Words by Smiley Team
Teacher and school leader, Rachel Turner, from Leeds, is passionate about creating a happy and positive environment for teachers. “Teaching is wonderful, exhilarating but very hard indeed,” she says.
“It's mentally and physically demanding. The vast majority of teachers are there to make a difference to our future, our next generation. Anything I can do to support my fellow teachers is a massive opportunity to have an impact on the world.”
In 2017, as a busy mum juggling teaching full-time with being a mum, the idea of The Positive Teacher Company came to her. “TPTC started by accident,” she says. “I loved my role as a teacher and school leader and have always adored stationery (occupational hazard: many teachers do!).
[Discover more positive news here]
“However, I was always left very underwhelmed by the available teacher planners on the market. One year I decided enough was enough; teacher planners are too important. I knew I could create better contents and make it look far more beautiful – so I chose to make my own! It took some time and dedication but I was pleased with the outcome.
“It made me feel proud and happy to be a teacher. My colleagues noticed and the rest - as they say - is history!”
Now, TPTC is a fully-fledged stationery business, with the aim of making the hectic job of teaching a little bit easier, and spreading positivity among the profession.
“I don't take this lightly and believe me when I say the thrill and joy I get from seeing or hearing that our products are not only useful and practical but also inspiring and uplifting never diminishes,” says Rachel. “It's an absolute honour to provide a little sparkle to the profession that I care so much about. Teachers need a lift: if they're happy, imagine the impact that it will have on their pupils.”
In those early days, Rachel was working every hour she was sent. But when the business got busier, she turned to her former NQT Mentor, Henry Smith – an experienced teacher and school leader, who she had worked closely with before. “Henry's business acumen, combined with a shared passion for inspiring teachers, led to a fantastic partnership,” she says.
Since then, they’ve added additional team members who all share a passion of creating a Happy Place For Teachers. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think how far we've come, but we're still driven by our mission each day,” she says. “Teachers' wellbeing means so much to us all.”
[Read more stories about inspirational teachers]
Rachel also makes sure the company supports two charities each year. This year, they chose Tree of Hope – a charity supporting children with additional needs – and St Teresa’s Hospice – small charity in Darlington which is close to their hearts. “We’ve raised over £14,000 for them this year,” she says. “We feel it’s really important to support charities, especially smaller ones after Covid zapped so much of their fundraising opportunities.”
When asked about the impact of these products, Rachel says: “The biggest compliment we ever receive, and it still brings a tear to my eye, is 'you can tell that this has been made by a teacher'.”
All the products are made by teachers for teachers. “We take on a huge amount of feedback from experienced professionals from Early Years all the way through to adult education,” says Rachel. “We provide that sparkle, that luxury and that all-round quality that simply wasn't available before I started the company.
“We never feel threatened or competitive when we see other companies attempt to replicate what we do: just proud that we're leading the way, inspiring others and making a positive difference to teachers.” Find out more here.
