Meet Trailblazer Shari Watt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Watt.

Shari, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m just a big kid at heart and always have been! I knew I loved all things about learning and couldn’t wait to become a teacher. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Memphis in 2012 and my Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Western Illinois in 2016.

One thing I noticed after teaching for a few years was that people held this certain stereotype of what a teacher should be. I would often hear comments like “You don’t look like a teacher” or “You don’t act like a teacher.” and I had no idea what that meant! It finally dawned on me that people outside of education had not yet come to realize that the images and portrayal of old fashioned teachers we grew up learning from were a thing of the past and that today’s educators are fresh, bold, modern men and women who just so happen to be passionate about children and teaching others. Yes, we work in schools, but we can still be fashionistas, entrepreneurs, musicians, activists, and so much more. I realized that I didn’t want to fit into any outdated mold of what a teacher “should” be and decided to pursue other entrepreneurial goals under the education umbrella. That’s when I started She Can Teach Too. Emphasis on the TOO! While I do wear a teacher hat for certain hours of the day, I knew that I wanted to be recognized for that and so much more!

I began creating elementary curriculum for my own classroom, and took a chance and submitted some material to an educational publishing company. To my surprise, they responded immediately! I added curriculum development to my list and began selling my material to other companies and teachers online. I accomplished my goal of becoming an author in February of this year, writing my first children’s book, “Sophia Grows A Garden”. Finally, I opened my online store selling teacher apparel and tote bags in May of 2019. My mission is to knock down the four walls of the classroom and to show the world that teachers are talented, multifaceted professionals that have so much to offer to the world.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the words of the great Langston Hughes, Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair! I’ve struggled with self-doubt and finding my passion, not wanting to put myself out there for the world to see. The fear of judgment is extremely real! But these past few years, I have fallen more in love with myself and more sure of my divine purpose than I have ever been. I know the world needs me and what I have to offer! I think that if we all accept that and own that, we would get to see how truly talented and gifted we all are. My advice to other women is to start by understanding why you were put here in the first place. If you don’t know the reason for your existence, do everything that you can to find out. Read motivational books, download apps, surround yourself with people that genuinely want what’s best for you in order to discover who you really are. You will lose friends, possibly upset some family, and you must be ok with that! Be relentless in your journey and rid yourself of everything that could potentially slow you down. That’s when you will truly start living.

Please tell us about She Can Teach Too – what should we know?
I’m an educator that creates teacher products. Curriculum, books, and clothing. I strive for my brand to represent my personality, which is fun, bright, and authentic. I don’t try to step outside of my lane. If you do, it will absolutely NOT work! I am in no way a beauty guru or any of the above! So, while I do love fashion and beautiful things, I try to maintain a fine balance between that and what I love most, which is education. I am most proud of the words on my best selling teacher tee. “Blessed and Highly Educated”. I believe that that line represents me and so many other people that I know, not just teachers. We work hard, play hard, and receive all of the positive vibes the Universe has to offer!

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Walk around as if you have already made it to where you want to be in the end. Stay humble, but be wildly confident as well. It may intimidate people. So what. You may make a mistake. Keep going. Use every single experience as a stepping stone and learning opportunity. Realize that no one else in this world is going to make your dreams come true except for you. So, use your time wisely.

Pricing:

• Blessed and Highly Educated T-shirts 24.99
• Custom T-shirts $30.00
• Tote Bags 19.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shecanteachtoo.com
• Email: shecanteachtoo@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shecanteachtoo/

Image Credit:
Ade

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