Megan Hartley: Changing The World One Book at a Time
Megan Hartley
Since this platform was launched, the founder at Working Momkind has worked incredibly hard to create a virtual community focused on empowering moms worldwide to pursue their dreams and crush their goals. A community free of judgment and far from perfect, but filled with women ready to cheer you on and lend a hand when you need it most. That very same drive, built on encouragement, conviction, respect, and support, motivated the launch of our latest series, Inspiring Momkind.
Inspiring Momkind was born from a desire to give our readers a peek inside the lives of powerhouse women who make it happen at work and at home. To spotlight moms in all different industries, with the goal to uplift, inspire, and normalize our everyday realities. Simple, straightforward honesty from women who have seen and done it all. It is truly remarkable what seasoned moms will share with each other and how they champion for one another. With this series, we hope to make some of their tips, tricks, and soundbites visible to all of you who may be searching for similar encouragement.
Our second spotlight is on Megan Hartley, a 4th-grade reading intervention teacher, mother, and literary fanatic advocating for diverse books in schools. Megan worked in a bank to put herself through college and help support her family, taking a less-traditional route than some of her colleagues to pursue her dream. Despite her love of reading from a young age, growing up, Megan didn't have any books with characters who looked like her, resulting in a determination to change this narrative for children today. Currently a full-time reading intervention teacher, Megan also created the Instagram account @ihaveabook4that, highlighting books with characters from marginalized groups and reaching over 18,000 families with her mission to diversify books! When she's not working at her job, on her brand, or spending time with her family, you can find her – you guessed it – curled up at home with a good book!
WM: What is one thing you wish you knew when returning to work after having a baby?
MH: I really wish someone had told me that it's impossible to do all things well. It's okay if every room isn't spotless or all the laundry isn't done. Sometimes you have to let things go for your own sanity.
WM: What is one thing you quickly learned upon your return to work?
MH: I learned very quickly that the workplace isn't structured to support working mothers. Even when you're in a career surrounded by women, it is still frowned upon to need to leave unexpectedly due to your child being sick. There is still a lot of change that needs to take place in our country to support mothers in their endeavors.
WM: What is one piece of advice you have for new moms that you learned along the way?
MH: You can't pour from an empty glass. Prioritize time for yourself. When you feel good, you are in a better position to care for others. This is something that I'm still learning myself. When I'm not working or reading, I enjoy being active with my family and making future travel plans for when the world feels a little safer.
WM: What does your typical day look like? Any insights into how you juggle it all?
MH: A typical day for me involves waking up around 3:30-4:30am (no, that's not a typo). I usually read in bed for about 30 minutes. Then I get up, exercise, make breakfast, pack my lunch, shower, read some more if time allows, then I'm out the door. I work from 6:50am - 2:45pm. I've gotten really good about leaving my job at 2:45pm most days and trying to create boundaries with my time. When I get home, I help my son with homework and/or transport him to extracurriculars. We eat dinner as a family by 6:00pm, and the rest of the evening is spent relaxing as a family. I read my son a bedtime story at 8:30pm, then it's lights out for all of us.
WM: Is there something you have learned from becoming a mom that has helped you in your career?
MH: Being a mom has helped me be a better teacher. I strive to provide the education that I'd want for my own child to other children.
WM: Who has inspired you most throughout your journey?
MH: Definitely my mom. She raised my sister and me as a single mom and never let on how hard it was. She has been my biggest cheerleader throughout my entire life. I wouldn't be who I am today without her.
WM: Since achieving your dream of becoming a teacher, what have you set your sights on tackling next?
MH: I've worked really hard for the career I have. I can't imagine myself in any other field or ever leaving the classroom. At some point, I would like to move away from elementary and try teaching middle or high schoolers. As far as my brand, I hope to one day partner with my district to complete an inventory of the reading materials at each school's library and create a plan to purchase books that better reflect the world around us.
WM: What does being a mother in 2021 mean to you?
MH: I am grateful to be raising a family in 2021. I feel like I have it all, a family and a career. Not that long ago, this wasn't a possibility for women. I'm proud to model what a strong mother and woman are for my son!
WM: Any additional words of encouragement?
MH: You are fierce!
To connect with Megan Hartley, you can find her on Instagram @ihaveabook4that (Kid Lit) & @MeganStayReading (YA & Adult Lit).
