Meet Leslie Huffman | Autism Teacher Mentor and Owner of Not a Typical Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Huffman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always had creative outlets. Creativity is truly my love language and my form of self-care. I have always had multiple creative outlets: making jewelry, painting, or design. I started Not a Typical Teacher by creating interactive lesson plans for teachers. I love Growth Mindset and integrated in into my classroom through interactive lessons that incorporated art projects for my students. I knew I wanted to make an impact beyond my classroom so I started selling my lessons online. One day, I was watching a YouTube video and the next suggested video was about T-shirt design. My interest was peaked. Over the years I had often said to my friends, “That saying would make a great t-shirt.” After watching the video, I thought to myself, ‘I can do that.’ So, I did! I started creating graphic designs specifically for Special Education teachers and educators working with students with Autism. I truly felt Special Education teachers were underrepresented when it came to fun, creative education t-shirts. I posted pictures of my shirts on my social media pages and my business evolved. The focus of my designs allow Special Education teachers to express themselves while being true to their passion for teaching.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Working a full time position as an Autism Teacher Mentor and running a business is difficult. I wake up early, oh so early, and start designing and provide customer service, When I get home from work, I’m right back at it again. Even when I am on vacation with my husband, I am working. But, honestly it doesn’t feel like work because I am creating. I am making connections with my customers. I have met some incredible educators across the country. I have had several customers that have asked me for advice in their classrooms after they have ordered t-shirt. I love it! We share classroom experiences that only another Autism teacher could understand. When I started designing t-shirts my primary focus customer was teachers. However, that has evolved. I noticed a lack of meaningful designs that specifically represented Autism teachers. Many of our students with Autism us Augmented Alternative Communication, AAC, often in the form of picture symbols, letters, and or words and phrases. I started creating graphic designs using AAC. One day, I wore one of my shirts to school. I was astounded when our students started reading my shirt. It was a wonderful connection. I had created a design that engaged our students. It resonated with them, They could relate to me. This was so powerful! Since that first design, I have started creating custom AAC adult and children’s shirts. Parents will contact me and ask for an AAC shirt for a 4th birthday party, or a t-shirt stating the child’s favorite toy or food. When a client reaches out to me and tells me that my shirt is now their child’s favorite is so meaningful. I feel like I have made an impact on that child’s life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am kind of a homebody. One of my favorite spots is my back yard, sitting under the pavilion which me and my husband built, with a brisket on the smoker. However, I do love Arizona. We have such a variety of beautiful places to visit. I love our lakes, I’m a Cancer so anything by the water is my cup of tea. We enjoy camping on the banks of lake pleasant and kayaking there. It is peaceful, quiet, and restorative. We also enjoy hiking Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon is beautiful no matter what time of year it is. There is a beautiful historic park, West Fork. It has become one of my favorite hikes. I love the history, ruins, and scenic views. I would say Sedona is my favorite place to visit. I could immerse myself for days at the shops, art galleries, hiking trails, and fabulous restaurants there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have been so inspired by the amazing educators I work with. They are dedicated, creative, and passionate. Education is a tough job and it is important to keep your sense of humor. As SpEd teachers, we lead with our hearts. Every moment of every day we are coaching, guiding our students toward success. I truly wanted to create designs that fellow SpEd teachers could relate to, giggle at, or be inspired by. I have created many custom designs for teachers, Autism moms, and students with autism. In a sense, it’s a way I can give back by bringing a smile to their faces.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NotaTypicalTeacher

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notatypicalteacher/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notatypicalteacher/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfKTUfStz0HhND5znsloiBA