Explore every episode of the podcast Teachers in Transition: Career Change and Real Talk for Burned-Out Teachers
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abby Zwerner Followed the Rules. The Rules Failed Her | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:52:14 | |
In this deeply personal and emotionally charged episode, Vanessa Jackson steps away from her usual format to examine the civil trial of Abby Zwerner, the first-grade teacher shot by a six-year-old student. This is not a story about politicsāitās a case study in ignored warnings, failed leadership, testing culture, and the trauma teachers are expected to survive in silence. If youāre an educator, this episode will feel painfully familiar. Itās a mirror held up to a broken systemāand a call to stop accepting the unacceptable. Ā š§ Timestamps for Navigation Use these timestamps in the episode description or show notes so listeners can jump to the parts that resonate most:
Please share this with anyone you feel needs to hear it.Ā And if you want to talk, - contact me. Iām here.Ā š Connect with Vanessa:
Ā The transcript to this podcast is found on the episodeās homepage at Buzzsprout | |||
| The Guilt Economy of Teaching: From Vacation Packets to PetSmart and Beyond | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:23:45 | |
Summary:Ā Burned out? Buried in makeup work requests? Wondering what life could look like beyond the classroom? Youāre in the right place. This episode of Teachers in Transition is your triple shot of validation, strategy, and possibility. š Vanessa breaks down:
šÆ If youāve ever thought:
ā¦then this oneās for you. Ā š ļø Resources Mentioned:
Ā š Keywords: teacher burnout, teacher exit strategy, makeup work hack, homework packets, custom GPT for teachers, AI lesson planning, career transition for educators, life after teaching, education career change, teacher guilt, how to leave teaching, clarity coaching for teachers Ā Ready to get real feedback on your resume and strategy? Book a free coaching session at TeachersinTransition.com. Your future is calling - and it doesnāt speak in acronyms. Ā š Connect with Vanessa:
Ā The transcript to this podcast is found on the episodeās homepage at Buzzsprout | |||
| From Teacher Burnout to Breakthrough: A Knight and Day Guide to Breaking Free | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:21:50 | |
Stop Saying āSomedayā + Teacher Career Transition Tips from Knight and Day Ever notice how āsomedayā sounds like a planā¦ until it becomes your excuse? This week, Iām diving into the utterly bananas spy movie Knight and Dayāand pulling out some surprisingly relevant lessons for teachers on the edge of burnout. Between Tom Cruiseās calm chaos and Cameron Diazās underestimated genius, thereās a message every teacher-in-transition needs to hear: If you keep waiting for the right time, youāll wait forever. š§ In This Episode, Youāll Learn:
Ā š Ready to Stop Waiting? ā Join my next DECIDE Workshop (Sept 1 or Sept 27, 2025) Ā š¤ Connect With Me: š§ Vanessa@teachersintransition.com šConnect with and Follow Vanessa I need your help! Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say ā many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career.Ā You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because theyāve been recommended by someone they know.Ā Ā Ā The transcript to this podcast is found on the episodeās homepage at Buzzspout Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 178: How Stress Affects the Brain and Getting Started on your Job Hunt | 26 Nov 2023 | 00:20:12 | |
In this episode, we explore how stress affects the brain and how to take positive steps to combat the stress.Ā We also explore the importance of a 5-Minute action and how to use that to help you get started on that job hunt or to make the next steps in your search. Neurobiological and Systemic Effects of Chronic Stress: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573220/#:~:text=Stress%20can%20cause%20an%20imbalance,autonomic%2C%20immune%20and%20metabolic%20mediators. LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-long-does-take-get-hired-get-hired-by-linkedin-news/ Email the podcast at TeachersInTransitionCoaching@gmail.com or leave a voicemail/text message at 512-640-9099 Thank you for listening!Ā Donāt forget to rate and review where ever you listen and please share with a friend. Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 177: Learn a Little More about Vanessa | 18 Nov 2023 | 00:14:17 | |
In this episode, we get a little peek as Teachers in Transition goes through its own transition. Vanessa talks a little more about how she came to be your host as she started as a teacher, worked in corporate America, and now helps teachers reach their goals. Ā If you like the podcast, please share it with a friend. Ā We always welcome your feedback!Ā Please drop an email at TeachersInTransitionCoaching@gmail.com, or leave a message at 512-640-9099. Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 176 - October 30, 2023 | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:14:13 | |
After a long hiatus, Kitty Boitnott returns to #TeachersinTransition to introduce Vanessa Jackson who has bought the coaching business from Kitty after Kitty's retirement.Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 175 - Announcing my Retirement for 2023 and Happy Thanksgiving | 24 Nov 2022 | 00:07:45 | |
In this episode, Kitty announces her intention to retire her business and coaching practice in 2023. And she wishes listeners a Happy Thanksgiving. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 174 - The Importance of Maintaining a Morning Routine to Minimize Your Stress | 17 Nov 2022 | 00:09:15 | |
Everyone knows the feeling of having overslept and trying to beat the clock as you get ready to get out of the house on time. To avoid that kind of high-drama morning, you need to make sure you have gotten the sleep you need the night before, that you get up on time and not sleep through the snooze button and that you allow yourself all the time you need to get ready for your day. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 173 - Do You Need Another Degree? | 27 Oct 2022 | 00:09:15 | |
Many teachers who talk with me while mulling their career options wonder if they need to return to school for another degree in a new area. Most of the time, my best advice isĀ "no." You don't need a new university or college degree, even though you may need training in a new area. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 172 - The Importance of Taking a Break in Your Routine for Stress Management | 20 Oct 2022 | 00:05:23 | |
I just got back from a vacation in Key West, Florida. I have had a visit to Key West on my bucket list for a long time, and given that I had a big birthday coming up last week, I wanted to celebrate it in Key West. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 171 - The Importance of Your Network when Job Hunting | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:09:40 | |
When job hunting, it's important that you use your network of friends, family, and perhaps even your colleagues to help you uncover possible opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise know about.Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 170 - 7 Signs of Teacher Burnout | 22 Sep 2022 | 00:12:08 | |
| TeachersinTransition-Episode169-The Importance of Story in Job Hunting | 15 Sep 2022 | 00:06:33 | |
| Should I Stay or Go? How to Decide If Itās Time to Leave TeachingāWithout Guilt | 23 Aug 2025 | 00:03:19 | |
Hey friend, this one's personal. In this short episode, Iām sharing:
But more importantly, Iām inviting you to join me for the DECIDE Workshopāa live, interactive session designed to help burned-out teachers make career decisions that are grounded in truth, not guilt. šļø Two Dates to Choose From: Youāll walk away with:
This isnāt about rushing out the door. Itās about making your next move with eyes wide open Letās stop surviving and start deciding. If you have any questions, reach out to me directly at Vanessa@teachersintransiton.com. I hope to see you there!Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 168 - The Importance of Maintaining a Routine | 08 Sep 2022 | 00:08:20 | |
I am embarrassed that the last podcast I offered was on June 9, 2022, and here it is, the middle of September. I apologize to any of my "faithful listeners" who have been waiting for me to offer something new. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 167 - Preparing for the Interview | 09 Jun 2022 | 00:19:33 | |
This week, Kitty talks about the importance of preparing for an interview whether it is a telephone screening call, a virtual, remote interview by Skype or Zoom, etc., or in person. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - 166 - Some Statistics about Stress and Teachers in 2021-22 | 02 Jun 2022 | 00:11:34 | |
In this week's episode, Kitty shares statistics from a recent survey conducted by AdoptaClassroom.org. You can check out the survey results in the article entitled "The State of Teaching 2022." | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 165 - A Membership Option for Career Coaching with Kitty Boitnott | 26 May 2022 | 00:20:34 | |
As the school year winds down, Kitty talks about how teachers who made it through the year may want to consider their options for next year. She is rolling out a new Membership option for accessing her "Jumpstart Your Job Search Program" that is available in the DIY version for as little as $27 a month. Ā Link to $47 membership plan:Ā https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/monthly-membership-plan-with-email-added/ Ā Link to $97 membership plan:Ā https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/monthly-membership-plus-email-support-plus-one-one-on-one-session-per-month/ Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 164 - A Little Taste of Chocolate May Help With Your End-of-School-Year Stress | 19 May 2022 | 00:09:25 | |
In this week's episode, Kitty acknowledges teachers who are winding down the 2021-22 school year. Those who have stuck it out should give themselves a pat on the back because not everyone did. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 163 - Listen to Your Intuition When Job Hunting | 12 May 2022 | 00:18:46 | |
In this week's episode, Kitty offers the importance of listening to one's intuition--their gut--as one pays attention to how potential employers handle their questions or provide information. She tells a real-life story that serves as a cautionary tale about why paying attention and asking the right questions can save a potential job hunter a world of pain and heartache. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 162 - 16 Ways to Manage Stress and Anxiety | 05 May 2022 | 00:26:42 | |
Stress is at an all-time high in this country, and for many good reasons. Inflation is on the rise, student debt is back on the table, racial strife abounds and gun violence is an ever-present danger in too many of our cities and suburbs. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 161 - Passion and Purpose in Your Job Search AND in Managing Stress | 28 Apr 2022 | 00:13:22 | |
Too many people live their lives feeling like something is missing. If that sounds like you, perhaps what is missing is a sense of purpose and a lack of passion for your work. In this episode, Kitty talks about the place where purpose and passion can help you find great job satisfaction as well as help you manage your stress more effectively. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 160 - The First Step in Every Job Search | 21 Apr 2022 | 00:24:16 | |
"Self-Exploration:Ā The First Step in the Job Seach" by The Bridgespan Group at Ā this link:Ā https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/library/careers/self-exploration-first-step-job-search?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmPSSBhCNARIsAH3cYgafkLldy7FFG167RDy1eGBKa1a9Q0p7JmE0VnX8EBlSfqifM2T6kAQaAsBtEALw_wcB | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 159 - Staying Sane in Insane Times | 14 Apr 2022 | 00:14:15 | |
This week's topic is stress and how to manage stress during some of the most stressful times teachers have ever experienced. In addition to what is going on in their classroom, teachers have to deal with angry parents who are banning books and censoring what teachers can and cannot say. And add to all that, a war is going on that keeps most of us riveted to the horrifying images that words cannot describe. | |||
| Teacher Burnout, Reinvention, and Resilience: How to Survive Emotional Dodgeball | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:22:11 | |
What does a ridiculous comedy bout dodgeball have in common with the emotional rollercoaster of being a burned-out teacher? More than you think. In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa uses Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story to explore the hidden truth behind teacher burnout, resilience, and identity loss. From flying wrenches and Globo Gym gaslighting to career pivots and Average Joeās community, this metaphor-rich episode will help you name your exhaustion, reclaim your worth, and start your exit strategy with clarity. Whether you're flinching at every new initiative, grieving your former self, or finally whispering, āI canāt do this anymore,āāyouāre not broken. Youāre rebuilding. Keywords: teacher burnout, teacher career change, teacher transition, emotional exhaustion, resilience, career pivot, leaving teaching, post-teaching jobs, mid-career reinvention Listen now and remember: you've given enough. Itās time to build a future that gives back. Connect! š§ Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com Ā I need your help! Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say ā many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career.Ā You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because theyāve been recommended by someone they know.Ā Ā Ā The transcript to this podcast is found on the episodeās homepage at Buzzspout | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 158 - Interview with Vicky Weber, Teacher Turned Author | 07 Apr 2022 | 00:29:53 | |
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 157 - A New Resource on Stress Management | 31 Mar 2022 | 00:16:00 | |
Link to The American Institute of Stress:Ā https://www.stress.org/ | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 156 - The First Thing You Need to Know When You are Ready for a Job Change | 24 Mar 2022 | 00:17:30 | |
In this week's episode, Kitty talks about an upcoming webinar workshop (March 24, 2022, at 7:00 PM EST) on the topic of the "3 Secrets of EVERY Job Search." To register for the free event, click on this link:Ā https://event.webinarjam.com/register/46/5724ka3x. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 155 - Interview with Yoga Therapist, Lisa Haskins | 17 Mar 2022 | 00:30:22 | |
This week, Kitty interviews Virginia teacher and yoga therapist Lisa Haskins. Lisa has been a teacher in the Alexandria City schools for over 20 years and a yoga practitioner for over 30 years.Ā She is a certified Positive Psychology trainer who has completed foundational training in Trauma Center- Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). Lisa has guided and facilitated workshops on therapeutic yoga for stress and anxiety regulation and management, boundaries and compassionate assertiveness in communication, and intention setting for lifestyle balance and self-care. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 154 - Hard and Soft Skills and Heeding Job Descriptions | 10 Mar 2022 | 00:15:10 | |
In this week's episode, Kitty distinguishes hard skills and soft skills and talks about what they are and how they are different. She also recommends that if you are undertaking a job search, start keeping an inventory of all your skills and distinguish between hard and soft skills for use in your resume. Hard skills are those things that you KNOW and can DO. Soft skills are the people skills that, frankly, many employers consider givens these days, but they are still essential and should not be forgotten. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 153 - The 4 A's of Stress Management (from Everfi) | 03 Mar 2022 | 00:31:17 | |
In this week's episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty talks about an article she found that might help reframe how stressed teachers think about managing their stress more proactively and effectively. She is using an article by Amber Osuba at Everfi.com. The article's title is "Stress Management for Teachers:Ā 16 Activities to Reduce Teachers' Stress," and can be found atĀ https://everfi.com/blog/k-12/strategies-to-support-stress-management-for-teachers/. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 152 - What's Holding You Back? | 24 Feb 2022 | 00:11:45 | |
If you are sitting on the fence trying to decide if it's time to stay or go from your teaching career, it might help if you explored what exactly is holding you back? What are you really afraid of? And might it be possible for you to start a preliminary job search without committing one way or the other so you know what you're getting into before you commit to quitting your current job? | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 151 - Stress and Your Self-Esteem | 17 Feb 2022 | 00:14:04 | |
This week, Kitty talks about the connection between stress and self-esteem. She used a book that she had from back when she was studying to become a stress management coach. In this episode, Chapter 3 offers thoughts about stress and self-esteem. If you are interested in learning more, you might check the book Kitty references in this episode:Ā Ā The Everything Stress Management Book:Ā Practical Ways to Relax, Be Healthy, and Maintain Your Sanity by Eve Adamson. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 150 - What You Need to Do Know if You Want a New Job | 10 Feb 2022 | 00:15:03 | |
It's already the middle (almost) of February, and while reports say that teachers are leaving in droves, the question is where are they all going? And do you want to be one of them? | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 148 - Interview with Rosa Everson | 07 Feb 2022 | 00:27:48 | |
Kitty loves interviewing clients who have successfully transitioned from the classroom into a new professional adventure. In this week's episode, Kitty interviews Rosa Everson, who turned her organizational skills as a classroom teacher into a business organizing the living spaces of her clients. As a result, she has started a business called A Home 4 Everything. Listen to the interview to learn more. | |||
| After the Classroom: The Adventure You Didnāt Know You Were Ready For | 13 Aug 2025 | 00:20:48 | |
To Live Would Be an Awfully Big Adventure (Especially After Teaching) We unpack the 1991 film Hook and its surprising resonance for burned-out educators, creative souls, and those contemplating a career transition. From the chilling moment Peter is asked, āHave you become a pirate?ā to the empowering final message: āTake care of everything smaller than you,ā this episode will inspire you to reclaim your spark - and build a life that gives back. š” In This Episode:
Ā š Keywords: teacher burnout recovery | how to leave teaching | career change for educators | jobs for ex teachers | teacher career transition š ļø Resources Mentioned:
Ā šConnect with and Follow Vanessa I need your help! Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say ā many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career.Ā You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because theyāve been recommended by someone they know.Ā Ā Ā The transcript to this podcast is found on the episodeās homepage at Buzzspout | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 147 - Advice on Managing Stress from the Mayo Clinic | 20 Jan 2022 | 00:14:50 | |
In this week's episode, Kitty talks about stress management and offers four "A's" of stress management offered by the Mayo Clinic. The link to the article is provided here:Ā Ā https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-4-as-of-stress-relief | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 146 - Interview with Brittany Rotskoff | 13 Jan 2022 | 00:15:05 | |
When I have a client who has been successful, I like to share that success. So, today I am excited to share the success of Brittany Rotskoff. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 145 - 10 New Year's Resolutions for Stress Management in 2022 | 06 Jan 2022 | 00:20:21 | |
As we begin 2022, there are still many unknowns and uncertainties and we all wish we could have behind us already. COVID variants, political unrest, and climate change are just a few of the issues that come to mind that can cause stress. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 144 - Jumpstart Your Job Search in the New Year | 30 Dec 2021 | 00:10:34 | |
This episode promotes Kitty's program, "Jumpstart Your Job Search" offered for the last time for 20% off. Listen for more details or check out the program at https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-program-2-0-program/. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 143 - How to De-stress During the Holidays | 23 Dec 2021 | 00:14:11 | |
The holidays are a "happy" time of year, but they can also be stressful. Many people are missing loved ones who have passed away, and while it is always bittersweet, those "firsts" can be especially hard, especially the first Christmas. I know because I lost my brother this year, and this will be the first Christmas without him. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 142- Why You Should be Job Hunting During the Holidays | 16 Dec 2021 | 00:12:56 | |
It may sound counter-intuitive, but if you are job hunting, you should keep it up during the holidays rather than taking a break during these weeks leading up to Christmas and the New Year. I offered advice about that in Episode 39 of "Teacher in Transition" and I have written about it including an article in ForbesĀ entitled Ā "Job Hunting During The Holidays: Should You Wait Until The New Year?" | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 141 - A Few Tips for Coping - Stress, Depression, and the Holidays | 09 Dec 2021 | 00:11:59 | |
Everyone deals with the holidays differently. And for some people, stress and depression are part of the holiday landscape. 7 ways to de-stress during the holidays. Just enter your email below and we'll deliver the guide to your inbox! Just click here:Ā https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-how-to-de-stress-during-the-holidays/. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 140 - How to Start a New Job Search | 02 Dec 2021 | 00:13:56 | |
Today's episode was inspired by a list of 7 things you should do if you want to start a new job search. Kitty took issue not so much with the 7 things themselves but with the order of the items. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 139 - A Thanksgiving Message - Rest, Recharge, and Take Stock | 25 Nov 2021 | 00:05:59 | |
A short and sweet Thanksgiving message from Kitty Boitnott, Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach to burnt-out teachers who are ready for a change. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 138 - The Great Resignation and Teachers | 18 Nov 2021 | 00:17:33 | |
The news media is hyping the "Great Resignation," and people are indeed leaving their jobs in record numbers. Unfortunately, it's also true for teachers. Many are just fed up and ready to look for something new to do with their lives. | |||
| Teachers in Transition Ep. 263: Never Give Up, Never Surrender: Galaxy Quest and Battling Impostor Syndrome | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:20:03 | |
What can a sci-fi comedy teach us about burnout, imposter syndrome, and teacher career transitions? A lot, actually. In this episode, Vanessa Jacksonāformer educator turned career transition coachādives into Galaxy Quest to explore how pretending can lead to reality, why martyrdom in teaching needs to end, and how your āteacher skillsā translate far beyond the classroom. This episode is for every educator whoās ever felt like the āplucky comic relief,ā every burned-out teacher who wonders if itās too late to start over, and everyone who needs a reminder that beliefāespecially borrowed beliefācan be a lifeline. Takeaways
Ā š» Helpful Links & Resources:
Ā š Keywords šConnect with and Follow Vanessa I need your help! Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say ā many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career.Ā You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because theyāve been recommended by someone they know.Ā Ā Ā The transcript to this podcast is found on the episodeās homepage at Buzzspout | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 137 - Should You Reframe How You Think about Stress? | 11 Nov 2021 | 00:16:00 | |
Everyone is stressed and many are trying to figure out ways to deal with the stress. This week, Kitty talks about the way we think about stress and offers that based on research and the work of Kelly McGonigal, it is possible to feel differently about stress by reframing the way we think about stress. To hear Kelly McGonigal's TED Talk about that topic, click here: Ā | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 136 - Don't Let Who You Are Define Who You Want to Become | 04 Nov 2021 | 00:11:49 | |
Many teachers feel stuck when they start to think about leaving the classroom. They can't imagine what else they are "qualified" to do, and it makes them feel helpless and even hopeless. | |||
| Teachers in Transition - Episode 135 - Kinds Of Stress You May Experience | 28 Oct 2021 | 00:15:27 | |
There are three kinds of stress that you may experience at any point in time:Ā acute anxiety, episodic stress, and chronic stress. | |||