About Me

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in The Misfit Teacher! My name is Kristin, I’m a former elementary school teacher in Canada, and a full time passive income earner.

In addition to The Misfit Teacher, I also run a popular family travel blog called Tiny Footsteps Travel, which brings in 150,000 pageviews a month.

The Misfit Teacher’s Mission

Years ago, I struggled with stress and burnout in teaching, a career that was killing my spirit. I believe that some people have a gift in managing what public school teaching requires of us today, but I did not have it. Quitting teaching was one of the hardest, but also one of the most honest things I’ve ever done.

I want to help other people find their calling, whether it’s teaching or something else. I want to provide resources for self-development and improvement, because the journey to doing so has transformed my life.

I spent years in a job that caused me stress and didn’t align with my natural gifts or talents, and to be honest, I didn’t accept myself the way I now realize I should have.

My life has changed drastically in a few short years, thanks to a lot of inner work that I did – and that I can help my readers do too. I hope I can be even just a small part to helping others on the journey to doing the same.

You can read my transformation story here, about how I went from being chronically stressed with deeply embedded insecurities, but transformed myself into a (mostly) confident and happy 6-figure passive income earner.

If you want to be a teacher..

I have many resources to support to my fellow teachers who are out there putting the thought, effort and energy into educating our kids and raising the next generation, which is a cause I deeply hold dear.

If you want out of teaching, or want financial freedom in a different career..

There are also people in the position I used to be in; feeling stuck in a job that they don’t feel comes naturally to them and don’t want to picture themself in decades from now. If that is you, I see you: and I have resources for you too.

Browse my self-made life resources to see ideas for side hustles, and routes to financial freedom.

My Teaching Experience

I worked as a teacher for almost 10 years; in that time, I taught kindergarten through Grade 8 (kids from ages 4 up to 14.)

Most of that time was spent working as a rotary French teacher, and a French Immersion planning time subject teacher in subjects such as science, gym, social studies and music.

I have been lucky to have my own classroom twice – once as a Grade 2 French immersion teacher, and another time as a Grade 4/5 split teacher.

In addition to that, I’ve also taught languages online, and done in-person tutoring for over 10 years.

While there were many rewarding moments in my career as a school teacher, I struggled with teacher burnout as the years went on, and came to feel deep down that it was the right job for me.

I spent the last few years of my career dabbling in side hustles and alternative income sources, for the fulfillment of using my skills for something I was good at and enjoy. Eventually, I turned it into a full-time career.

My Life After Teaching

I decided to quit teaching in 2023, and jump into a writing career. I own two websites, including this one.

The Misfit Teacher is a resource for anyone who is looking for the right career, whether they are:

  • Considering becoming a schoolteacher or improving their teaching
  • Interested in work online opportunities (teaching-related or not)
  • Feel stuck in life and want to revamp a life that is more fulfilling
  • Want to improve their mental health, achieve better work-life balance and avoid burnout
  • Looking to leave their school teaching job. (I spent years researching alternative careers for teachers, and ultimately was able to pick one – you can too!)

In addition, I have many helpful resources for school administrators who want to make a positive difference in the schools they run.

Why “the misfit teacher?”

“The Misfit Teacher” is meant to be a more endearing term, rather than taken too seriously.

I was fit for being a teacher in a number of ways, but as an introvert, a single mom (and probably someone who takes life a bit too seriously) I struggled to have the energy and mindset to deal with some of the challenges that came with my career.

I am much happier now that I’m working from home, and have energy for my kids, and time to care for myself. I love my new career and how naturally it comes to me. I want to help others achieve the same thing.

Here are some of the jobs I have dabbled in while still working full-time as a teacher:

While I love to help people, guide them and help them achieve goals, I have realized over time that I prefer to work on a solitary basis – this is why writing and blogging appeal to me the most!

I hope that some of The Misfit Teacher articles can be of use to you as you try to navigate your career journey, whether its in, or outside the classroom.

My Other Passion Projects

  • Caring with Kristin – my website dedicated to helping the environment and animals. I share plant based food options, eco-friendly experiences and places to stay, and earth-friendly products