Meet Whitney Lowrey | Special Education Teacher

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

Hi Whitney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first started as a special education teacher I realized I didn’t always have the resources I needed. I was having to create resources that aligned with my students individual needs. First, I started creating behavior charts, then I started creating social skills cards. It quickly dawned on me that other educators like myself may benefit from the resources I was creating so I started submitting my resources to a website called teachers pay teachers. I wasn’t advertising my store, it was just there, but I continued to make a profit on it every month. One day a teacher friend had asked me what my “teachergram” name was. I had no idea what she was talking about. After she explained it, I created an Instagram geared towards educators and would showcase the products I was making, what I was doing in my classroom along with other teacher content. My account quickly grew and I started connecting with educators all over the world. I created my account July 2020 and since then I have had the opportunity to be a presenter for several teacher conferences, be a writer for a few blogs, be a guest on podcasts and grow as an educator. I have met so many amazing teachers and connected with people all over the world. My newest business launch will be a t-shirt store. Who doesn’t love a good quality t-shirt, especially educators!

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.
I have been a special education teacher for 7 years now. Unlike most educators, I didn’t plan on being a teacher. I loved school growing up and I would “play school” with my sister but I never dreamed of being a teacher. I got pregnant my senior year of high school and although I immediately went to college after high school, it was hard balancing going to school full time, working full time, and raising a baby, but somehow I did it. I had a lot of support with my friends and family. When my son was three years old we moved to Arizona. I got a job at a university and they encouraged everyone to go to school since they paid for it 100%. I had always loved school so I jumped right in. I got my undergrad in psychology. However, as my son got older I needed a job where my hours were the same as his so I started working as a paraprofessional at my sons elementary school. I worked for three years as a paraprofessional for a special education classroom. I was blessed to work with a teacher who took the time to educate and empower me. I loved it so much I decided to go back to school to get my masters and become a special education teacher.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love when friends visit because there’s so much to do in Arizona and so many great places to check out. Sedona is absolutely beautiful and has some great hiking trails such as the infamous devils bridge. If you want to have a girls weekend, this area is a must! So many opportunities to catch that perfect Instagram worthy photo. Before you leave Sedona make sure to check out some wineries. Another great scenic place is Antelope Canyon, if you have the opportunity, make sure to check out that area and go kayaking in the canyon. While you’re in the area you can pop over to site see horseshoe bend. If your in town and close to a lake, pack a lunch and grab some paddleboards. The weather is beautiful here and you might just luck out and see some gorgeous wild horses while out on the water. If the outdoors isn’t your thing, there’s some great places to eat, hang out and still take in the views. Outrider Rooftop Lounge in Scottsdale offers some great drinks and amazing views. If you’re looking for fine dining you can check out Wrigley Mansion and catch the breathe taking 360 degree views. Want something a little more hidden? You can find this hidden gem called The Salt Cellar, it’s Arizona’s underground restaurant. Great atmosphere, good food and awesome bar. For the cooler nights, you’ll want to check out San Tan Flatts. It’s a restaurant but in the back of the restaurant they offer fire pits you can sit around while you listen to live music, enjoy s’mores and take in the ambience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I met Lauren in grad school and we hit it off immediately. Lauren from @structuredspecialed is the one who told me about having an Instagram geared towards educators. If it wasn’t for Lauren I wouldn’t have known about this teachergram world and been blessed with the opportunities I’ve had through this Instagram account and connecting with educators all over the world.

Website: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rooted-In-Resource

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