On this week's episode I talk to Mike Kaufman, MSW, PhD, Author of Doing Good & Doing Well. Mike challenges the traditional idea that top leadership roles are best filled by individuals with business degrees. Instead, he advocates for the unique perspectives and skills that helping professionals—such as educators, social workers, and community organizers—bring to leadership positions, particularly in non-profit and service-oriented sectors.

We discuss:

1. The Value of Helping Professionals in Leadership: Mike Kaufman discusses how his background in social work has equipped him with essential skills for leadership roles in service-based organizations.

2. Transferable Skills: Insight into specific skills from helping professions, such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving, that are highly transferable to leadership positions.

3. Showcasing Skills and Experiences: Tips on how educators and other helping professionals can effectively highlight their skills and experiences on resumes and during interviews.

4. Addressing Misconceptions: Exploring common biases that hiring managers may have about candidates from helping professions and strategies to overcome these misconceptions.

5. Transitioning to Leadership Roles: Practical advice for teachers and educators looking to move into leadership roles, focusing on networking and professional development.

6. Translating Classroom Experience: How educators can translate their classroom experience into valuable leadership qualities that service organizations seek.

7. Stakeholder Management: Utilizing expertise in managing diverse stakeholders to demonstrate leadership capabilities.

8. Professional Development: The importance of continuous learning and professional development for educators transitioning out of the classroom.

9. Qualities of Leadership Candidates: Identifying the key traits that service-based organizations look for in leadership candidates and how educators can showcase these qualities.

Resources and Links:

• Mike Kaufman's book: Doing Good & Doing Well
• Mike's website
• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
• Mike on TikTok

If you're an educator or helping professional considering a transition into a leadership role, tune in to this insightful conversation for practical tips and encouragement. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others who might benefit from this discussion!

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

Today I talk to Dr. Jordan B. Smith! We talk about:

• How to stay connected to teaching after leaving the classroom
• Things to think about before you retire
• Understanding your benefits
• How he gets his consulting gigs
• His process for writing and publishing education books

Jordan B. Smith Jr. is a dedicated educator and advocate who has significantly impacted the lives of students through his work as a mathematics teacher, public speaker, and educational consultant. He has served the San Jacinto Unified School District for over 19 years, including roles at San Jacinto High School and Mountain View Alternative Schools, where he specialized in helping students overcome their fear of mathematics and achieve academic success. With advanced degrees in Secondary Education and Educational Leadership, Dr. Smith has also been an active member and chairperson of visiting committees for the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). He has presented at numerous educational conferences and conducted field testing for emerging educational technology. In addition to his teaching career, he founded Annapolis Creed LLC and is a best-selling author. Dr. Smith was named Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year in 2023 and AFE Teacher Ambassador for 2024, and he retired in June 2024 after nearly two decades of service.

https://books.teachleadandinspire.com/welcome/

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

#teachersofIG #teachersoftiktok #teacherhacks #teachersofinsta #teacherstruggles #teacherproblems #teacherjobs #teachermisery #teacherlife #teachertired #teacherjobs #teachertransition #teacherhacks #teacherstruggles #formerteacher #teachersofthegram #teachersofinstagram #iteach #iteachtoo

Ever felt that your teaching experience limits your job prospects? Think again!

In this episode, we tackle the crucial topic: 'Leveraging Your Current Teaching Role for Your Next Career Move.' Teachers, your classroom isn't just a space to impart knowledge; it's your training ground for diverse roles out there!

Ever scanned a job posting and thought, "I don’t have those skills?" Let’s turn that around. We'll delve into how you can creatively harness your current teaching role to build skills tailored for that dream job.

Remember, beyond the paycheck, your teaching role offers invaluable experience. Learn to monetize that expertise. Let's redefine your career trajectory, one classroom experience at a time. Tune in, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Feeling Stuck in Teaching? Transitioning out of the classroom can seem daunting. But guess what? Your teaching role is bursting with transferable skills.

• Teacher to Corporate & Beyond: Teachers aren't limited. Dive into the diverse job opportunities for former teachers, from ed tech jobs to roles that tap into teacher skills in the business world.

• Your Classroom, Your Training Ground:

  • Career Change for Teachers: Curious about how to translate a teacher resume for other roles? Learn how to adjust and reformat your resume for a corporate job.
  • Alternative Career Options: Ever pondered, "What else can teachers do for work?" or "Are teachers qualified for other jobs?" We've got answers.
  • Ed Tech Transition: Implement new technology in your classroom and bridge to tech-oriented roles.

• Job Postings as Your Roadmap: Scan them, dissect them, and identify the skills you need. Then, creatively cultivate them right in your classroom.

• Monetize Your Teaching Skills: Realize and emphasize this – one of your most valuable compensation as a teacher is the experience. It's monetizable. It's your stepping stone for applying to non-teaching jobs and can be translated into the business world.

• Services & Support: We touch on teacher career services, career counseling for teachers, and the art of rewriting a teacher resume. Plus, get insights on teacher job fairs and job placement strategies.

Join us as we delve deeper into the world of career guidance for teachers. Whether you're thinking of quitting teaching or just seeking career advice for teachers, this episode offers a wealth of actionable insights. Let's redefine and reshape your career journey together!

Andrea Hanson is a former teacher turned boutique owner + landlord + business mentor. In 2016, she retired as a teacher to focus full time on her first online business and since then she's started *3* more successful businesses which led her to launching RAE (ReAligned Entrepreneurs). With RAE she pours her love for small business into women who feel the nudge for more.

Andrea says she's learned that too many women think their dream business is unattainable, so she's on a personal mission to clear out any limiting beliefs and show you how to lean into the unknown!

In this inspiring episode, we talk about:

• Leaving teaching for a new career path even when you love teaching and aren't really wanting to leave

• Finding fulfillment in connecting with students, not just teaching curriculum, and how that translates outside of the classroom

• Leaving teaching career for passion projects

• How teachers face guilt, fear, and intimidation when leaving the classroom

• Career change, self-doubt, and financial planning

• Blocking out naysayers to focus on your own excitement about what's next

• Struggling with imposter syndrome yet reprogramming thoughts through personal development and constant growth

• How social expectations of women in the workplace hold them back and ways to overcome these challenges

• Andrea's journey of leaving teaching to pursue coaching and boutique ownership, and how mentorship and time management skills led to her success

• How to identify viable business ideas and Andrea's test to determine if an idea is worth pursuing

• How to pay attention to signs that an idea is worth exploring

⁠Check out Andrea's amazing business here⁠ and if you'd like to work with her, please get it touch! @andrea.hanson.82 or andreahanson82 AT gmail dot com.

For more great content for transitioning teachers, check us out at the ⁠What's Next Teacher⁠ website or ⁠@whatsnextteacher⁠ on Instagram. If you liked this episode or have a question or topic for a future episode, drop me a quick note! julie AT whatsnextteacher dot com. 

This week we talk to Jen Widerberg, also known as Financial Services Tech Recruiter.

Jen has been in recruiting for over 15 years, and she's also a friend of mine who talks candidly about how teachers should approach a transition out of education.

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between internal recruiters and agency recruiters
• Roles that are great for teachers looking to pivot
• What Learning & Development roles entail
• Imposter syndrome and how to reframe your thinking
• Translating teaching experience for job applications
• How to use prompts with ChatGPT to frame relevant information in your resume
• How transitioning teachers can use LinkedIn
• Personal branding
• Leveraging your unique skills to stand out on the job market
• How to reach out to recruiters
• How to choose the next organization you work for
• How to answer the question, "So why do you want to leave teaching?"

You can find Jen on LinkedIn and X where she talks all things tech talent, AI, and marathon running.

Eric James Stephens: A beacon for those considering a teacher career transition. Having personally navigated the choppy waters of leaving the teaching profession, he's emerged as a key figure in advocating alternative career options for teachers. In this episode we talk about just how he pivoted into the world of data during the global pandemic (whew!) with no background in analytics. He started the popular hashtags ⁠#TranslateAcademia ,⁠ ⁠#HireHigherEd, ⁠⁠⁠⁠and⁠ #ChangeHigherEd⁠, and has carved out a very successful path in data analytics using storytelling (and how you can, too!)

In today's deep dive, we uncover:

• Eric’s unique journey of transitioning out of teaching during a global pandemic and the associated teacher job search challenges.
• Tackling the ubiquitous question: what else can teachers do for work? With his expertise in career guidance for teachers, Eric presents tangible pathways.
• His insights into rewriting a teacher resume to resonate with non-teaching jobs, showcasing the skills that make teachers prime candidates in the business world.
• Eric's candid discussion on the importance of teacher professional development and how he's leveraged platforms like TikTok to extend career advice for teachers.
• A deep dive into teacher career services and the increasing role of teacher job fairs.
• The art of translating a teacher resume for other jobs and the essential teacher career coaching tips for those eyeing roles in Ed tech jobs or pondering the transition from teacher to corporate.
• Debunking myths: Are teachers qualified for other jobs? Absolutely. Learn how teachers transitioning to industry is not only possible but can be a match made in heaven for an employer.
• Eric's own tale of quitting teaching and how he navigated the maze of teacher job placement, and using storytelling to illustrate how his teaching resume suited him for a corporate gig.
• The power of storytelling, networking, and leveraging teacher skills translated in the business world.

Are you a teacher wondering how to transition out of education or seeking to adjust your teacher resume for a corporate job? Discover the roles that are eagerly seeking to hire former teachers and how you can seamlessly get out of the classroom.

For a treasure trove of insights and actionable advice:

Connect with him over on LinkedIn and his translate.academia TikTok account FULL of great content to help you make connections between your teaching skillset and the broader landscape of jobs you can land with it.

Ever wondered how one transitions from teaching to tapping into the booming "Online Course Consultant" space? On today's episode, we sit down with Cindy from Course Magic Designs, who took her final bow in the classroom in May 2023 and embarked on a new adventure. With two years of side-hustling under her belt before the big leap, Cindy now enjoys the liberty of working from anywhere, now tethered only to her love for curriculum design. Dive in as she shares her intriguing exit story filled with journal entries, profound reflections, and strategic skill-building. Discover her insights on kickstarting a side gig, morphing it into a full-time endeavor, navigating the rollercoaster of emotions, and what her day-to-day now looks like. Plus, get a sneak peek into her new evergreen program and her upcoming event tailored for budding entrepreneurs itching to create courses. If you're at the crossroads of 'what's next?', this episode is a beacon.

Find Cindy at https://www.coursemagicdesigns.com/

And check out Cindy's new offering The Pearl! Bring Cindy your ocean and she will help you find your pearl. You have many ideas swimming around in your head. You're not sure which one is right for you. THE PEARL will help you sort it all out. Just follow the directions each day and you'll make your way to the "just right" PEARL for you. You will know EXACTLY where you're going next!

This episode is for my listeners who think networking is slimy, sleazy, or awkward. If just thinking about networking as a teacher job changer gives you anxiety (or maybe you just need a little information to get your started), this episode is for you! 

In this episode, I talk:

• How to find people on LinkedIn to network with
• EXACTLY what to say when you're networking
• Why it's ESSENTIAL for women to network
• All about the hidden job market
• How to reach out (with my scripts!) 
• Why being a newbie in a career field is a huge advantage when you're networking 

And I also put together a free networking guide to help you guys out. 

So excited to have Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW on the pod today for part II of our talk on *~*~*~boundaries*~*~* for teachers. 

Dr. Martin began her career working in community mental health programs serving her community members in need. She's done it all -- counseling, therapy, and clinical supervision in programs serving adolescents, the homeless, juvenile offenders, veterans, and individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, and mental illness. And she's written books to serve people just like YOU on boundaries. 

In this episode we talk about: 

• How to handle guilt as a teacher...guilt about not doing enough, guilt about leaving for greener pastures...guilt about focusing finally on YOU
• Concrete steps for erecting emotional boundaries when you are carrying a heavy emotional load at work and taking it home 
• How to handle it when you're asked to work long hours and you want to say no but you're scared! 
• Teachers and wageless labor 
• Why younger/new teachers are targets for manipulation 
• How starting a new job can help you press the reset button and put boundaries in place
• How school culture exerts immense pressure to have zero boundaries + how it's affecting your life
• Boundaries for helpers, empaths, sensitive people
• Changing your mindset away from martyrdom 

And more! 

Sharon Martin, LCSW

IG: @dr_sharon_martin 

YouTube: @sharonmartin

Dr. Martin's Free Resources 

The Better Boundaries Workbook by Dr. Sharon Martin 

This week we talk BOUNDARIES! 

If you are trying to make a teacher career transition and leave the teaching profession, it's probably because you're in a toxic school or district OR you are being overworked and you're burning out. 

My best career advice for teacher career changers is my best career advice for anyone in any industry: put boundaries in place. 

So often, teachers face untenable situations at work and we think, "If only XYZ would change, things would be so much better."  But that removes our agency AND our responsibility and it keeps us stuck in contexts where our physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing suffer. 

The key to breaking free is being really clear on our boundaries: where our responsibilities and control start and end. 

In this episode, I help you get clear on what boundaries are, why they matter, and how exactly you make this concept actionable in your own life. 

Coming at you with a solo pod today! I give you my top 5 tips for writing your resume as a teacher job changer. 

In this week's episode, I went back and surveyed my brain...what I wish I knew back then, when I was still a classroom teacher, that I know now, about resumes. 

Before you spend time writing the wrong kind of resume in the wrong kind of format with the wrong kinds of bullets, listen to this episode! I tell you all about the beauty of the skills-based resume format for teacher job changers, how to tailor your resume for a specific job posting (for real!) and how to get the skills and experience while you're still a teacher that you need to apply for that dream job.

Skills-based resume templates: https://whatsnextteacher.com/shop/

From high school teacher to badass entrepreneur! With an undergraduate degree in English from Fairfield University and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University, Angela Gentile traded in her decade long public school teaching career to launch a business helping folks change their body, mindset and life through movement, meditation and mental health coaching. She is the founder of Sweat Remix, a mindful wellness brand that motivates you to start and sustain physical exercise, guides you towards greater self awareness, and provides keepin it real life coaching. With a variety of online fitness classes and her signature #ZenRageHeal process, she and Sweat Remix provide folks with an intentional approach to fitness with sustainable results. Her life coaching sessions and Inner Compass course deliver a full mind, body and spirit transformation to help folks be the badass they were meant to be in just 12 weeks. If you’ve been stuck and feel ready to move and grow, this trailblazer creates opportunities for folks to live strong, authentic and EPIC lives.

In this episode: 

• Feeling like a square peg in a round hole as a teacher
• How to know if you should leave teaching or not
• How working in the education system affects mental health 
• Teaching well as a moving target & never feeling good enough 
• Navigating a career transition after the loss of a loved one
• The best way to find your next career
• A typical day in the life of an entrepreneur 
• Pursuing your core career values of working in elastic waist pants with dogs all day every day

Follow Angela on IG

This week I talk to veteran teacher Shannon Hazel, author of the new book New Teacher Confidential: What They Didn’t Tell You About Being a Teacher. We talk all things teacher burnout including steps to sustain you if you’ve given all you’ve got in the tank. 

Shannon Hazel is a recently-retired public school teacher and the author of the upcoming book New Teacher Confidential: What They Didn’t Tell You About Being a Teacher. Over her 25-year career, she was a K-8 teacher, special education specialist and instructional coach for teachers.   During that time, she was actively involved in the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario and mentored many new teachers.  In 2023, Shannon was recognized for her leadership and advocacy work for students by the Council for Exceptional Children. She is the founder of teacherEDU.ca, an online community for teachers to learn, connect, collaborate, and grow their capacity as educators. Shannon is the mother of two young adults, a dog parent and a longtime fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

Get 50% off the Digital Portfolio course using the code JULIE

https://george-couros-school.teachabl...

George Couros invites Julie Warner Packett back to The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast! As a repeat guest, Warner Packett shares some great insights about why she left the teacher profession to take on a role with the federal government of the United States and how she began a new venture called What’s Next, Teacher? Warner Packett, a data scientist, shares what she is doing to support educators who are planning on leaving the profession. This topic is on a lot of people’s minds and Warner Packett shares some really great thoughts in this episode of The Innovator’s Mindset Podcast! 

Quotes:  

"...it is best to try something different...education will probably be there to welcome you back later." - Julie Warner Packett

"What you want to do is figure out what the employer's problem is, then demonstrate...that you are the solution to their problems." - Julie Warner Packett

Links:

Digital Portfolio Course - use code JULIE - https://george-couros-school.teachabl...

Please share your thoughts with us on Twitter or Instagram at #InnovatorsMindset.

More at georgecouros.ca

George Couros on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gcouros

 George Couros on Instagram: https://instagram.com/gcouros

 George Couros on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgecouros...

 George Couros on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/george-cou...

********MY OFFERS!*********

The 21 Day Teacher Career Transition Challenge Wait List for 2023

FREE Workshop with Out of the Class: Teacher Resume Magic

Workshop: How to Find Your Next Career After Teaching & Make Sure it's One You Love

This week I talk to my longtime friend Ashley J who after 10 years teaching high school left for the tech sector.

We talk about how she approached her career transition resume, moving across the country at the same time as a major career change, finding the confidence to leave, how to leverage a bridge position to move into your next career after teaching, and more.

You asked for it -- an episode on confidence as a transitioning teacher. 

In this episode I cover a number of strategies and some mindset shifts to help you push past fear and self-doubt so that you can apply for jobs (yes, even stretch jobs) and feel strong! 

Things I talk about in this episode: 

• How teaching and the way the profession is structured can ding your self-confidence 
• Recognizing that nearly everyone feels fear and self-doubt, and struggles with imposter syndrome. 
• Practical tips for preparing for your job search that will boost your confidence 
• The truth you need to know about the unpredictable and serpentine career paths of most professionals (!) 
• How you can leverage a mentor or a panel of trusted advisors to shore up your confidence 

And more! 

In this episode, I interview my former colleague and friend Andy Boyle, Director of iTeach -- a service unit within a college of education that supports ed tech and instructional technology integration. 

Andy talks about what it's like going from the classroom to working at the university level, how he thinks about hiring for his organization and what he looks for, his advice for teachers looking to transition, and much more. 

And don't miss my upcoming workshops! I've got lots planned for the fall to help you get geared up for your job search. Follow me at @whatsnextteacher on all platforms for more information. 

Today I talk with Matthew Woods, administrator, children's book author, adjunct professor, speaker, and consultant about how to find and create opportunities in education outside of the classroom. 

Matthew has worn many hats in the education space: high school social studies teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and director of student support services. In addition to his K-12 work, Matthew has also served as an adjunct professor and field instructor at the collegiate level for student-teachers.

In this episode we talk about the unexpected benefits of networking and Matt's advice for pursuing your passions beyond the classroom. 

Check out Matt's awesome K-12 podcast Leading Out the Woods and his children's book series I Wanna Be… , starring his one year old son imagining different occupations he would like to grow up to be.

Keep an eye out for Matt's forthcoming leadership book The Sandbox Mentality: Empowering Leadership.

Connect with Matthew

https://mobile.twitter.com/woodfromawoods
https://www.facebook.com/leadingoutthewoods

Do you feel personally affronted when you apply to a job and get that rejection email? 

Do your feelings get hurt? 

Then this episode is for you. 

In this episode, I give you 5 reasons why you got rejected that have nothing to do with you to help shift your mindset to one where you welcome rather than fear rejection. 

Cris Gawlik shares in this episode all about how she moved from teacher to digital nomad, traveling the world and working remotely on HER terms. Learn about the nuts and bolts of remote work life, like how she negotiates the terms of gigs with employers and how she organizes her day to day work as a small business owner. The episode is FULL of great tips and will shift your thinking about how you can take control of your work life. 

Cris' blog: A Suitcase and a Smile

Cris' tips on how to find work online

Intro to the pod and your fearless host, Julie Warner

Today we're talking all things trainings, certifications, upskilling, and reskilling with Tai Nehisi of Organizely, an A.I.- supported digital marketplace for today's workforce supporting upskilling + reskilling for all adult learners.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

Has silence 🦗🦗 or a slew of rejections got you feeling less-than-motivated? This quickie episode is for you.

I talk about:

• Tracking progress and celebrating wins
• Treating the job hunt as data collection
• Separating feelings from action
• Using rejection as a sign of taking action
• Reconsidering metrics for evaluating if your succeeding in your job search
• Gaining perspective through community
• Managing expectations in the job market
• Overcoming fear and taking risks

This episode is sponsored by Goldendelicious, the job platform directly connecting teachers with employers who want to hire them. https://www.goldendelicious.ai/

This week I was on the Educator Forever podcast. Please check out the Educator Forever network to discover how to apply your teaching skills in careers outside of the classroom but still in the education space.

_____________________

Julie Packett is a former K-12 teacher who navigated the journey from the classroom to a flourishing career in data science. Recognizing 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 on to teachers who want to enter the field of data science.

Topics Discussed:

• Dealing with imposter syndrome

• Staying connected to teaching after leaving the education world

• How trying new jobs increases confidence

  
  

  Resources:

• Golden Delicious: Sign up for the waitlist to be the first to use the platform and secure your next job.

• Golden Delicious Instagram

• Grab Julie’s free networking guide for transitioning teachers

• Join the Educator Forever Network!

• Take Lily's FREE quiz to nail down your next best career step in education.

Spring is in the air, and while many of us used to count down to those coveted school breaks, there’s something refreshing about finding balance and rejuvenation all year round. In today’s episode, we dive into my top three free online resources that can radically simplify and illuminate the path for educators looking for a career change.

Resource #1: O*Net Online

• What it offers: The O*Net Interest Profiler and Work Importance Locator, among others, to help you explore careers that match your interests and values.
• Why it’s awesome: O*Net is a comprehensive database detailing a myriad of occupations, offering insights into the tasks, skills, and technologies involved in each.
• Find it at: ONet Online and the Interest Profiler at My Next Move

Resource #2: Lightcast Resume Optimizer

• What it offers: A skills-based solution that optimizes your resume for the job you’re targeting, providing insights on in-demand skills.
• Why it’s awesome: This tool helps you translate your teaching experience into the language of your desired field, ensuring your resume speaks directly to what employers are looking for.
• Find it at: Lightcast.io Resume Optimizer and Skill My Resume

Resource #3: LinkedIn Learning

• What it offers: Courses on a vast range of topics, from technical skills like Python to softer skills like digital marketing.
• Why it’s awesome: With a free month available to LinkedIn users, it’s a great way to upskill in areas relevant to your new career path.
• Find it at: LinkedIn Learning and the course Transition from Teaching to Your New Career Opportunity

How to use these resources strategically:

• Begin with O*Net to discover roles that align with your skills and values.
• Tailor your resume with Lightcast’s Resume Optimizer, making sure it resonates with your job applications.
• Upskill with LinkedIn Learning to fill any skill gaps and make your resume even more attractive to potential employers.

Closing Thoughts: Don’t let the vast sea of online resources overwhelm you as a teacher in transition. Today, we’ve spotlighted three tools that are not only free but specifically designed to support you as you leave the teaching profession. Remember, it’s about making informed, strategic decisions that align with your career aspirations. There are alternative career options for teachers and lots of hiring managers love hiring former teachers.

Stay Connected: Quitting teaching? Loved today’s episode? Subscribe and leave us a review!

In this heartfelt episode, our host shares the personal and profound journey of leaving the teaching profession, a decision fraught with emotion but ultimately led to self-discovery and new beginnings. From confronting the guilt and fear associated with leaving a career in education to discussing the systemic issues that plague the profession, this episode delves into the reasons behind the difficult choice to step away from the classroom. Listen as we explore the challenges of blurred boundaries, the pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations, and the quest for personal well-being and professional fulfillment outside of teaching. This episode is a candid reflection on making a significant life change, offering insights and encouragement for anyone contemplating a similar path.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

In this episode, I talk about GUILT, a major factor keeping teachers stuck in teaching long after they've wanted to change careers. I also talk about guilt and:

Protecting Your Wellbeing: Prioritizing personal health and well-being over staying in a profession out of obligation.

Challenges in the Current Education System: A look at the systemic issues within education, including the empowerment of parents, ethical dilemmas, and lack of boundaries that contribute to teacher burnout.

Safety Concerns in Schools: Addressing the increased anxiety around school safety, including the impact of school shootings on the decision to leave teaching.

The Sunk Cost Fallacy: Exploration of the sunk cost fallacy in the context of education and why it's okay to pivot into something new, despite time and resources invested.

The Misconception of a Teacher’s Duty: Debunking the notion that it's a teacher's sole responsibility to 'save' every student and highlighting student resilience.

Financial Considerations: Discussing the right to seek financial stability and growth outside of teaching, challenging the perception that desiring better pay is selfish.

Blurred Boundaries in Education: Examining the erosion of work-life boundaries in teaching and how it contributes to the decision to leave the profession.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

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Meet Jacqueline B: A Teacher's Journey to Thriving Entrepreneurship

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jacqueline Butler, a former teacher who embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation and entrepreneurship. Jacqueline's story is a testament to the endless possibilities that exist for educators seeking fulfillment and success beyond the classroom.

Jacqueline's background as an educator spans 13 years, during which she dedicated herself to shaping young minds. However, her path took a dramatic turn when she made the bold decision to leave the classroom behind. What followed was a remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and extraordinary achievement.

Today, Jacqueline stands as a globally ranked Top 0.1% Etsy Seller, having tripled her teaching salary through her entrepreneurial endeavors. She is not only a multiple 6-figure business owner but also a passionate mentor, helping others cultivate their digital product Etsy businesses through her courses and coaching.

In this episode, Jacqueline shares her insights and experiences, offering valuable guidance on how educators can supplement or replace their teaching income by selling digital products on Etsy. She delves into topics such as:

• Balancing Teaching and Entrepreneurship: Jacqueline reflects on the challenges of growing her online business while still committed to a teaching job that no longer resonated with her.

• Embracing Change: She opens up about the pivotal moment when she realized it was time to resign from her teaching career and how she overcame the fear of stepping into the unknown.

• Success Strategies: Jacqueline reveals her winning strategy for building a thriving Etsy business, achieving six-figure revenue in less than two years.

• Teacher's Advantage: She highlights how her background as a teacher seamlessly aligned with selling digital products on Etsy, emphasizing the transferable skills educators possess.

• Getting Started: For those interested in venturing into the world of Etsy without relying on social media or paid advertising, Jacqueline offers her best tips and insights.

Even if you're not specifically interested in selling digital products on Etsy, Jacqueline's journey and wisdom serve as an inspiration that true success is attainable and closer than you might think. Her story is a beacon of hope for educators seeking alternative paths to fulfillment and prosperity.

Tune in to this episode to hear Jacqueline's remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leaving the classroom, and finding your own path to happiness and success.

If you're as excited as we are to learn from Jacqueline's experiences and strategies, be sure to let us know, and don't miss this inspiring conversation!