We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Marzella. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.

Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

As a teacher, I often felt overwhelmed by the challenge of meeting the diverse needs of my students. Despite working in a well-resourced district with curriculum guides, practice books, and manipulatives, it quickly became clear that these tools were generic and didn’t address the unique realities of my classroom. They weren’t created by educators who truly understood the day-to-day challenges we faced.

That is why I began creating my own resources—tailored materials designed to meet my students’ specific learning needs. Initially, it was about solving immediate problems: helping a student grasp fractions, providing extra phonics practice, or designing an engaging class project. At the time, I wasn’t thinking beyond my classroom—I was simply focused on my students’ success.

Fast forward to 2023, after 14 years in the classroom, I stepped away from teaching to become a stay-at-home mom for my two school-aged children. Suddenly, I experienced education through the lens of a parent. I found myself relying on the same resources I’d created—and making new ones—to help my kids with homework, prepare for tests, and reinforce challenging concepts. That’s when it hit me: these tools had value far beyond my own classroom. If they worked for me as a teacher and a parent, they could help other educators and parents too.

I took a leap and began designing resources for different grade levels and ability levels, posting them online for others to use. I believed in their potential because they weren’t just worksheets—they were thoughtfully crafted, tested, and refined with an understanding of the challenges teachers and parents face daily.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an experienced educator and mom who loves creating resources that make teaching easier and learning more enjoyable. My journey started during my 14 years as an elementary teacher, where I saw firsthand just how challenging it can be to find the right tools to meet all the needs of a classroom full of unique learners. That’s what inspired me to start creating resources that help teachers save time and feel confident while giving students the support they need to succeed.

I now run a successful Teachers Pay Teachers store, where I’ve published and sold over 2,000 digital teaching resources. My store has become a trusted resource for educators worldwide, earning consistent 5-star reviews and recognition for its high-quality offerings. In 2024, I was ranked in the top 1% of Teachers Pay Teachers sellers, reflecting the impact and value of these resources. My products range from lesson plans and activities to assessments and teacher tools, all thoughtfully designed to be practical, easy to use, and effective in the classroom.

What really sets my work apart is my focus on creating resources that are both engaging and adaptable. I know how important it is for teachers to have materials that work for all kinds of students, so I put a lot of thought into making my resources inclusive and flexible. I also love connecting with other educators to understand their challenges and figure out how my work can help solve them.

The thing I’m most proud of is hearing from teachers who say my resources have made a real difference for them and their students. That’s what motivates me to keep creating and improving. If you’re looking for thoughtful, well-designed teaching materials, I hope you’ll find that my work feels like it was made just for you and your classroom.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a simple but powerful mission: to empower educators and parents by providing them with practical, effective, and engaging resources that truly meet the needs of their students and children.

I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of supporting diverse learners. I know how overwhelming it can feel when the tools available don’t align with the unique realities of your classroom or home. My goal is to bridge that gap by creating resources that are thoughtfully designed, easy to use, and rooted in real-world experience.

Beyond the tools themselves, my mission is about fostering confidence—for students, teachers, and parents alike. I want students to feel capable and excited to learn, educators to feel supported and inspired, and parents to feel empowered to help their children succeed.

Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by the belief that education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every learner is different, and every teacher and parent deserves access to resources that respect those differences while making learning joyful and meaningful. Knowing that my work can make even a small difference in someone’s educational experience keeps me motivated every day.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is the authenticity and practicality of my resources, rooted in years of hands-on teaching experience and refined through my role as a parent. These tools address real-world needs—they’re tested, proven, and not just ideas on paper.

I prioritize quality over quantity, creating resources that are visually appealing, clear, and easy to implement. Feedback consistently highlights how my materials save time, reduce stress, and improve student learning, fostering trust in my products.

Additionally, I genuinely engage with my audience by listening to feedback, responding to questions, and tailoring resources based on specific needs. This approach has allowed me to build meaningful connections and a loyal following.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/time-crunched-teacher
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetimecrunchedteacher/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Timecrunchedteacher