Room 1021

For school lovers.

10/24/2026

A few weeks ago my oldest was home from preschool for conferences. It happened to land on one of my days off from school, and even though I had a long list of things to do over here, I thought... you know what?!?! I’m going to take this day off and just enjoy our time together.

It felt a little crazy to be able to do that and not have to ask for approval, enter it into Nova Time (lol), and write sub plans. But I realized real quickly that’s the perk of being your own boss.

So here’s how I spent a beautiful October day with my favorite 5 year old!

So for real... if you’ve been thinking about making a change or starting something new, take this as your sign. I promise you can do it! Your random Wednesday could look like this too. 🩷

10/22/2026

The Brody Mascot Tee! Available now. Here’s a video of the FIRST one being printed.

I’m really trying my best to grow my biz so I can keep making cool things and promoting our public schools. If you know someone who might like this tee, please send this to them! ❤️

10/21/2026

Beyond the Bell: Week 6!

Here’s what I was up to last week as I continue this venture of trying to teach part time and grow my biz!

I must say the highlight of last week was seeing You Can See Everything. Did you see it?!?!? I’m dying to go again. 👀

10/18/2026

I’m slowly chipping away at my middle school collection! But I need your help picking colors for the new Merrill tee. Even if you’re not a Merrill fam, I want your opinion!

I’m leaning toward #3 but I’d love some input. Which color combo is your favorite?! Tell me!!!! 🩷

10/10/2026

Felt like a great day to wear this 🙂 happy homecoming, Roosevelt!!!! 💙

10/07/2026

Beyond the Bell: Week 4!

My husband had to go out of town for work last minute, and daycare was closed. This all happened to be on the two days I wasn’t teaching, so I didn’t really get anything done that I had planned on. And I fell behind pretty quick! So if you were waiting on a response or for your order, I really appreciate your patience.

Despite the last minute change of plans, I had the best time with my kids. We enjoyed the slow mornings, went to a few different play times, and ran errands that I usually do by myself. I just had to know that I would eventually get to my to do list (like posting this video!) and enjoy our time together.

I’m so thankful for my schedule this year because if this happened in the past, I’m not sure what we would have done. My parents are in town, but they were both working their own jobs. Sooo would I have had to pretend to be sick?! I don’t know! 🙃

Teacher friends- what do you do if daycare is closed unexpectedly on a school day?

10/02/2026

Happy National Custodian Day! 💚

I do these posts because all positions relating to education are equally important, but can you even imagine what things would be like without the wonderful school custodians?! 😳 Because I sure cannot. They are simply the best. Soooo this is your reminder to show appreciation to yours today!

10/01/2026

It’s October!!!! 👻 I’m so ready for fall and some cooler weather.

I got the idea for Room 1021 when I was on maternity leave with my first born. That happens to be five years ago this month, so I’m having a lot of flashbacks to what life was like back then. I’m so grateful to my younger self for having big dreams. 🥲

Here’s everything we are celebrating this month. Save this post so you don’t forget!

09/27/2026

Beyond the Bell: Week 3! I’m teaching part time and trying to grow my business just enough to make up the other half of my teaching salary.

I’m finally getting into a normal groove and feel so lucky that I’m able to do two things I really love at the same time. 😌 Follow along to see what I’m up to each week!

06/09/2026

I don’t usually take selfie pics like this, but of course I had to on the last day in my own classroom for who knows how long! I hope future me looks back at this picture feeling proud.

Now that school is officially out, it’s all kind of hitting me at once. I felt a lot of emotions walking out of my school for the last time. Am I totally crazy for taking this leap?! What if things don’t work out and I’m not able to grow my business like I thought?

I am so blessed to have such a supportive husband who keeps encouraging me to go for it. But I still feel the pressure to provide for our family and pull equal weight. The cost of living is wild, especially with kids, so the financial side of things is what makes me the most nervous. And let’s be honest… I still want to be able to go out for chips and queso every now and then. 🙃

The past 11 years of teaching at the elementary level here in Des Moines have been so life changing and molded me into the person I am today. So now it’s time to bet on the work I’ve put into Room 1021 as I start year 12. I’m so excited to be able to work part time teaching a subject I love AND spend that same amount of time to grow my business.

Want to know the thing I’m most excited about for my days off? Getting to do drop off and pickup as my son starts preschool this fall. 🥲 Even if things don’t work out and this part time chapter only lasts a year, I know this is a really special year to take that chance.

But first… SUMMER!

Address

Des Moines, IA
50301-50340-50310

Website

http://www.room1021.com/

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