Today we’d like to introduce you to Milaa’ Crawford.
Hi Milaa’, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If asked years ago what I wanted to be, the answer would’ve rolled off my tongue without hesitation; a journalist. I had dreams of chasing stories, writing powerful narratives, and seeing my byline in bold print. I was certain that journalism was my path and teaching was not on my radar. It wasn’t even close, but life has a funny way of changing our plans and therein our entire trajectory.
As a graduate student in the Tavis Smiley Journalism Program of Texas Southern University, I worked tirelessly to sharpen my craft and put out freelance stories. I worked as an Interventionist on the side at a local middle school in Houston, Texas. This was supposed to be merely a means of income, but somewhere along the way, things shifted. The vary profession that I was never interested in began to tug at my hearts strings. Late hours writing articles transformed into late nights creating lesson plans and drafting extra curricular ideas for students. Maybe it was the way I lit up when helping students understand something new or perhaps it was the joy in seeing a spark of understanding in a child’s eyes from a concept I taught. What began as a quiet calling, one I ignored and thought I’d dare not answer, became louder with every waking day and every time I tried to ignore it the louder it got.
The more I resisted, the more I became drawn to the classroom. So much so that veteran teachers began to push me to become a classroom teacher saying they saw something in me, of course something, at that time, that I did not see in myself. My mother, grandmother, and late aunt, all pushed me to pursue a career in education. After a year I decided to try, but within a realm I was more familiar with. Houston, Texas, although a vibrant, thriving city, it was not home. Home, Memphis, TN, the place that birthed and raised me was where my heart was. The place where my roots ran deep. When I decided to give teaching a try, I couldn’t agree more with Dorothy from the Wiz when she said “there is no place like home.” So home is where I returned to began my career as a teacher.
Thirteen years and six grade levels later, I’ve taught first, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. My current landing post and space that’s been home for the last 10 years has been middle school English Language Arts. My love for the etymology of words and analyzing even the most difficult of text has caused me to call this subject area home. Throughout the last thirteen years, I have seen some amazing highs and indescribable lows of teaching. I have held a number of titles and won several awards. One in particular that sparked something bigger in me, was winning Teacher of the Year for the ANET Achievement Network. This award was unexpected. It repaid me intrinsically more than anything by allowing me to see that others on a higher level saw the work that I was doing in my classroom. Although, thrilled about my own success, I wondered how many fellow educators got the opportunity to feel what I was feeling and be acknowledged in the way that I was acknowledged and I thought not many. This birthed The Educator’s Brunch, an expo brunch style event curated at the beginning of each school year to ensure that teachers have a space to relax, relate, and truly
be appreciated before the school year starts.
It isn’t another PD session or formal training, but instead a space where educators can exhale, connect with fellow teachers, explore meaningful resources, and be celebrated for the incredible work they do. Creating a space of this caliber was important to me, as I feel that teachers are sometimes under appreciated. We’re the one profession that comes in connect with every other profession. Everyone has, has had, or will have a teacher. The Educator’s Brunch serves as an event/forum to say “Teachers you deserve recognition. You deserve rest, joy, and community.”
Teaching, as beautiful and fulfilling as it is, can also be exhausting. It demands heart, grit, and an endless supply of patience and creativity. Throughout my career, I’ve been able to see and experience how easy it is to feel unseen, as teachers often pour out receiving little in return. This realization is what gave me the idea to create The Teacher Chest Company.
The Teacher Chest Company is more than a business, it’s a mission. It is a way to celebrate teachers year round. It serves to give back to the people I stand beside. Each Teacher Chest is carefully curated and designed with what teachers want, need, or would love far beyond its gifting date, in mind. More than just a box; its a moment of encouragement , a reminder that teachers matter, and appreciation that goes far beyond it’s content. Whether you’re a school leader looking for meaningful gifts, a parent wanting to thank a special teacher, or a fellow educator hoping to uplift a colleague, The Teacher Chest Company is your go-to way to say, “I see you. I appreciate you. You matter.”
The company also proudly partners with local businesses, teacher-owned brands, and creatives to make each chest not just a gift, but an experience rooted in thoughtfulness and community.
In a world where burnout is real and support is rare, The Teacher Chest Company is on a mission to fill classrooms and hearts with encouragement, one chest at a time.
I believe that when we invest in teachers, we invest in everyone’s future.
So, there you have it, I am Milaa Crawford, a teacher, The Educator’s Brunch Creator, The Teacher Chest Company Founder, a daughter, mother, sister, friend and a life long educator. This is who I am.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Teaching absolutely has come with its challenges. The road has been bumpy. I’ve encountered potholes, road blocks, speed bumps, and a multitude of detours. I am, however, of the mindset that these same challenges have shaped, sculpted, and formed me into the teaching machine that I am today. These stepping stones, so to speak, have made my experience more meaningful.
Teaching requires emotional resilience, as we’re not only responsible for delivering content, but also for supporting students’ personal and social growth. Good teachers educate the whole child and educating the whole child means being concerned with the student overall rather than just what they learn and this is not just for one child.
There are days when managing classroom dynamics, meeting diverse student needs, and balancing administrative responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
Additionally, the profession demands a lot outside of classroom hours—planning, grading, and staying updated with ever-evolving curriculum standards and teaching methods. It’s also no secret that resources can be limited and that the work teachers do often goes underappreciated in broader society.
As it relates to being a teacher and a business owner, balancing both definitely requires intentional time management and a strong sense of purpose. Teaching is my passion—it keeps me grounded and connected to why I started my business in the first place. My business is also education-centered, so there’s a natural alignment between the two roles.
The biggest challenge is making sure neither role suffers. I set clear boundaries and prioritize tasks based on impact and urgency. During the school day, I give my full attention to my students. Outside of those hours, I dedicate structured time to growing my business—leveraging weekends, early mornings, or evenings when needed and being a full time mom.
What really helps is that my business isn’t separate from my identity as a teacher—it’s actually an extension of it. It allows me to uplift fellow educators, share tools and resources, and contribute to the field in a different way. Although, a lot of work, both roles align with my values and passion, it’s fulfilling rather than draining.”
We’ve been impressed with The Educator’s Brunch/The Teacher Chest Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the creator of both The Educator’s Brunch and The Teacher Chest Company, two businesses that aim to uplift, cultivate, and show honor, respect, and appreciation to teachers.
To break it down, The Educator’s Brunch is a heartwarming appreciation event created to honor the dedication, resilience, and impact of educators. It brings together teachers, administrators, and education advocates for a meaningful experience centered around recognition, restoration, and connection. At its core, the Educator’s Brunch serves as both a celebration and a sanctuary, so to speak. Guests enjoy a curated brunch experience that includes delicious food, uplifting speakers, entertainment, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators, while sipping bottomless mimosas. The event creates a space where teachers are not expected to lead or instruct, but instead to receive — to be encouraged, inspired, and valued for their work.
The Educator’s Brunch exists because teachers give so much of ourselves, often with little recognition. It was founded in 2018 on the belief that appreciation should be as intentional as the effort educators put into shaping young lives. By creating an event that pours into teachers emotionally, spiritually, and socially, the brunch aims to uplift morale, build community, and remind every educator in the room that their work matters — deeply and enduringly.
I felt that there was a need for space such as this and that need still exists today. It’s the professional development everyone needs.
My next baby is The Teacher Chest Company, dedicated to celebrating and supporting educators through thoughtfully curated gift boxes. These “treasure chests” are designed by me, a teacher, for teachers, aiming to provide both practical classroom tools and personal self-care items.
The Teacher Chest Company specializes in creating themed gift boxes that combine classroom essentials with items that promote relaxation and self-care. Each box is crafted to offer teachers a sense of appreciation and encouragement, acknowledging the hard work they invest in their students and classrooms. It’s to say you are not forgotten about and you matter.
The company was founded on the belief that teachers deserve recognition and support beyond the classroom. By providing these curated gift boxes, the Teacher Chest Company aims to uplift educators, offering them a tangible reminder that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
In essence, the Teacher Chest Company serves as a beacon of appreciation, delivering joy and practical support to educators who dedicate themselves to shaping future generations.
Teachers are unsung heroes and there can never be enough appreciation for what we as teachers do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @the_teacher_chest
- Facebook: The Teacher Chest
