From Classroom to Copy: Why Teachers Make Exceptional Copywriters
Imposter syndrome has always been present in my life - whether I was applying for graduate school, walking into a bilingual school in Colombia, South America to teach 3rd grade, presenting at national conferences about innovative ways to support multilingual students, and navigating every twist and turn of motherhood.
As I reflect on these times in my life when I felt the most uncomfortable, a pattern that emerges is that I am also the most motivated, humbled, and excited. It is addictive - and usually means I am about to embark on something profound and life-changing.
That is what happened when I came across a course for copywriting early last year. A familiar pattern kicked in - I couldn’t get it out of my head and decided to take the leap and learn more about the world of copywriting and marketing. Once I started to understand the true power of copywriting and content marketing - using storytelling to help connect companies and organizations to people who need their products and services. I couldn’t ignore my curiosity, even with how much of an imposter I felt in this new space - and still do sometimes.
I realized that in the dynamic world of content creation and conversion copywriting, the demand for engaging, informative, and ethical writing has never been higher. And passionate educators who shape young minds in classrooms also possess a unique set of skills that make them exceptional copywriters.
As an educator, I've always been passionate about communication. Whether it's explaining complex concepts to students, crafting engaging lesson plans, or collaborating with colleagues, effective communication is at the heart of teaching. Little did I know that this skill set would seamlessly translate into the world of copywriting.
Transitioning from the classroom to the world of copywriting might seem like a leap, but in reality, teachers possess a unique set of qualities that make them natural fits for this creative field. Here's four reasons why teachers make exceptional copywriters - and the story of my personal journey from the classroom to copywriting.
Teachers Attune to and Adjust for Audience Needs ✅
Teachers are masters at understanding their audience – they adapt to their students constantly. Research suggests that teachers make about 50 decisions every hour, often based on real-time data they collect through formative assessments and student responsiveness. They tailor their lessons to meet diverse learning styles, abilities, and interests by adjusting based on hundreds of data points that come at them daily.
Similarly, copywriting requires a deep understanding of the target audience. Whether it's crafting content marketing, sales pages that convert, or emails that get responses, teachers-turned-copywriters excel at empathizing with the needs and motivators of their readers and adjusting their plans based on data, responses (or lack thereof), and the most recent research about their audience.
Teachers are Clear and Concise ✅
Clear is kind. This one phrase has stuck with me since my teacher preparation program. In the classroom, clarity is paramount. Teachers must break down complex concepts into digestible bits of information that students can grasp and apply.
This ability to simplify and clarify extends seamlessly to copywriting. Whether drafting marketing copy or educational content, teachers have the knack for conveying messages clearly and concisely, ensuring maximum impact and understanding.
Teachers are Storytellers ✅
Teachers are adept storytellers, using narratives to bring subjects to life and engage students' imaginations. Studies show that teachers tell an average of two stories per lesson, leveraging storytelling as a powerful educational tool.
This storytelling prowess lends itself effortlessly to copywriting, where the ability to craft compelling narratives is essential for capturing audience attention. Narrative-driven content has the power to evoke emotion, build rapport, and drive action. When copy is infused with story through compelling narratives, mundane messages are transformed into captivating stories that leave a lasting impression.
Teachers are Masters at Developing Empathy and Connection ✅
Teachers forge meaningful connections with their students, fostering trust, empathy, and rapport. They are empathetic by nature and understand the needs and emotions of their students. Studies suggest that teachers make about 1,500 non-trivial decisions per school day, many of which involve navigating social and emotional dynamics in the classroom.
Just like teaching, effective copywriting hinges on establishing a connection with the audience – understanding their needs, addressing their pain points, and offering solutions. Teachers-turned-copywriters excel at cultivating genuine connections through their writing, resonating with readers on a deeper level.
Teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and empathy to the world of copywriting, enriching content with their unique perspectives and expertise. So, if you're seeking captivating, compelling, and conversion-driven copy, look no further than the educators-turned-wordsmiths ready to unlock the power of education through their writing.
From the classroom to copywriting - The Founder’s Story for McBride Writing
This is the story of my WHY - the reason I am so passionate about working with educational companies that continuously center students’ learning experiences and educators’ passion for student success.
Imagine a school that in just two months went from having zero Swahili-speaking refugee students to having over 25, ranging from grades K-5th. These students have incredible stories of living most of their lives in refugee camps, walking miles to get water every day, and being separated from their families to find refuge from war and persecution. They also have never been in a school building before and are just starting on the journey of developing English. The norms of walking in a line, eating in a chaotic cafeteria, or sitting criss-cross on a carpet while a teacher reads aloud or explains math are unfamiliar and even scary. They feel confused, frustrated, and homesick and show those feelings the best way they know how - by running out of the classroom, yelling in Swahili, or completely shutting down.
This was the reality two years into my teaching career as an ELL teacher. I was overwhelmed and desperate to find quick solutions to the new challenges presenting themselves every day - for the students, for their teachers, and for my own direct instruction in English language teaching.
My frantic Googling and asking anyone who would listen led me to two different tools - an effective curriculum for newcomers that took the mental load of creating something to teach in my direct instruction in small groups off my plate. And an adaptive software program designed specifically for English language development that engaged and supported their learning - it helped them grow systematically while motivating them by making sure success and first language support were built in along the way.
These two tools changed everything. Instead of focusing on frantically creating appropriate materials, I could focus on the craft of using quality curriculum while differentiating, building relationships and routines, and setting high expectations. The adaptive software gave autonomy to students and time back to classroom teachers.
Filling up our teacher toolboxes with these tools wasn’t a one-and-done solution, but it gave us the time and energy we needed to pour into our students - through meaningful relationships, carefully crafted lessons, and gathering data to decide our next steps.
My mission is to connect teachers and districts to the just right products and services through thoughtful, strategic copy and marketing strategy. Because that is what the right tool in a teacher’s toolbox can do - it can bring dignity to students, empowerment to teachers, and precious time back to a school day.
I think so many education companies and organizations hold the solutions educators are looking for. That’s the story I would love to help tell through blogs, website copy, and email campaigns.
If you have a story to tell about how your company or organization can change the world of education, schedule a call today to elevate your content strategy and engage your audience like never before.