Career Path of a Curriculum Writer at Teacher Toy Shop
Nancy's career path began with a biology degree from Yale, followed by teaching experience in after-school programs and 11 years with Teach for America in Compton, providing "a deep knowledge of how to teach science". This led to roles at educational toy companies, where Nancy progressed from curriculum designer to product manager, gaining experience in budgeting, vendor management, and hiring outside writers, before launching their own successful science curriculum business, "Teacher Toy Shop," in 2019.
Science, Education, Curriculum Development, Entrepreneurship, Teaching
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nancy Balter
Curriculum Writer
Teacher Toy Shop
Yale University, 1994
USC, master's degree in science education
Biology & Related Sciences
Education
Education
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Nancy's career path showcases the value of diverse experiences. Starting with a biology degree from Yale, she gained practical teaching experience through after-school programs and Teach for America, where she spent 11 years teaching in the Compton Unified School District. This extensive teaching background provided invaluable insight into curriculum development and student needs.
2. Her transition to the private sector with educational insights and hand2mind demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to take on new challenges. Starting as a curriculum designer, she progressed to product manager, gaining experience in budgeting, vendor management, and overseeing the work of other writers.
3. Nancy's entrepreneurial journey, launching her own business, "Teacher Toy Shop," highlights her initiative and passion for science education. This showcases the possibility of translating experience and skills into independent work and creating a business based on personal expertise and interests.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path? Start with your experiences in college, any internships, or jobs you had before your current role.
I currently run my own business called Teacher Toy Shop. I write science curriculum, primarily for middle school students, though I cover a range of ages. I write and publish my own curriculum, which I sell directly to teachers.
I also do some freelance work for other science publishing companies, writing for their books and other science materials. For my education, I majored in biology at Yale, gaining extensive science knowledge. I then taught in an after-school science program in New Haven, conducting demonstrations at local schools.
Over the summer, I taught science at a program in New Orleans called Summer Bridge. I believe the program is now called Breakthrough New Orleans and still exists. After college, I joined Teach for America and taught in the Compton Unified School District for 11 years.
This gave me significant exposure to teaching science and working with students. I also taught math, ran the after-school MESA club, a science program, and managed the school science fair. Through this, I developed a deep understanding of how to teach science effectively.
After 11 years, I transitioned to the private sector and began working for a small educational toy company called Educational Insights. I was initially hired in 2005 as a curriculum designer. While writing curriculum for them, the company underwent significant changes.
It was sold to a larger company, and then the financial meltdown of 2008 occurred, leading to layoffs. As a result, I took on many more responsibilities and became a product manager. My role involved pitching new toy ideas, creating and managing budgets, working with overseas vendors, and collaborating with designers.
I also began hiring outside writers, which provided me with substantial experience. I was with Educational Insights for 11 years. Afterward, I moved to their sister company, Hand to Mind, owned by the same people.
There, I became a senior product manager, doing essentially the same job but focusing more on their toy lines, as my previous role at Educational Insights had shifted more toward toys. By then, I had accumulated considerable experience in this area. In 2019, I left to start my own business, my Teacher Toy Shop company, as I mentioned.