In this episode I talk about how fun curriculum writing can be, and how it's such a creative outlet. One of my favorite things about curriculum development is that you get to think about things that are interesting in the world and bring it into the curriculum that you create.

I want you to think about when developing curriculum, you get to create what you find interesting and what you want to see out there in the world. As teachers, we can feel really boxed in by what we're told we have to teach or how we have to teach it. So working in curriculum design for me has been really an exploration and freedom. It’s why I think more teachers should try it!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode101.

We’ve reached 100 episodes, so we’re celebrating. On this episode I've invited the wonderful Educator Forever team to join me in celebrating not just completing 100 episodes but all of the amazing work that they've done beyond the classroom.

Besides discussing our favorite episodes were, the team let’s me know what they love most about working with Educator Forever and how it’s empowered them. It gets a little emotional! But it’s a wonderful time and made me so happy to work with such fantastic people.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode100.

David K. Richards is an intuitive and visionary leader who helps change makers usher in new paradigms for learning and leadership. He is the current Founder & CEO of Changemaker Schools, a network of microschools, and Pathfinder, a program to help others open schools. David is also a speaker and leadership coach and leads a mastermind program, the Wise Warrior and a podcast, Changemaker ED “U”. He has worked in education reform for over 25 years as a teacher, principal, and founder of several innovative charter schools with nationally recognized Summit Public Schools and the school he started, Growth Public School. David has dedicated his life to helping people of all ages connect with the powerful intuitive leader within themselves.

In this episode, David and I discussed his education journey from teacher to banker to educator again, what he’s learned about himself and why he dove into the world of micro schools.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode91.

Welcome to the very first episode of Educator Forever! To kick things off, I want to share my story of why I left the classroom after discovering all of the new and exciting career pathways for teachers. 

My story begins in a way that’s probably very familiar to you. I had been teaching for several years and I was burnt out. The realization hit me that my salary wasn’t increasing, and yet I didn’t have the time or energy to get another job. I didn’t want to become an administrator, so what other options were there? Well, it turns out that there were (and still are) many. 

I learned that there were actually countless other career pathways for teachers that allowed me to use my existing skills and still make an impact on the world of education. Better yet, I felt empowered and invigorated in these roles. My skills were valued, and I gained time and financial freedom that I had never experienced before.

These new career pathways are available to you as well. There is a huge need for your skills. Did you know that there are people creating education products who literally have zero classroom experience? They need you! Inside this episode you’ll hear some of the many ways that you too can work flexibly in education to expand your impact and your income.

Head to the show notes for all links and resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode1

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Welcome to Educator Forever, where we empower teachers to innovate education!

Are you a teacher who loves working in the field of education, but is burnt out and craving a more flexible work schedule, more income, and more opportunities? Several years ago I felt the same way, until I learned about the many career pathways available to me beyond the classroom.

Now I'm here to teach you about these opportunities! This podcast will give you the tools you need to capitalize on your valuable skills and start your new profitable path outside the classroom. Tune in each week to hear real stories of teachers expanding their impact beyond the classroom and explore ways to reimagine teaching and learning. You’ll also hear from inspiring leaders in education so that you can be up to date on the latest research and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

If you’re ready to nail down your next step as an educator, I have just the thing for you. You can watch our on-demand workshop to get introduced to the many options you have for flexible, rewarding work beyond the classroom and make a plan for landing these jobs. Sign up for that free workshop now at www.educatorforever.com/workshop

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Taryn Gauvin. Taryn is in her 23rd year as an educator and has served 19 years in the Pre-K through 12 setting as a teacher, assistant principal and turnaround principal. Currently, she is the founder and CEO of Divergent Educational Consulting, LLC, and contractor operations manager at Better Lesson.

We talked about her journey, her new book “Centering Our Voices: The Brilliance, Persistence, and Significance of Black Women Educators,” and what she’s learned over the years as an educator who broke off on her own.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode90.

In this short episode, I share five takeaways that I've learned from helping thousands of educators who find work beyond the classroom. This episode is for everyone, such as the teacher who wants to stay a teacher and expand their impact beyond the classroom, or transition out of the classroom. Having helped thousands of teachers, I found that all teachers are unique and different in their own ways. We all have different experiences and areas of expertise and dreams. But there are some similarities. So in my five takeaways, I want you to think about what resonates with you.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode89.

As teachers, we are education experts. But sometimes it can be really hard to realize this. And I can't tell you how many times I get to talking with teachers who have recently retired, and they have taught for 20-30 years, sometimes even more. And despite those teachers doing it for so long, they still feel like they don't have enough experience. And that is absolutely not true.

If you have been teaching for even a couple years, you have way more education experience than most people. If you have been teaching for your entire career, I guarantee you, you are an education expert. And honestly, all teachers are education experts, we have studied education, we have spent time with children, we know so much about what it's like to teach students.

So let's own that expertise. In this episode, I provide a few tips on how to leverage your education expertise to achieve your goals.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode88.

Lisa Hutchinson is a former preschool center director with over 30 years of experience in the early education field. She has also been a prekindergarten teacher, kindergarten teacher, preschool assistant director, education and training specialist, and a program specialist. She directed a preschool center for over 20 years.

Over the past two years, Lisa has started a virtual preschool called Smart Steps Virtual School for children ages 2-5 to help parents prepare their children for kindergarten. She now works full time from home running Smart Steps and writing curriculum.

In this episode, we talk about how she came to start a virtual preschool, how she continues to expand her business by developing curriculum, and overcoming her imposter syndrome.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode87.

Kathleen Brigham has been in the educational field for over 30 years. With a Bachelor's degree from Middlebury College and a Master's in Educational Administration from Columbia Teachers College, she started Brigham Learning, an education consulting and tutoring company. Her primary goal is to help students discover self-awareness and confidence through academic success. With three children and four stepchildren, she combines her personal experience with her educational background to work with children of all ages and learning abilities.

In this episode, Kathleen dives into her journey from educator to business owner, giving lots of great advice along the way. She also details how she scaled her business, giving such helpful tips you’ll want to take notes.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode86.

Jasmine Rollins is a mom of four, a passionate K through 12 educator, a forever learner and storyteller. She creates learning opportunities and resources that empower teachers to celebrate their students' identities and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom. As a teacher, she's always used storytelling as a way to build connections and trust, through sharing her own stories and empowering students to do the same.

In this episode, we discuss Rollins’s journey as an educator and how she moved beyond the classroom. We also get into how she came to focus on fostering a culture of belonging within and outside of school.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode85.

Deveren Fogle is a former lawyer, tech entrepreneur (2012 ‘Trep of the Month in Entrepreneur Magazine for the MyGeniusTrainer iPhone app), teacher, executive function coach, and now a tech entrepreneur again. He is launching Uluru, the first executive function platform to empower students and families to navigate the difficulties neurodiverse learners may face in their academic journeys.

Fogle tells why he left teaching and explains how his days teaching led to him finding success in the world of tutoring executive function. We also share a lot of thoughts about how teachers are so under-appreciated! It’s a good long talk and I laughed through a lot of it.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode84.

I've been thinking a lot about how writing has furthered my career beyond the classroom. It really was something that I didn't get super clear on as being such a key factor until recently. I think part of that has come through working with so many teachers and seeing them go beyond the classroom, and some people really being successful, and other people having it take a little bit more time. Some of that working online boils down to writing. 

If you're able to write a compelling cover letter, you're more likely to land jobs. If you're starting an education business, and you can write really exciting and inviting copy, then you're more likely to get customers. So much of what's done online is done through writing. And so as teachers transitioning to a flexible workplace working online, this requires really taking our writing skills to the next level.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode83.

Today I'm so excited that we have our amazing director of learning and development April Brown here with me to talk about the various stages that educators may go through when moving beyond the classroom. April that I have been working together for five years and maybe even more at this point, and together we have worked with 1000s of teachers, expanding their impact beyond the classroom, whether they're staying as classroom teachers or moving completely beyond.

Though everybody's journey is unique, we found that people go through some similar phases along the way. So in the last few months, April, and I have really been doing a lot of thinking about what these phases are, and what are some things that we see people experiencing again, and again and again. So today we want to talk you through these stages, and really have you think about where you might fit where you're at right now where you might want to go, knowing that not everybody's gonna go through exactly these common stages. But hopefully, this gives you some sense of what we've seen other people experience.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode82.

Rob Owen is the founder of Move2Focus. With over 21 years as a school principal, author, and classroom educator, Rob deeply observed and personally felt the significant stress and burnout that plague the education world. After using both mindfulness and Tai Chi, Rob started to introduce these practices to students.  Now he runs Move2Focus, which supports educators to use Tai Chi and Qi Gong in their classrooms.

Rob gets deep into the details of what Tai Chi and Qi Gong are, why he started teaching them to students and why it’s so helpful for teachers.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode99.

When I left the classroom, it all felt scary. It felt scary because I needed to make up my teaching income. It felt scary because I had only really been a classroom teacher before. Straight out of college, I went and got my teaching credential, and then I started teaching. So when I left the classroom, everything felt unknown. And that unknown part made it feel scary.

When I left the classroom, I needed to really bolster my confidence, and take this leap intentionally. And I had this post-it on my computer forever, that said, “bet on you.” And it was so powerful to me, just really betting on myself, you know, rather than working so hard in my classroom, together with my colleagues that to help my students in school, which was all great in some ways, I really was taking this leap to bet on me bet on what I wanted to do in the world of education, bet on what I wanted to do for my family. So today, I want to encourage you to bet on you, whatever way that might mean to you.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode81.

When I became a teacher, I really thought I would be a teacher forever. And my whole identity was really tied up in this idea of being a teacher. So when I started to look for different options beyond the classroom and explore those options, it really came with shifting my identity; I was still a teacher, but I had to redefine my teacher identity. And you might find yourself in the same boat, whether you're deciding to just look and see what's out there beyond the classroom, or you really want to claim your expertise as the education expert that you are, or you're ready to move entirely beyond the classroom and expand your impact. All of this comes with really redefining your teacher identity.

When I became a teacher, I really thought I would be a teacher forever. And my whole identity was really tied up in this idea of being a teacher. So when I started to look for different options beyond the classroom and explore those options, it really came with shifting my identity; I was still a teacher, but I had to redefine my teacher identity. And you might find yourself in the same boat, whether you're deciding to just look and see what's out there beyond the classroom, or you really want to claim your expertise as the education expert that you are, or you're ready to move entirely beyond the classroom and expand your impact. All of this comes with really redefining your teacher identity.

In this episode, I talk about how to really redefine your teacher identity, so that you can confidently go forward into whatever career path you want, whether to stay in the classroom or move beyond.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode80.

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what it's like to work at and run a curriculum development agency. I started the Educator Forever agency a couple years ago, after being asked to take on very large projects that one person couldn't take on on their own. For example, I was asked to create a whole year long curriculum for all grades pre K to five in all the subject areas. That's not a project that one person should be doing. So I realized a few years ago, oh, I could bring on other curriculum writers to help me with these projects and create our own curriculum development agency.

So listen in as I walk you through what it’s like starting this agency and working with lots of different educators turned curriculum writers. I realized that there were some key skills that educators need to learn in order to be successful in curriculum design. We are always learning new things when we work in curriculum and when we do anything else.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode79.

Ethan Pierce, a serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder and CEO of Adaptive Reader, has transformed his early struggles with reading into a catalyst for innovation in education. A Harvard graduate and Mitchell Scholar, Ethan's journey from confronting his own reading challenges to spearheading Adaptive Reader underscores his commitment to making educational content accessible and engaging for all students. Through his work, Ethan leverages cutting-edge AI and thoughtful design to help students overcome reading difficulties and embrace learning in their native languages. His leadership at Adaptive Reader is driven by a vision to ensure no student is left behind because of language barriers or learning differences, making him a pioneer in creating a more equitable educational landscape.

In this episode, we discussed Ethan’s path that lead to the creation of Adaptive Reader. We also dive into the world of AI and how his business is helping those struggling with reading.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode78.

Julie Packett is a former K through 12 teacher who navigated the journey from the classroom to a flourishing career in data science. Recognising the hurdles educators face when transitioning out of teaching, Julie was inspired to pave a smoother path for others by leveraging her expertise in data science. She is the visionary behind Goldendelicious, an innovative platform designed to connect teachers directly with employers eager to harness the unique skill sets of former educators. Through Goldendelicious Julie seeks to empower teachers exploring new career horizons, bridging the gap between traditional education and diverse professional opportunities.

We talked about her career journey and the hurdles she had to overcome transitioning out of teaching. We also discuss what she passes onto teachers who want to enter the field of data science.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode77.

When you're looking for jobs beyond the classroom, it is super exciting when you get your first interview, or really any interview. An interview gives you a chance to really explain your expertise and explain your experience and connect with the people at the organization where you're hoping to work.

I know that interviews can also be slightly terrifying though, especially if you haven't been on an interview in many years or if you've only been on interviews for district teaching jobs or school jobs. In those cases, interviews for flexible work beyond the classroom are probably going to look differently. And that's okay. We just need to think through how we're going to prepare before, during and after the interview to set you up for success. And so in this podcast, I'm going to walk you through exactly how to prepare for an interview when going for work beyond the classroom.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode76.

When you're thinking about starting an education business, you likely have lots of amazing ideas. And sometimes having so many amazing ideas can be completely overwhelming. Trust me, I have been there. So really thinking about how we take all these ideas and turn them into an actionable business that really helps other people, I find it really helpful to think about design thinking. 

Design thinking as a framework that really centers the problem that you're going to be solving in your business. Because all businesses that solve a problem are all good businesses. And it really centers your users, your clients, the people that you're going to help. It helps you to think through how you're going to help them while also taking action. So in today's podcast, I thought I'd walk you through how to use design thinking when starting or building an education business.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode75.

When you're thinking about doing something new in education, or really anything else new fear can come up and get in the way. And this week, I've been having a lot of conversations with educators really feeling scared: scared to take the leap, scared to apply for jobs, even what's been coming up for many people is feeling scared that even if they get this job that they're really excited about, they won't know what to do, or they won't be able to cut it, or that it'll feel overwhelming.

So how do we move past it? In this episode, I'm going to give some tips for really trying to move past your fear, so that you can try new things out and get closer to what you want to achieve.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode74.

Anthony Weinkopff acts as the director and co-founder of Embrace Tutoring and Educational Services. Embrace specializes in creating customized college and career readiness plans for students, and connects them with experienced tutors in core academic subjects and test prep areas.

Since an early age, he has always been drawn to empowering youth and helping them to create opportunities. Growing up, he was the first male in his immediate family to go to college and he remembers how overwhelming the process could be without clear guidance. Throughout his educational career, Anthony has worked as a college liaison, biochemistry and mathematics teacher in high school, and academic dean.

Along with his two co-founders, Andy Lee and Suzanne Park, Anthony has grown Embrace Tutoring to what it is today. For this episode, we talked about how he went from teaching to starting Embrace, and what he's learned through the process.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode73.

When you're applying for jobs beyond the classroom, it's really important that your application materials stand out. And by that I mean your resume and your cover letter. It is so hard sometimes to write resumes and cover letters. But putting in the cognitive work is worth it. Reflecting on how your unique experience connects to the jobs that you hope to land goes a long way.

I have applied for so many jobs beyond the classroom. And I've also hired for a lot of jobs beyond the classroom. So I've seen all sorts of resumes and cover letters, and I've learned what makes them stand out. So in this episode, I want to share with you some tips for writing resumes and cover letters that will get you those jobs you hope to land.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode72.

Dr. Maggie Broderick is an associate professor at National University, where she serves as a dissertation chair and as a faculty lead for Social Emotional Learning and Curriculum and Instruction. She is also the director of NU’s Advanced Research Center and the editor of the International Journal of Online Graduate Education.

In this interview, Maggie and I talk about online education, going from teaching in K-12 to college, and how curriculum development is different for higher education.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode98.

When you're thinking about using your skills as an educator in a new way, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and struggle with self doubt. After years of working with so many teachers as part of Educator Forever, I've realized that teachers go through some predictable stages when they begin to look for work outside of teaching.

Being a classroom teacher is so entwined with our identity. So much so that we can simply think of ourselves as just being teachers. But there's no such thing as just a teacher, we do so many things, our skills are so valuable, impressive, and applicable in other areas, you truly are an education expert. So when you're dealing with self doubt, or really any other obstacle, the most important thing to do is to move through it, recognize it, feel it and even appreciate your doubtful feelings, then don't let it stop you keep taking action to make your dreams a reality. And you can use these five tips to overcome self doubt when you're stuck. 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode71.

When my daughter was born, I was teaching kindergarten and first grade — by then I had been teaching for seven years. But after she came into my life, everything changed. I had been trying some things on the side curriculum development and consulting mainly, and I had this idea that I could maybe leave the classroom. But I wasn't convinced; there were many things that I loved about teaching, and I wasn't quite sure if I was ready to give it up.

But after my daughter was born, I didn’t want to leave her. I wanted to spend all my time with this tiny baby. The thought of leaving her to go to the classroom and teach a bunch of other kids was heartbreaking to me. So I found a way to replace my teaching income with a new job, but it was hard. I was so excited to have the chance to stay home with my daughter, but I was also really sad about leaving my school community. Still, doing so was the best thing I could’ve done for my future.

This week my daughter turns 12, which is CRAZY, but her birthday made me reflect on my journey outside of the classroom. Looking back, I realized I had five tips I wanted to share, so I focus on those in this episode.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode70.

Want to keep making a positive impact in the world outside of teaching? Melissa Bloom is here to help. Bloom is the founder and CEO of Expanse Strategists, where she partners with purpose led CEOs. She's all about transforming businesses so they can positively impact society.

Melissa began her career as a high school English teacher and progressed through the administrative ranks. After four years as an assistant superintendent, she decided to step into the corporate world. She saw similar successes there, a feat she credits her "superpower," AKA her background in education.

In this episode we discuss her journey and what she's learned along the way.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode69.

In this episode I talk about building a support system as you move beyond the classroom. When I first started thinking about leaving the classroom, I felt really alone. I didn't feel like I had a support system, or really any examples of educators who had moved beyond the classroom in a way that I wanted to. I wanted to stay working in education, I wanted to make a difference in education. But I also wanted to have more flexibility, and not seeing models made it feel like I was uncertain about whether it was possible or not.

This episode is for those who want to take that next step and I might think you can just look everything up on the Internet. There is so much to gain from networking, especially those who model what you want to do beyond the classroom, and I go through it all.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode68.

For this episode I had Allison Williams, founder of Tutor Tots online, back on the podcast. Allison's business focuses on creating engaging online classes for kids and it has really grown in the past few years since we started working together.

Allison is also an Educator Forever team member. She helps me run our Education Business Foundations program, and our Grow Your Education Business accelerator for graduates of the Foundations program.

We discussed marketing our education businesses and the winning strategies we’ve found over the years. We also get into the importance of having the right mind set when growing your business.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode67.

For this episode I invited April Brown, our amazing director of learning and development here at Educator Forever, onto the podcast to talk with me about one of our very favorite subjects, which is how to support teachers to truly thrive.

The idea for this episode came after I had a discussion with the head of an Edtech company who thought that teachers should be happy now that things are back to normal after COVID. That's so far from the reality that we're seeing within our Educator Forever community. So April and I talked about what's not being seen outside of the world of teaching and what would really help.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode66

When people ask me about leaving the classroom and how to build their experience I advise them to do something on the side while still they're still teaching. Sometimes that's not possible. Maybe you just need to leave or you've already left, and that's totally fine. But if you do have a little bit of time to some work on the side while teaching, it allows you try out things before completely flipping your world upside down.

In this episode I talk about my own exit from teaching and how trying things out on the side helped me find a new career. But it comes with the caveat that while I use the word "side hustle" to describe the work, it's not about hustling to the point where you sacrifice your happiness.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode65

We've all likely experienced moments when we feel trapped, stagnant, or unsure of how to move forward in life. It's a frustrating and disheartening feeling, whether it’s related to your personal or career journey. But if you’re feeling stuck in teaching, you’re definitely not alone.

At Educator Forever, we’ve worked with thousands of education professionals who felt trapped in their classroom careers. As an educator, you might find yourself yearning for more in your career, but perhaps you’re uncertain about how to move beyond those feelings of being stuck. In this episode, I explore four key steps for educators to stop feeling stuck in their careers and pursue alternative jobs beyond the classroom.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode64

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to think about all that you hope to accomplish throughout the year. I like to call this having a clear vision. One of the best ways to follow through with your vision is to participate in goal setting. So, in today’s episode, I’m going to share steps towards achieving your new year goal setting.

With so many possibilities, new year goal setting can be overwhelming. However, my simple three steps allow you to reflect on your previous year, how you want to feel, and the final action of setting goals. I break down each step with examples and provide easy ways to achieve not only the process but also the result of achieving your New Year goals. Happy New Year, everybody!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode63

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

The end of a year and the beginning of another is the perfect time to reflect on how far you’ve come and where you want to go next. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the classroom, are working beyond the classroom, or just started your own business, there are things you learned and grew from. So, just as I want you to reflect on your year, I wanted to share five things that made a difference this year in my 2023 reflections. 

Even though Educator Forever has been around for many years, it’s still evolving and adapting every year. I made several changes and additions that have continued to make this company successful and make an impact on so many people’s lives and careers. You may not notice the difference you’re making day to day, so during your 2023 reflections, be proud of all you’ve accomplished and learned this year to motivate you going into 2024!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode62

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Lisa Vodala is the founder of Preschool Readers, she works with her team of preschool reading specialists to provide children ages three to five with an academic Head Start through their proprietary award winning accelerated reading instruction, which they deliver in person and virtually, enhanced by their exclusive framework, the Clear Approach, a framework for differentiated instruction.

I talk to Lisa about her business, how she was able to develop her framework while still teaching, and how COVID forced her to adapt.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode97.

We talk frequently on this podcast about the emotional well-being of teachers and the overwhelming amount of stress that they endure on a daily basis. Teachers are expected to do so much with often very little support, which ultimately leads to teacher burnout. But my guest on today’s episode, Jen Rafferty, shares how her company, Empowered Educator, focuses on the social and emotional aspects of supporting teachers.

Jen always wanted to be an educator, but when her circumstances changed, she realized her reason for teaching, to inspire people to discover their voice, could be utilized in another way. Her company, Empowered Educator, does just that. She shares how it got started and gives advice for dealing with fear and disassociating with the idea of pleasing people. Jen’s idea of success will help you redefine success and deal with teacher burnout.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode61

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

In a world where things feel uncertain or out of your control and in an educational career where exploitation and burnout are so prevalent, it’s even more crucial to check in with yourself emotionally. After being forced to find a different way to live, my guest, Nataly Kogan, discovered emotional fitness and the skills needed to practice this in your life. In today’s episode, Nataly shares how teachers can benefit from emotional fitness and how to truly feel joy without guilt. 

Nataly describes emotional fitness as your ability to handle life’s challenges with less struggle. But we know as teachers, sometimes it’s difficult to manage what’s being asked of us every day. Nataly views this as surface acting and shares specific practices teachers can use that develop their emotional fitness. Additionally, she goes in-depth on the five emotional fitness skills and shares the importance of refueling your energy with consistent, intentional, and daily tasks. After listening to this episode, you will have a toolset of strategies to best support yourself emotionally.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode60

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

When you have aspirations for starting a business, you usually have an idea of what you want to create, produce, or sell, as well as your financial goals. But sometimes, when starting a business, you learn and achieve a lot more than what you started out with. This was definitely true for me when I started Educator Forever; I started out with one idea and ended up with a whole lot more. So, in today’s episode, I wanted to share the five lessons I learned when starting an education business.

As I reflected on my journey, I realized my biggest growth was through action and mistakes. And even though fear felt paralyzing at times, it was the lessons and experiences I took from my action steps that ultimately grew my business. I also share the importance of staying true to yourself and how the people who support you are the unexpected gift of starting a business. So, if you’re thinking about beginning a new career, take a listen to what I learned when I started my education business.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode59

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

For most teachers, we decided early on that we have a calling and passion for education. But sometimes, after years in education, we start to drift further away from our passion and reason for getting into education. Thankfully, whether you stay in the classroom, education, or move beyond, you can get back to your passions and values. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can begin to realign with your purpose as an educator.

No matter what our career is, we want it to be connected with our goals, values, and passions. There are five ways you can connect to your purpose as an educator, which will also provide ideas for new career opportunities you could go after. Each of the five ideas asks you to stay true to yourself, reflect on your values, and rely on your strengths and support system. When you do all those things, you can realign with your purpose as an educator.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode58

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Many educators have thoughts and opinions about change that needs to happen in education, but there are only a select few who actually put their thoughts into action. Wanting to expand her impact beyond the classroom, my guest and personal friend, Mariah Rankine-Landers, decided to start the work of culturally responsive teaching through the arts. In today’s episode, Mariah is sharing how to make a direct change in the education system through liberatory education.

Through Mariah’s company, Studio Pathways, their work addresses the root of social inequities and their effect on education and students. Furthermore, she discusses the core four in her book, Do Your Lessons Love Your Students?, which helps you get clear on your beliefs and what you’re carrying forward towards liberatory education. Mariah is living proof that when you have ideas for change, take the leap to make a difference.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode57

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

As you’re navigating the twists and turns of your life, there’s one thing that should be in your mind at all times: is what I’m doing now working in my life? That idea is something that my guest, Beryl Young, resonates with and uses to make personal and professional choices. Her career journey also goes through pivots and changes, but they all have ultimately led her to own her own business and still make time for creative space. In today’s episode, she shares how she transitioned to a creative coach and what she always keeps at the forefront when making professional and business decisions.

Being a former teacher herself, Beryl has learned to use her skills as an educator to positively impact her business and other jobs. Likewise, she discusses why teachers make great entrepreneurs and gives key advice for those wanting to work beyond the classroom while still keeping their core values and skills a priority. So, if you’re looking for ways to create more space creatively and need a next step away from fatigue, this creativity coach has what you need to have a healthy balance between it all.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode56

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

When literally trying anything new, the act of rejection is bound to happen at some point. And even though rejection is inevitable and part of the process, the feeling that comes when you’re rejected is never wanted. But what happens if you reframe rejection and start thinking about it as a learning opportunity and path toward success? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 ways that you can reframe rejection toward a more positive mindset. 

Since everyone experiences rejection in their life, there’s only one thing that separates those who succeed and those who don’t - perseverance. This idea is a common thread through my list of 5 ways you can reframe rejection because it truly is your key to success. When you have the right mindset, you will be able to reframe rejection in a way that sets you up for success.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode55

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

People are always talking about how they want the best of both worlds. Well, with this new company, KaiPod, you can! My guest on today’s episode, Amar Kumar, created a new learning environment of microschools that combines self-paced online learning with the social components of traditional school. He shares what led to this new way of school and learning and how you can be part of it as well.

After witnessing the vast difference in the academic level of his students and trying to find a curriculum that meets the needs of every student, he came up with the idea of KaiPod, a learning center of microschools that runs on student-driven learning. Amar describes what’s unique about his company, particularly in the area of learning, and how personalized learning benefits students and their motivation. With this teacher-led microschool, he shares how this can be a great opportunity for educators who are looking to move beyond the traditional classroom but still keep the connection with kids at the forefront.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode54

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Teachers often feel “stuck” with their options when wanting to move beyond the classroom. However, there are so many things you can do while still working in education. I want to give you an overview and expand your ideas of what it can mean to work as an educator outside the classroom or in a typical school setting. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing six flexible jobs for educators and why they can be a good fit for you.

I say this all the time because it continues to be true - your skills and experiences are needed and an asset to jobs beyond the classroom. With each of the six alternative jobs I share, I discuss the benefits of each, what each job entails, and where you can work. Ultimately, I want you to know there are options for you out there. So, if you stay true to yourself and what path is best for you, you will find a variety of flexible jobs for educators that are right for you!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode53

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Making the decision to work beyond the classroom is such an exciting time and trying something new and different. But if you’ve solely worked in the field of education, some of the “business” aspects might be unfamiliar to you, such as pitching yourself. As teachers, we don’t have to sell our services, except to maybe our students, so that idea might be uncomfortable for you. So, if you’re venturing out to a new career, I’m going to share three tips on how to pitch yourself effectively.

Although self-promotion isn’t a bad thing, it can often make people uncomfortable talking about themselves in such a high manner. But remember, you have the skills and expertise to be a vital asset at a company or running your own business. If that’s still a concern of yours, I provide three tips that help put you in the mindset of showcasing your skills as a benefit to others. Whether you’re hesitant about what tactics you need to take or just uncomfortable with self-promotion, this episode will teach you how to pitch yourself to set you up for success!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode52

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Dr. Shelby Kretz is the creator of Little Justice Leaders, an organization that provides social justice education resources for families, educators, and schools. Shelby earned her Ph.D. in Education from UCLA, and her research explores social justice education at the elementary school level. Over the past decade, Shelby has worked with thousands of parents, teachers, and school leaders to bring social justice education to elementary aged kids.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of addressing biases at an early age and some tips for running a small education business.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode96.

I’ve said it on the podcast many times before, and I’ll say it again: you have vital skills that non-teachers don’t have. Utilizing those skills is what sets you apart from others, especially when starting your own business. My guest on today’s episode, Cindy Weaver, found a need for online course creation and used her teacher skills to start her own business.  

Going through many stages in her educational journey, Cindy reflects on how each stage played a role in the creation of her business. Part of her reflection was listening to her voice to help make career decisions. After taking years to grow her online course business, Cindy has learned many things that she shares on the episode, along with how this new business endeavor is just another iteration of teaching. Cindy’s optimistic outlook will help you listen to your own voice to follow your next passion.  

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode51

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Our career path can lead us down many different roads and can often lead us right back to where we started. The important thing is that you follow what you feel is right for you at the moment. My guest on today’s episode, Tatum Moser, is a personal friend of mine who shares her journey in education and starting a new career path that eventually led her to start her own ed-tech business, Mindly Games. 

After having the feeling of burnout, Tatum took the leap into a new career. And while she learned that her teaching skills were vital in other jobs, she also learned her life needed to be around teachers and kids. So why not combine the two? Her new ed tech business, Mindly Games, lets her tap into her creativity while also keeping her connected to education. Hear how Tatum’s journey and advice can help you persevere toward the career you desperately desire.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode50

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.