We are SO thrilled to have partnered with The Teaching Tools for our latest lanyard collaboration. The Teaching Tools is a fabulous brand created for teachers, by Dee (a Sydney based educator of over ten years).
The Teaching Tools is for the new generation of educators teaching young minds who think and learn differently. Their mission is to bring positivity, empowerment and delight into classrooms around the world. They offer an INCREDIBLE range of stamps that encourage a growth mindset (read: the most adorable stamps you've ever seen), stationery, and the NEW fabulous range of lanyards created in collaboration with RO!
You might recognise a few of the gorgeous designs already... these lanyards feature stunning original artworks by Australian based artists Georgina Forbes of Lordy Dordie, Brook Gossen and Holly Sanders. This collaboration is a celebration of WOMEN! Strong, creative, inspiring women. #celebratingamazinwomen
We had a chat with the fabulous Dee from The Teaching Tools to learn a little more about her brilliant brand. We can't wait to hear what you think of these beautiful new lanyards!
DEE: My name is Dee (short for Debbie) and I am a passionate full time educator and small business owner. I am 31 years old and I have been in the education industry for over ten years and have taught classes from kindergarten to the sixth grade. My current classroom is year four! I always make time in my day (generally at 5am) to focus on my mental health. To me, this is in the form of coffee and exercise. I rely heavily on exercise to ensure my mental health is in check and that I am focused, sharp and ready to tackle the day.
RO: What sparked the idea to start your brand The Teaching Tools? How do you balance running your business with full time teaching?
DEE: I truly felt there was something missing in the education industry - especially when it came to providing feedback to our students. As educators, our feedback can leave such a deep footprint on our students, so shifting the way we present feedback is my main inspiration. I truly value a teaching methodology that brings an uplifting, positive and empowering feeling to my students’ learning journey. This is why all my products are intentionally created to connect, empower and grow the young resilient minds of our future generations. I found the time by setting boundaries, prioritising and being focused on doing what I love which now supports thousands of teachers and students around the world. That is my driving force which keeps me on track and headed in the right direction.
RO: There are so many stamps in your collection, where do you find the inspiration for the wording used in each one?
DEE: The inspiration comes from being in the classroom and identifying the needs of both the students and teachers. I focus my thoughts on the needs of the students and how I can better their progress by uplifting and positively inspiring them to be the best version of themselves. Inspiration also comes from creating feedback that is relevant and truly supports teachers by saving them endless amounts of time. Instead of having to write specific feedback over and over, I love the idea that there can be a stamp for just about anything which helps them cut back marking time and focus on their connection with their students. My stamps are all backed by research and statistics which have a true impact of almost doubling student growth over a school year. A lot of people don’t know that all my stamps go through months of testing in the classroom before they ever get released. This allows me to gage feedback from different educators from around Australia and make any amendments before releasing them to the incredible teaching community.
RO: We would love to hear a funny story from your educational career, what is one of your favourite stories?
DEE: There are way too many stories to limit to just one however there is one that just makes me laugh every time. A few years back I asked my students if you could be invisible for one day and go anywhere you like - where would it be? To my surprise, my student in the 3rd grade insisted she’d love to go to an over-18's nightclub to see what everyone in there gets up to. Yes - I was absolutely speechless as all the other students asked me to explain what actually goes on in those clubs.
RO: What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes?
DEE: I find it hard these days to make time for my hobbies but when I do get the chance, I love to read, exercise and watch documentaries. I am also a huge fan of art and spend a lot of time discovering new artists who continue to push the envelope. Pre-lockdown, I used to enjoy trying new coffee bars around Sydney as I am a huge coffee enthusiast.
RO: What does your average day look like?
DEE: An average day starts when the alarm goes off at 5am. I start in the kitchen and make myself a filter coffee and read for 15 minutes before starting a 45 minute workout (which is generally in the form of a walk or light jog). After this, I shower and prepare myself for school while enjoying another cup of coffee. Once the school day is over, it’s straight home (with another coffee) to respond to emails, interact with my community on social media and pack all the day’s orders. At times, this could go anywhere up to 1am depending on how busy it is. A quick little meditation (or debrief on Tiktok) followed by bed. Wake up and repeat!
RO: Tell us something we’d never guess about you?
DEE: I am a proud Aunt of 14 nieces and nephews. They are one of the main sources of inspiration for creating The Teaching Tools and watching them grow and use my stamps is something I can’t even explain. It makes my heart SO full.
We have absolutely LOVED getting to know you a little better Dee, and have truly enjoyed collaborating with your fabulous brand. It's our shared hope that YOU all love these beautiful lanyards as much as we have loved collaborating together and creating them for you! So, what are you waiting for?! CHECK OUT THE LANYARDS! >>>
CONNECT WITH THE TEACHING TOOLS:
Instagram - @theteachingtools
Facebook - @theteachingtools
Website - theteachingtools.com