Beyond the Classroom with Lisa Harding
This podcast supports teachers who want to leave the classroom and find more fulfilling careers. Host Lisa Harding, a former EdTech CEO and certified teacher career coach, draws on over a decade of recruiting and hiring experience to share a proven four-step method. Listeners receive mentorship, practical advice, and inspiration to pursue roles outside education that bring joy and happiness. The show aims to guide teachers toward successful career transitions.
Episodes
#124: Build a LinkedIn for Where You’re Going
LinkedIn can feel intimidating when you’re just beginning a career transition. What should your profile say? What if you don’t know what career you want yet? Will your school know you’re looking? And do you really need to start posting and networking with strangers? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding breaks down why you don’t need to have LinkedIn—or your entire career transitio
#123: LinkedIn Without the Overwhelm
LinkedIn can feel intimidating when you’re just beginning a career transition. What should your profile say? What if you don’t know what career you want yet? Will your school know you’re looking? And do you really need to start posting and networking with strangers? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding breaks down why you don’t need to have LinkedIn—or your entire career transitio
#122: Teaching Beyond the Traditional Classroom with Becky Wilmoth
What if you still love teaching—you just don’t love the traditional classroom anymore? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa talks with Becky Wilmoth about a side of education many teachers may not realize exists: homeschool co-ops, hybrid programs, microschools, enrichment classes, and other flexible ways to keep working with students. What began as Becky searching for a better option for
#121: Protect Your Future During the Back-to-School Rush
Back-to-school season has a way of taking over everything. There’s always another email to answer, lesson to prepare, meeting to attend, activity to volunteer for, or person who needs something from you. And when your time and energy are already stretched thin, your career transition can quickly become the thing you keep promising yourself you’ll get back to later. In this episode of Beyond the Cl
#120: You Don’t Have to Have it All Figured Out This Back-to-School Season
Back-to-school season leaves teachers with very little extra time or energy — which makes it even more important to spend the time you do have on the right things. But when you’re trying to change careers, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you update your resume? Apply for jobs? Research new careers? Take another course? Work on LinkedIn? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa t
#119: Back to School Is Busy. Your Career Transition Can Still Move Forward.
Back-to-school season can make even the most motivated teacher feel like there simply isn’t room for anything else — especially a career transition. Between new students, lesson planning, open houses, family responsibilities, and everything else competing for your attention, it’s easy to decide that your career transition will just have to wait. But putting it completely on hold can make it that m
#118: From Teacher to Business Intelligence with Jim Long
What if your next career could combine problem-solving, data, creativity, and the communication skills you already developed as a teacher?In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Megan Johnson talks with former middle and high school math teacher Jim about his transition from 14 years in the classroom to a career in business intelligence and data analytics. Jim shares how he discovered the field,
#117: The Messy Middle: How Amy Chose Growth Over Staying Comfortable
What if you don't hate teaching... but you know you're ready for something new? After 19 years in education, Amy isn't running away from the classroom, she's searching for a career that challenges her in new ways while allowing her to use the skills she's spent years building. In this Messy Middle conversation, Amy shares what it's really like to navigate the uncertainty of
#116: How to Balance Teaching AND a Career Transition
Trying to balance a full-time teaching job while also navigating a career transition can feel completely overwhelming. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about how to realistically manage both without burning yourself out in the process. We’ll talk about: Why trying to “do it all” usually backfires How to create sustainable momentum during the school year What actually deserves
#115: What If You’re Going Back to School… But Still Want Out?
Are you getting ready to head back to school… while still knowing deep down that you want a career change?In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking to the teachers who are carrying a mix of emotions right now—disappointment, frustration, exhaustion, uncertainty, and maybe even guilt for not having transitioned out yet. We’ll talk about: Why going back to school does NOT mean your transi
#114: The Messy Middle: How Kim Kept Moving Forward When Everything Changed
What happens when your life falls apart… at the same time you’re trying to rebuild it? When Kim Reed left teaching, it wasn’t part of a carefully planned transition, it was a breaking point. After 14 years as a middle school band director, Kim found herself physically unable to keep going. She didn’t have a plan. She didn’t have a safety net, and she had no idea what was next. In this deeply hones
#113: From Teacher to After School Programmer: A Career as a YMCA Multi-Site Coordinator with Jamie Bulva
What if leaving the classroom didn’t mean leaving behind the parts of teaching you love?In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Megan Johnson talks with former elementary teacher Jamie Bulva about her transition into a multi-site coordinator role with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. Jamie shares how she found a career that still allows her to work with children, support staff, and partner with s
#112: What Actually Helps Teachers Get Hired
What actually helps teachers get hired during a career transition? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m breaking down some of the biggest things that genuinely help former teachers gain traction during the job search process—from career clarity and transferable skills to networking, confidence, and becoming “recruiter-ready.” We’ll talk about: Why clarity matters more than random applying
#111: You Are Not Running Out of Time
Feeling discouraged because summer is flying by and you still don’t have your career transition fully figured out?In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about the pressure so many teachers feel in July—the panic that starts creeping in when school feels closer, timelines feel shorter, and it seems like everyone else has everything figured out. We’ll talk about: Why career transitions
#110: The Messy Middle: How Sally Found Her New Path, One Step at a Time
What if the hardest part of your career transition… is how long it takes? For Sally Del Llano, the decision to leave teaching didn’t happen overnight. After nearly two decades in special education, she knew as early as 2016 that she couldn’t sustain the pace long-term. But it would take eight more years of planning, saving, and navigating real-life responsibilities before she was finally able to s
#109: From Teacher to Nonprofit Managing Director with Amber Shields
After spending 11 years in education, including roles as a kindergarten teacher, third grade teacher, instructional coach, and elementary principal–Amber Shields wasn't actively looking for a new job.But one unexpected phone call from a former colleague changed everything.Today, Amber serves as a Managing Director for a nonprofit organization, where she partners with school districts across he
#108: The Messy Middle: How Christina’s Faith Carried Her Through a Career Breaking Point
After years of navigating an incredibly challenging classroom environment, Christina Howard reached a moment where everything came to a halt—physically, emotionally, and professionally. After enduring some incredibly heavy moments during her teaching career, Christina reached a point where she knew she needed a different path forward. But what came next wasn’t a clear plan or an easy transition. I
#107: Why Your Job Search Might Feel So Draining
Does your job search feel emotionally exhausting lately?In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about why career transitions can feel so mentally and emotionally draining for teachers—and what you can do to make the process feel more manageable. We’ll talk about: Why job searching can trigger overwhelm and burnout The emotional weight of rejection and uncertainty How overapplying ca
#106: You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out Yet
Do you feel stuck because you still don’t know exactly what career you want after teaching? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about one of the biggest things keeping teachers stuck during a career transition: the belief that you need complete clarity and confidence before you can move forward. We’ll talk about: Why uncertainty is a normal part of career transitions The pressure
#105: From Teacher to Prison Educator with Samantha Laca
After 10 years teaching elementary school, Samantha Laca reached a breaking point.Like many educators, she loved teaching—but she no longer felt safe, supported, or able to focus on what she entered the profession to do. Increasing behavioral challenges, safety concerns, and growing frustration with the traditional school environment led her to explore an unexpected alternative.Today, Samantha wor
#104: The 5 Things I’d Focus On If I Were Transitioning This Summer
Feeling overwhelmed by everything you could be doing this summer for your career transition? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m breaking down the 5 things I would focus on if I were transitioning out of teaching this summer—without trying to do everything at once or burning out in the process. We’ll talk about: Why career clarity should come before mass applying How to start positioning
#103: Your Summer Career Transition Plan (Without Burning Yourself Out)
Summer can feel like your one chance to finally “figure out” your career transition…but what if putting that much pressure on yourself is actually making the process harder? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding talks about how to create a summer transition plan that helps you move forward without turning your summer into another season of burnout. She shares practical advice for b
#102: The Messy Middle: How Christa Is Redefining Who She Is After Teaching
After 28 years of teaching, Christa Kaainoa hit what she describes as a “code red” moment where burnout wasn’t just emotional… it became physical. She couldn’t even picture herself walking back into the classroom. In this honest and deeply relatable conversation, Christa shares what it actually looks like to walk away from a long career without a clear plan and how she’s navigating the “messy midd
#101: The Messy Middle: How Scott is Building His Exit Strategy Years in Advance
In this first episode of the Messy Middle series, I’m joined by Academy member Scott King—a high school band director who’s taken different approach to his career transition than many of our members. Instead of rushing to leave the classroom, Scott started planning his next chapter years in advance. And what makes his story so powerful is how he’s using that time intentionally—building skills, ex
#100: One Small Step: Measuring Progress During a Teacher Career Transition
This is the final episode in our One Small Step series for career-transitioning teachers. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding tackles one of the hardest parts of a career transition: staying motivated when you’re not seeing obvious results yet. We’ll talk about why progress is often invisible early on, how teachers mistakenly measure success, and how to recognize real momentum—ev
#099: One Small Step: What Career-Transitioning Teachers Should Do Before Touching Their Resume
This is part four of our One Small Step series for career-transitioning teachers. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding explains why so many teachers struggle with their resumes—and why the problem usually isn’t writing ability or experience. We’ll talk about why updating your resume too early can actually slow your progress, what clarity you need before you start writing, and how
#098: One Small Step: Networking Without the Pressure for Career Transitioning Teachers
This is part three of our One Small Step series for career-transitioning teachers. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding reframes networking through a growth-mindset lens and shows teachers how to approach conversations without feeling awkward, salesy, or like they’re asking for something they don’t deserve. You’ll learn why networking isn’t about getting a job, how to use curiosit
#097: One Small Step: How to Talk About Yourself Without Feeling Awkward
This is part two of our One Small Step series for career-transitioning teachers. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding walks through one of the most uncomfortable—but necessary—parts of a career transition: talking about yourself. We’ll explore why teachers struggle to describe their skills, how to move away from “teacher language” without losing authenticity, and how to practice t
#096: One Small Step: Career Exploration Without Overwhelm
This episode kicks off our One Small Step series—designed to help career-transitioning teachers move forward without overwhelm. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding breaks down the very first practical step in a career transition: exploration. We’ll talk about why exploration does not equal commitment, why trying to research everything at once keeps teachers stuck, and how to appr
#095: Stop Pouring From an Empty Cup: Tem Ezimokhai on Time, Energy, and Teacher Burnout
If you know you want to leave teaching—but it might be a year or two down the road—this episode will help you build a sustainable bridge to what’s next. In this conversation, I’m joined by Tem Ezimokhai, a full-time teacher and host of the Helping Teachers Thrive podcast. Tem shares practical, real-life strategies for setting boundaries, protecting your time, and managing the guilt that comes with
#094: How to Practice a Growth Mindset During Your Career Transition (Without Burning Out)
This is the final episode in our growth mindset series for career-transitioning teachers.In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding shares what it actually looks like to practice a growth mindset week to week during a career transition—without overworking, spiraling, or putting your entire life on hold. You’ll learn how to shift from outcome-based thinking to learning-based progress, ho
#093: The Mindset Traps Keeping Teachers Stuck in Career Transition (and How to Break Free)
This is part two of our growth mindset series for teachers navigating a career transition. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding breaks down the most common mindset traps that quietly stall teachers during the job search—especially when they’re doing “all the right things” but still feel stuck. We’ll unpack why clarity often feels elusive, why comparison is so draining, and why wai
#092: Growth Mindset: The Missing Piece in Your Teacher Career Transition
You’ve heard the phrase growth mindset before—but what does it actually mean when you’re trying to leave the classroom? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding breaks down the real research behind growth mindset, where the concept came from, and why it’s especially important for teachers navigating a career transition. We’ll talk about what growth mindset is (and what it isn’t), why
#091: Feeling Stuck? The 3-Step Teacher Career Transition Reset
If your teacher career transition has started to feel like a loop—research, resume tweaks, job board scrolling… and then nothing changes—this episode is the interrupt you need. In Feeling Stuck? The 3-Step Teacher Career Transition Reset, I’m giving you a simple reset you can follow this week to get your momentum back without overthinking, overworking, or needing hours you don’t have. You’ll walk
#090: 5 Career Change Traps Keeping Teachers Stuck (And How to Break Free Fast)
You’re not stuck because you’re unqualified—you’re stuck because you’ve been set up to follow the wrong path. If you’ve updated your resume a dozen times, applied to jobs, heard crickets, and started thinking “maybe this won’t work for me”… this episode is your reset. I’m breaking down the 5 career change traps that quietly derail teachers—why they happen, what they look like, and the simple shift
#089: Motivation Mapping: How to Find a Career Path That Fits Beyond Teaching
Feeling stuck isn’t a lack of talent—it’s often a lack of clarity about what actually motivates you. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m joined by Mariamne Borden, co-founder of Passion Coaching, for a practical conversation about how teachers can use intrinsic motivation (not just “what jobs are out there”) to map a career path that actually fits. We break down Passion Coaching’s approac
#088: 7 Career Change Considerations Every Teacher Should Think About
If you’re a teacher who knows you want out of the classroom—but you’re stuck between “I’m ready” and “I have no idea what to do first”… this episode is for you. Before you update your resume or start applying, there are a few key decisions that can make your transition faster, clearer, and way less overwhelming. In this Coach Monologue, I’m walking you through 7 career change considerations that h
#087: What Hiring Managers Really Think About Former Teachers
What are hiring managers really thinking when they review your resume? What makes you stand out—or miss the mark—in an interview? In this episode, host Lisa Harding pulls back the curtain on what former teachers turned hiring managers shared in a recent panel discussion. You’ll get real insights, practical tips, and encouraging advice to help you land your next job—plus an invite to see the ful
#086: New Year, New You: Why Now is the Time to Say Yes to Yourself
Feeling stuck between your teaching job and the career you really want? In this motivational episode, Lisa Harding shares why the beginning of the year is the perfect time to say yes to yourself—and how small actions can create big momentum in your career transition. You’ll learn: – Why saying yes doesn’t require total clarity (yet) – Practical ways to start building momentum this week – How to re
#085: From Teacher to Operations Specialist with Jake Schroeder—Part 2
In Part 2 of this two-part series, we continue the conversation with former teacher turned Operations Specialist, Jake Schroeder, diving further into the realities of working in operations and what it truly takes to break into this field.In this episode, Jake shares more detailed insights into career growth, common misconceptions about operations roles, and how teachers can stand out during the jo
#084: From Teacher to Operations Specialist with Jake Schroeder—Part 1
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we explore Operations Management as a potential next step for former teachers looking for meaningful, sustainable careers outside of education.Join us as we sit down with former teacher turned Operations Specialist, Jake Schroeder, who shares his real-life transition story. Jake walks us through what his day-to-day work looks like, the transferable skills from t
#083: Start Fresh: BuildingMomentum for Your Career Goals in 2026
There’s something magical about the start of a new year. ✨ It’s a blank slate… a chance to reflect, reset, and reimagine what’s possible. If 2025 felt like a blur—or if you spent more time thinking about a career change than actually making one—this is your moment to shift from hesitation to action. In this episode, Lisa dives into how to use the energy of the new year to your advantage and explai
#082: Permission to Rest: Why Slowing Down Can Actually Move You Forward
The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind—classroom chaos, family events, gift exchanges, and the endless pressure to “make progress” on your career goals. But what if resting was actually part of the plan? In this cozy, heartfelt episode, Lisa shares her personal journey of learning to slow down—with seasonal mugs, twinkling lights, and hard-won lessons about saying no. She opens up about the
#081: Coach's Corner with Reba Gordon Matthews: Lifelong Learning & Corporate Confidence
In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I sit down with career coach Reba Gordon Matthews for a powerful conversation about lifelong learning, confidence, and what it really takes to transition successfully out of the classroom.Reba shares her remarkable journey—from preschool teacher to elementary educator to NASA Explorer School teacher to EdTech coach—and the unexpected path that led her to su
#080: Ageism and Career Change — Facing It, Navigating It, and Thriving Anyway
Are you worried that your age might be holding you back in the job search? You’re not alone—and today we’re talking honestly about ageism. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what ageism looks like in the hiring process, what the research actually says, and—most importantly—how to shift the odds back in your favor. Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, there is a place for you in the
#079: Build Your Bridge to a New Career—One Step at a Time
If your job search has stalled or you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out what’s next, this episode is your gentle reset. Lisa Harding walks you through three essential building blocks for your career transition—getting clear on your direction, creating marketing materials that stand out, and showing up with confidence on LinkedIn. You’ll walk away with practical tips you can start using today, wh
#078: Thankful and Tired: Gratitude in a Hard Season
It’s Thanksgiving week, and while the season is full of reminders to count your blessings, that doesn’t mean everything feels easy. Especially if you’re balancing a career transition while you’re still in the classroom – and especially during one of the busiest seasons of the year. In this episode, Lisa gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of a career transition—especially for teachers wh
#077: Jingle and Mingle: How to Network During the Holidays
The holidays are full of magic—and opportunity. Whether you're headed to a school holiday program, standing in line at the grocery store, or catching up with extended family, there's no better time to start meaningful conversations about your career journey.In this episode, I'm sharing practical tips for holiday networking, how to create your elevator pitch (even if you're not sure
#076: The Leap After 22 Years: How Kathleen Found Clarity & Left Teaching Behind
Have you ever had the feeling or thought “I deserve better than this?” – if yes, then you’re not alone! That’s exactly how former teacher, Kathleen Long, felt before making the leap out of the classroom. After 22 years in the classroom, Kathleen knew she was ready for a change—but like so many veteran teachers, the idea of starting over felt overwhelming. In this inspiring episode of Beyond the
#075: How the ‘Let Them’ Theory Can Shift Your Career Mindset
In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa revisits one of her favorite mindset books—*The Let Them Theory* by Mel Robbins—with a fresh perspective just for teachers navigating a career change. Inspired by recent listener feedback and her own reflections, Lisa explores how this popular personal development book can offer practical tools and emotional relief during the highs and lows of transiti
#074: [Teacher to Entrepreneur] Meredith C. | EdTech Copywriting and Beyond!
After 17 years in the classroom, Meredith Cooley knew something had to change. In this inspiring episode, she shares her deeply personal story of burnout, rediscovery, and building a fulfilling new career as a freelance copywriter and educator for educators.You’ll hear how Meredith went from Googling “jobs for teachers” to launching her own business, Page and Purpose, and is now helping fellow tea
#073: [Teacher to Entrepreneur] Sara Marye | Curriculum Development Company
What if the clues to your next chapter are already hiding in plain sight?In this episode, I’m joined by Sara Marye, former elementary teacher turned full-time business owner and CEO of The Stellar Teacher Company. Sara shares how she built her side hustle into a thriving literacy business supporting educators across the country—and how she navigated imposter syndrome, doubt, and mindset shifts alo
#072: Positivity, Burnout, and Career Change: Following the Clues
Ever feel stuck in a spiral of burnout, doubt, or overwhelm during your career change?In this episode, Lisa shares a personal reflection on how positivity is showing up all around her lately—from teacher messages to recent interviews and even her own morning routine.Drawing from the research of Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s book Positivity, Lisa unpacks what it really means to shift your mindset, find
#071: Coach's Corner with Marcia Wall: A Personal Story Packed with Practical Advice
In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I sit down with career coach Marcia Wall for a conversation that’s equal parts personal and practical. Marcia shares her own career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and powerful advice for teachers considering a transition.We talk openly about:✨ Overcoming imposter syndrome✨ Navigating the emotions of career change✨ Practical steps for buil
#070: From Teacher to Nonprofit Grant Writer Part 2 of 2
Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the world of nonprofit grant writing with Kimberly McCabe leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this second part in a two-part series for an enlightening session featuring Kimberly McCabe, a former social studies teacher who has successfully transitioned into
#069: From Teacher to Nonprofit Grant Writer - Part 1 of 2
Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the world of nonprofit grant writing with Kimberly McCabe leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this first part in a two-part series for an enlightening session featuring Kimberly McCabe, a former social studies teacher who has successfully transitioned into
#068: How This Simple Morning Routine Can Help You Land a New Job
In this special solo episode, Lisa gets personal about the one habit that’s quietly transformed her mindset, motivation, and momentum: a simple but powerful morning routine. If you’re stuck in the overwhelm of a career transition—or just struggling to stay focused—this episode will help you recenter, reset, and reconnect with your goals. Hear how Lisa built her own calming, energizing routine (wit
#067 From Teacher to Learning & Development Training Specialist - Part 2 of 2
Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the field of Learning & Development as a Training Specialist, with Samantha Wade leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this second part of a two-part podcast for an enlightening session featuring Samantha Wade, a former 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts t
#066: From Teacher to Learning & Development Training Specialist - Part 1 of 2
Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the field of Learning & Development as a Training Specialist, with Samantha Wade leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this first part of a two-part podcast for an enlightening session featuring Samantha Wade, a former 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts te
#065: Get Unstuck: One Small Step Can Change Everything
If you’re feeling stuck in your career transition—unsure what to do next, overwhelmed by options, or afraid of making the wrong move—this episode is here to help. Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re ready for something different—and now it’s time to get strategic.In this episode, Lisa shares what it really looks like to move forward without having everything figured out
#064: Real Talk on Teacher Burnout and Boundaries
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a daily reality for many teachers.In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Lisa Harding sits down with Ruby Brown-Herring, a corporate well-being consultant and CEO of RBH Wellness Solutions, to explore how educators can start protecting their mental health—even when the workplace isn’t changing.Drawing from her experience designing employee wellness strateg
#063: A Glimpse into the World of Instructional Design
Instructional design is one of the most popular—and promising—career paths for teachers transitioning out of the classroom. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Lisa Harding sits down with Sarah Hayford, a former educator who turned her passion for teaching into a fulfilling new role designing learning experiences for adults.Sarah opens up about the realities of career change, how she ove
#062: Building a Teacher Business and Leaving the Classroom
In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Lisa Harding sits down with Miss Estruch—a former teacher who turned her passion for AP Biology and resource creation into a thriving, multi-faceted business that now surpasses her teaching salary.Miss Estruch pulls back the curtain on exactly how she built her business while still teaching full-time, what gave her the confidence to finally m
#061: From Teacher to Government Program Analyst - Part 2 of 2
Are you curious about career options that go beyond the classroom?A role in government as a Program Analyst could be your next exciting step!Join us in this second part of a two-part podcast as we host former teacher turned Government Program Analyst, Paola Clark, as she shares her inspiring journey. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her daily responsibilities, learn how to apply your teachin
#060: From Teacher to Government Program Analyst - Part 1 of 2
Are you curious about career options that go beyond the classroom?A role in government as a Program Analyst could be your next exciting step!Join us in this first part of a two-part podcast as we host former teacher turned Government Program Analyst, Paola Clark, as she shares her inspiring journey. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her daily responsibilities, learn how to apply your teaching
#059: From Teacher to Scrum Master + Agile Coach - Part 2 of 2
Are you seeking exciting opportunities beyond traditional teaching roles?A career in software development could be a great fit for you!Software development is the process of designing, creating, and maintaining applications, systems, and programs that solve problems or perform specific tasks on computers and digital devices. It involves writing code, testing, debugging, and continuously improving
#058: From Teacher to Scrum Master + Agile Coach - Part 1 of 2
Are you seeking exciting opportunities beyond traditional teaching roles?A career in software development could be a great fit for you!Software development is the process of designing, creating, and maintaining applications, systems, and programs that solve problems or perform specific tasks on computers and digital devices. It involves writing code, testing, debugging, and continuously improving
#057: Exploring Scrum Careers: What It Is and Why Teachers Thrive in Them
Scrum? Agile? If you’ve never heard those words before—or assumed they were just tech buzzwords—this episode is your crash course into a career path more teachers should know about.In this conversation, Lisa sits down with Johnathan Vo, founder of School of Scrum, to explore how teachers can successfully transition into Agile roles—especially those who enjoy structure, collaboration, problem-solvi
#056: Starting Over in Portugal: Identity, Burnout & Reinventing Life After Teaching
What happens when you leave the education system—but not your passion for teaching?In this episode, Lisa sits down with Melissa Lefort, former educator, writer, and creator of Taught: The Podcast, for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to walk away from the classroom and rebuild your identity from the ground up.Now living in Portugal, Melissa spends her days writing novels, tu
#055: Behind the Interview Table: Advice from Hiring Managers Who Hired Teachers
Ever wonder what hiring managers actually think when they see a resume from a former teacher?In this episode, Lisa shares what she’s learned from both sides of the hiring process—as a former EdTech executive who interviewed hundreds of candidates (many of them teachers), and as a coach helping teachers land roles outside the classroom every day.You’ll get practical advice on:• What makes former te
#054: What It Really Takes to Change Careers as a Teacher
You’ve seen the posts:“Excited to announce my new role outside the classroom!”But what you don’t see?The messy, emotional, and often confusing journey it took to get there.In this episode, Lisa pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to change careers as a teacher—and why it’s okay if your transition isn’t quick, easy, or linear. She shares the truth behind the process, common emotional roa
#053: How to Use Summer Break to Reset Your Career (Without Burning Out Again)
Summer break is finally here—but what if you used it as more than just a pause?In this solo episode, Lisa shares how teachers can use the summer months to rest, recharge, and reflect—without piling on more pressure. Whether you're just starting to think about a career change or deep into your transition, this episode will help you create space for recovery and growth.You'll learn:• Why bur
#052: You’re Allowed to Change: Confidence, Detours & Starting Fresh
Career transitions are rarely clean or linear—and that’s okay.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Rachael Johnson, former music teacher turned copywriter and host of the What Do You Want! podcast, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really looks like to leave the classroom and step into something new.From navigating the stigma of leaving teaching to learning how to advocate for y
#051: Breaking the Burnout Cycle: How to Protect Your Energy and Empower Your Career
#051: Breaking the Burnout Cycle: How to Protect Your Energy and Empower Your Careerwith Grace StevensBurnout isn't a personal failure—it's a systemic challenge, and teachers deserve better.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Grace Stevens, a former corporate VP turned public school teacher, best-selling author, and host of the Teacher Self-Care and Life Balance podcast. Grace shares her journey
#050: Feeling Stuck? How to Move Your Career Transition Forward
If you’re in the middle of a career transition and feeling stuck—mentally, emotionally, or strategically—this episode is for you. Whether you've been applying to job after job without hearing back, or you're still unsure what kind of career you're even aiming for, today’s conversation will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity.Lisa shares powerful mindset shifts, real
#049: From Teacher to HR Training Specialist - Part 2 of 2
Curious about a career in HR training? Your teaching experience might be the perfect foundation! Join us for part two of a two-part podcast for an insightful session with Danielle Remy, a former teacher who successfully transitioned into a role as an HR Training Specialist. Danielle will share her journey, discuss the key responsibilities of her position, and highlight how instructional skills fr
#048: From Teacher to HR Training Specialist - Part 1 of 2
Curious about a career in HR training? Your teaching experience might be the perfect foundation! Join us for part one of a two-part podcast for an insightful session with Danielle Remy, a former teacher who successfully transitioned into a role as an HR Training Specialist. Danielle will share her journey, discuss the key responsibilities of her position, and highlight how instructional skills fr
#047: 5 Ways LinkedIn Can Support Your Teacher Career Transition
Think LinkedIn is only for people who already have corporate jobs? Think again. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m breaking down five powerful (and often overlooked) ways LinkedIn can support your career transition—whether you’re just starting to explore your options or actively applying to roles.You’ll learn how to:• Use LinkedIn to explore career paths and discover real-life success st
#046: Your LinkedIn Profile as a Teacher Career-Changer: What to Say & How
Thinking about leaving the classroom but not sure what to do with your LinkedIn profile—or if you even need one? You’re not alone. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to build or refresh your LinkedIn profile as a teacher exploring a new career path. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your LinkedIn a total makeover, you’ll learn how to write a compelling headline (even if y
#045: From Teacher to Instructional Coach - Part 2 of 2
Are you interested in exploring career opportunities beyond the classroom but still within a school?Consider a role as an instructional coach!Join us in part two of a two-part podcast for an insightful session with Terri Davidson, a former teacher who successfully transitioned into her role as an Instructional Coach. Terri will share her journey, discuss her daily responsibilities, and provide pra
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