How Kelly went from teacher to TPT seller and CEO of Top Spot Tutors

Heads-Up: This isn’t just another “quit your job and hustle” story — it’s a real look at how one special education teacher turned her passion into a thriving business, balancing tutoring, resource creation, and a mission to help teachers navigate change with grace.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to take your teaching experience beyond the classroom—and turn it into something even bigger and more fulfilling—you’re going to love Kelly’s story. Kelly Kafeero is a former special education teacher who bravely took the leap into entrepreneurship, and today she’s the CEO of Top Spot Tutors, runs a thriving Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) store, and is helping thousands of students and educators along the way.

I sat down with Kelly to hear all about her journey, the mindset shifts that fueled her success, and the practical tips she has for any teacher who dreams of doing more. If you’re a teacher, were a teacher, or just love education, this one’s for you.

From Classroom to CEO: The Leap into Entrepreneurship

Kelly’s path started like many of us—in the classroom, pouring her heart into teaching special education students. But when COVID-19 hit, everything changed. Remote learning became the new normal, and while many felt overwhelmed, Kelly saw an opportunity.

She began building her online business by creating TPT resources through her store, Creative Education and Advocacy, while simultaneously tutoring students one-on-one online. The two ventures grew hand-in-hand: her tutoring informed the resources she created, and her resources helped reach students far beyond her direct tutoring clients.

“I knew it was time to slow down on creating new TPT products and focus on growing my tutoring platform,” Kelly shared. That platform, Top Spot Tutors, now connects tutors and students with a seamless online experience including live video classrooms and a smooth payment system.

What started as a practical pivot turned into a passion project fueled by the desire to help not just students but also teachers—especially those struggling with burnout or thinking about transitioning out of the classroom. Kelly’s story reminds us that sometimes, a big change starts with a single step—and a little curiosity about what’s possible.

Mindset Matters: Believe in Your Skills and Your Dreams

One thing Kelly emphasized is how important mindset was in her journey. The shift from teacher to entrepreneur wasn’t without fears and doubts, but she learned to trust her skillset—something many teachers underestimate.

“I think teachers often forget just how versatile their skills are. You can absolutely take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in so many ways outside it—whether that’s tutoring, creating resources, or even running workshops,” Kelly said.

Kelly encourages teachers to push past the fear of leaving a familiar environment. And here’s the hopeful truth: if you decide to return to teaching later, many states (like in the U.S.) have pathways to re-certify or jump back in, especially with the current teacher shortage.

It’s about giving yourself permission to explore new possibilities, knowing your experience has value beyond traditional classrooms.

Creating Resources That Teachers and Students Actually Need

Kelly’s TPT store covers a broad range, but what sets her apart is how she tailors resources for special education and executive functioning skills—helping students with things like time management, communication, and empathy.

She creates materials she wished she’d had as a student herself, blending her background in fine arts with education to engage kids creatively. Her top sellers focus on executive functioning and social-emotional skills, areas Kelly sees growing in demand but not yet saturated—a smart niche for anyone thinking about TPT.

The lesson? Pay attention to your students’ unique needs, and chances are, other teachers need those exact resources too. That’s how you find your niche and create meaningful, impactful products.

Growing Your TPT Store and Tutoring Business: Practical Tips

Kelly shared some golden nuggets for teachers interested in starting or growing their own TPT store or tutoring business:

Be consistent with updates: Regularly updating your store keeps followers engaged and helps you stay current.
Engage in the community: Join TPT message boards, leave reviews for other sellers, and build connections. These small actions can create a ripple effect and bring more traffic.
Focus your social media wisely: Kelly found social media marketing wasn’t effective for her TPT store, so she shifted her efforts to promoting her tutoring platform, which was a better fit for her time and goals.
Create professional product covers and thumbnails early: This makes a big difference in presenting your resources professionally and attracting buyers.
Proofread carefully: Avoid negative reviews by ensuring your products are error-free before launching.
Consider diversifying: Don’t rely solely on TPT sales. Think about selling resources on your own website or branching into other online income streams.

What’s Next? Big Dreams for 2025 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Kelly plans to expand her seasonal resources and bundle options on TPT, making it easier for teachers to find versatile products throughout the year. Her tutoring platform’s big goal is to recruit more tutors with diverse experience and subjects to offer parents a wider range of options for their children.

She’s building a marketplace where tutors can set their own hours and rates, with a user-friendly system that handles payments and live lessons. The vision? To provide flexible, accessible opportunities for both students and teachers looking to pivot their careers while still making an impact.

Why This Matters: Teachers Are More Than Just Teachers

Kelly’s story is a reminder that teaching skills are transferable, and educators have so much to offer beyond the traditional classroom walls. Whether it’s through creating resources, tutoring online, running workshops, or advocating for students, teachers can redefine their careers without losing their passion for education.

She also encourages teachers to support each other—whether that’s by collaborating on resources, leaving positive reviews, or simply sharing advice.

And if you’re feeling stuck, scared, or unsure about your next step, remember: the teaching world is wide and full of opportunities. Your skills, your heart, and your creativity matter—more than you might realize.

What Can You Do Next?

1. Explore your unique teaching strengths and how they could translate into new opportunities.
2. Join educator communities on social media or TPT forums to connect and learn.
3. Start small: try creating one TPT resource or tutoring a student online to test the waters.
4. Remember to be kind to yourself through the process—it’s okay to take your time and learn as you go.

Gratitude and Growth

Before we wrap up, Kelly shared what she’s grateful for: the chance to pursue entrepreneurship, the ability to help more students and teachers, and the love and support from her family

It’s a beautiful reminder that behind every success story is a circle of support, self-belief, and a willingness to keep growing.

Final Thoughts: Feeling inspired?

Whether you’re dreaming of your own TPT store, tutoring business, or just want to bring fresh energy into your teaching career, Kelly’s journey shows that with curiosity, courage, and community, the possibilities are endless.

And if you want more stories, mindset tips, and practical tools for teachers navigating career changes, stay tuned. We’re all in this together.

💌 Stay in the Loop

If you’re a teacher, coach, or parent looking to bring joy, creativity, and confidence back into learning, I’ve got more stories and strategies waiting for you.

🔹 Sign up for my free Teacher Mindset Reset Guide
🔹 Join The Sage Circle at www.marisaecoaching.com/mindsetguide
🔹 Listen to the full conversation with Kelly Kafeero on YouTube or my podcast

How Kelly went from teacher to TPT seller and CEO of Top Spot Tutors

How Kelly went from teacher to TPT seller and CEO of Top Spot Tutors

Heads-Up: This isn’t just another “quit your job and hustle” story — it’s a real look at how one special education teacher turned her passion into a thriving business, balancing tutoring, resource creation, and a mission to help teachers navigate change with grace.

I sat down with Kelly to hear all about her journey, the mindset shifts that fueled her success, and the practical tips she has for any teacher who dreams of doing more. If you’re a teacher, were a teacher, or just love education, this one’s for you.

Kelly’s path started like many of us—in the classroom, pouring her heart into teaching special education students. But when COVID-19 hit, everything changed. Remote learning became the new normal, and while many felt overwhelmed, Kelly saw an opportunity.

“I knew it was time to slow down on creating new TPT products and focus on growing my tutoring platform,” Kelly shared. That platform, Top Spot Tutors, now connects tutors and students with a seamless online experience including live video classrooms and a smooth payment system.

One thing Kelly emphasized is how important mindset was in her journey. The shift from teacher to entrepreneur wasn’t without fears and doubts, but she learned to trust her skillset—something many teachers underestimate.

“I think teachers often forget just how versatile their skills are. You can absolutely take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in so many ways outside it—whether that’s tutoring, creating resources, or even running workshops,” Kelly said.

Kelly encourages teachers to push past the fear of leaving a familiar environment. And here’s the hopeful truth: if you decide to return to teaching later, many states (like in the U.S.) have pathways to re-certify or jump back in, especially with the current teacher shortage.

It’s about giving yourself permission to explore new possibilities, knowing your experience has value beyond traditional classrooms.

Kelly’s TPT store covers a broad range, but what sets her apart is how she tailors resources for special education and executive functioning skills—helping students with things like time management, communication, and empathy.

The lesson? Pay attention to your students’ unique needs, and chances are, other teachers need those exact resources too. That’s how you find your niche and create meaningful, impactful products.

Kelly shared some golden nuggets for teachers interested in starting or growing their own TPT store or tutoring business:

She’s building a marketplace where tutors can set their own hours and rates, with a user-friendly system that handles payments and live lessons. The vision? To provide flexible, accessible opportunities for both students and teachers looking to pivot their careers while still making an impact.

Before we wrap up, Kelly shared what she’s grateful for: the chance to pursue entrepreneurship, the ability to help more students and teachers, and the love and support from her family

It’s a beautiful reminder that behind every success story is a circle of support, self-belief, and a willingness to keep growing.

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