1.00 it is definitely a teacher favorite!
Seeing these resources resonate affirmed something important for me: practical financial literacy, especially when connected to real-life seasons and decisions, truly matters to teachers and students alike.
The Moment That Changed Everything This Month
Without a doubt the most life-chaning thing that happened in November didn't come from the dashboard nor could it really be described in words. I am still processing because the most transformative part of November was meeting with a Teachers Pay Teachers expert who reviewed my shop.
I don’t say this lightly: it was life-giving and exactly the boost and support I needed.
For the first time in a long while, I felt seen—not just as a seller, but as an educator with a long-term vision. We talked honestly about what’s working, what needs refining, and where sustainable growth could happen without burnout.
I walked away with: renewed clarity, realistic next steps and the reminder that growth doesn’t have to feel frantic to be faithful.
Whitney, thank you thank you thank you.
What November Taught Me
This month reminded me that:
* Growth is often quiet before it’s visible
* One new follower is still a real person choosing to trust your work
* Thirty-two resources sold means thirty-two classrooms served
* Momentum builds through consistency
This season isn’t about chasing viral success. It’s about building something thoughtful, sustainable, and aligned with both my life and my values.
Why I’m Sharing This Journey More Openly
I want to demystify what this road actually looks like. So many educators quietly wonder:
* Could this ever become meaningful income?
* Am I too late to start?
* What does slow, steady growth really look like?
I’m still walking this road—but I believe there’s value in walking it together.
Going forward, I’ll be sharing:
* monthly shop check-ins (numbers + reflections)
* lessons learned from coaching and experimentation
* small pivots that create long-term impact
* encouragement for teachers starting from zero—or starting again
If you’re building a TpT shop, dreaming of one, or simply curious about what’s possible beyond the classroom, I hope this space feels like an invitation—not pressure—to keep going. Leave a comment below- share your TPT shop and let's all follow along to support each other!
Happy Monday friends- here’s to small steps, faithful work, and becoming—one quality resource at a time.
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