(The beautiful photo above is from Deanna’s daughter Taylor’s wedding. From left to right is Deanna’s daughter Britni, Husband Ed, Taylor, Taylor’s husband Nick, Deanna, Son Hunter, and Granddaughters Madison and MacKenzie.)
Teacher-Author Deanna Jump is many things. She’s a wife, mom, grandmother (yes, really!), and a friend to many. She’s a celebrated teacher. She’s a blogger on her own blog and on the collaborative blog Blog Hoppin’. She’s also the number one selling Teacher-Author on TeachersPayTeachers.com.
You might have heard about Deanna’s impressive achievement from earlier this year. And here’s a CNN interview with Deanna from 2012. When you have the opportunity to meet Deanna, you may find it remarkable — as we did — that she is down-to-earth and very approachable. Her hard-earned success has rightfully made headlines, but as an individual she is genuine, funny, and keeps it real.
We asked Deanna to sit down with us to answer 5 questions.
***
1. Describe your personality in 3 words. Why those 3?
Outgoing: I love people and I don’t think I’ve ever met a stranger. I will talk to anyone. Which sometimes makes people think I’m strange.
Compassionate: When I know someone is hurting or in need that’s all I can think about. I so badly want to help everyone. My husband is constantly telling me that I can’t save the world but if everyone tried to do a little bit each day to help make the world a better place, then I certainly think we would have a much better world and a lot less people who needed to be saved.
Silly: My family came up with this word. I’m always singing and dancing around the house. I can’t carry a tune and I have absolutely no rhythm.
2. How did you become a teacher?
I can’t remember ever wanting to be anything else, except maybe a singer (which obviously wouldn’t have worked out! See question 1). When I was little, I used to line up my stuffed animals and pretend like they were my students. I had the smartest stuffed animals on the block.
3. What’s a key concept for Sellers to remember when they are working to make their products great?
I think the most important thing for Sellers to remember is that it’s important to find your own niche and create your own style. You won’t be successful long term if your products don’t stand out.
4. Who inspires you?
This one is easy. My brother J.R. is my biggest inspiration. When he was only 13 years old he was injured in an accident. The accident left him a quadriplegic. He can’t speak and he has no control over his muscles. He communicates with us by moving his eyes. He looks up for yes and he looks down for no. But mostly he just Smiles and he brings joy to us every minute that we are around him.
5. What’s the biggest surprise about being a part of TpT?
There have been a lot of surprises. First of all, I never in my wildest dreams expected to be this successful. I still have to pinch myself sometimes. But the biggest surprise is all of the wonderful friends I’ve made through blogging and TpT. I’m so blessed to have these wonderful ladies and many others in my life. Thank you TpT!!!
***
We love getting a closer glimpse of the educators behind TpT stores, don’t you? Take a look at all of our 5 Questions posts.
