85 After School: Teacher Stories for K12 Educators

Nicole

📌 Curious about what retired life will be like when you stop teaching? Wonder no more! 🎧 Each episode of the 85 After School podcast features a retired teacher who shares their career highs, hilarious and sentimental stories, as well as the exciting adventures that keep them thriving post-teaching. You’ll also gain career insights and tips for your own retirement planning. 🇨🇦 If you are a Canadian teacher, no matter if you’re just starting out or you’ve got one year left, you won’t want to miss the stories, advice and ideas shared in every episode. 🌟 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at 85 After School. 👩🏻 Interested in being a guest? Connect with us directly at 85afterschool@gmail.com 📺 All information, advice and stories shared are for entertainment purposes only.

  1. S3E4 From Snow Boots to Sandals - Mary Shares Her Teacher Stories

    JAN 29

    S3E4 From Snow Boots to Sandals - Mary Shares Her Teacher Stories

    👧🏻 Mary knew she wanted to teach from the moment she walked into kindergarten. By her late teens she was already teaching Grade 8, beginning a fifty-year journey through education that would take unexpected turns. 🏝️ She pivoted into high-needs schools as an itinerant counsellor, reluctantly stepped into the principalship, then “retired” straight into leading an elementary school in Dominica—where curiosity pulled her into pursuing a doctorate. ☎️ But the episode’s most gripping moment? An overseas call from Belgium police where one of her students was being detained and identified Mary as her contact. Name: Mary Years in education: 50+ Position retired from: Principal (TCDSB) and Ross Preparatory School for Ross Medical School, Dominica West Indies Years retired: 18 What passions keep Mary busy now? - Consulting and Coaching - Involvement in Social Justice projects - Canadian Congress of Diversity - Supporting two NGOs - Personal Health and Wellness - Family engagements, especially with the grandchildren! Contact Information for Mary Website: https://marygrogan.com/ FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/drmarygrogan Book “The 7 Cs of Global Leadership: An Inward Journey to Tapping Into Your Potential”: https://shorturl.at/6ZauR _____________________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website https://85afterschool.wordpress.com 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us 85afterschool@gmail.com 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning https://shorturl.at/BF2ay 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ https://shorturl.at/D9FEX 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay https://shorturl.at/hYLlG _______________________________________________

    35 min
  2. S3E3 Hallway Hustle: Lessons from the Rush - Kevin Shares His Teacher Stories

    JAN 15

    S3E3 Hallway Hustle: Lessons from the Rush - Kevin Shares His Teacher Stories

    🚌 After 35 years in BC’s K–12 education system, Kevin thrived on what he calls an “urgency addiction”—the nonstop pace, constant decisions, and hallway hustle of school life. 🏀 As a coach, mentor, and educational leader, he later captured his thinking in A Year of Leading, using vivid metaphors to make leadership learning stick. ⚡️But one unexpected moment forced Kevin to slow down and confront a question many educators avoid: what happens when the work you love starts to cost too much? 🎧 In this episode, Kevin shares the turning point that made him reflect on stepping away. Name: Kevin Years in education: 35 Position retired from: BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association Executive Director Years retired: 2 What passions keep Kevin busy now? - Three-cord guitar lessons - Competitive kettlebell sport athlete training for the Western Canadian Championship - Coaching business to support school leaders and educators Kevin’s Book: A Year of Leading: A 40 Week Leadership Compass for Principals and Vice-Principals.  https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069548200 _____________________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website https://85afterschool.wordpress.com 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us 85afterschool@gmail.com 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning https://shorturl.at/BF2ay 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ https://shorturl.at/D9FEX 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay https://shorturl.at/hYLlG _______________________________________________

    37 min
  3. S3E2 Connections Over Control - Jill Shares Teacher Stories

    2025-10-16

    S3E2 Connections Over Control - Jill Shares Teacher Stories

    From a one-room prairie schoolhouse to leading conversations on trust, empathy, and connection, Jill has redefined what it means to teach and lead. Her journey transforms control into collaboration and conflict into growth. And wait till she reveals her essential advice for teachers still in the classroom... HINT: financial planning! Name: Jill Years in education: 28 Position retired from: Elementary Music/Drama Teacher Years retired: 2 What passions keep Jill busy now? Running her own Coaching/Communication business Contact for Jill: Communications Expert: Keynote, Coaching & Workshops ⁠www.jillmcpherson.com⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ https://www.facebook.com/jill.i.mcpherson/ ⁠Instagram⁠ https://www.instagram.com/mcpherson.jill/ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Tiktok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jillmcpherson11?lang=en Subscribe to Jill's YouTube channel ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCJ-DOimYZZXAvWQXZxEHOg⁠ ____________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website ⁠https://85afterschool.wordpress.com⁠ 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us ⁠85afterschool@gmail.com⁠ 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning ⁠https://shorturl.at/BF2ay⁠ 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ ⁠https://shorturl.at/D9FEX⁠ 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay ⁠https://shorturl.at/hYLlG⁠ ________________________________________

    39 min
  4. S3E1 Former Famous Students - Teachers Share Famous Students They Have Taught!

    2025-09-18

    S3E1 Former Famous Students - Teachers Share Famous Students They Have Taught!

    🤔 Ever wondered what it’s like to teach someone before they became a household name? 🎧 In today’s episode, 🇨🇦 Canadian teachers share unforgettable stories about their famous former students—actors, singers, athletes, and more. You’ll hear how Drake’s mom reacted when he got a detention (or two), and the surprising letter Nathan Fillion once wrote to his science teacher. Not every story ends in glory—some students became known for the wrong reasons. 📻 This episode is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact teachers have and the joy (and heartbreak) of watching students’ lives unfold. ________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website https://85afterschool.wordpress.com 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us 85afterschool@gmail.com 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning https://shorturl.at/BF2ay 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ https://shorturl.at/D9FEX 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay https://shorturl.at/FrSZh ________________________________

    18 min
  5. S2E28 -  New Lane. Same Drive: Transforming How Schools Thrive - Dean Shares His Teacher Career Pivot Story

    2025-08-21

    S2E28 -  New Lane. Same Drive: Transforming How Schools Thrive - Dean Shares His Teacher Career Pivot Story

    What makes a passionate teacher walk away after 23 years—not out of burnout, but with purpose? In this final episode of our Special Summer Series, Dean shares how he carried his love of teaching into an unexpected new career. He’s not done teaching—he’s just doing it in a different arena. And what he’s discovering in the corporate world might just be the wake-up call education needs. Curious? You’ll want to hear the one insight he says schools are missing—and how it’s reshaping his view on learning itself. Name: Dean Years in education: 23 Last Position Held in Education: Elementary Teacher Years Since Pivot: 13 What is the greatest reward having pivoted away from teaching? - The variety of opportunities within the corporate training world ____________________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website https://85afterschool.wordpress.com 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us 85afterschool@gmail.com 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning https://shorturl.at/BF2ay 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ https://shorturl.at/D9FEX 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay https://shorturl.at/hYLlG _______________________________________________________

    31 min
  6. S2E27 -  Un”Locke”ing Life: More Than a Mentor - Jo-Anne Shares Her Teacher Career Pivot Story

    2025-08-07

    S2E27 -  Un”Locke”ing Life: More Than a Mentor - Jo-Anne Shares Her Teacher Career Pivot Story

    What would you do if you only had 7 years left in teaching but couldn’t imagine going into work? After 23 years as a teacher, Jo-Anne faced a breaking point—low morale and unexpected challenges pushed her to reconsider everything. Then, a chance encounter sparked a bold new direction. Taking a risk, she pivoted away from the familiar and launched something completely different. With surprising support and a fresh mission, Jo-Anne’s journey is a powerful story of reinvention and courage. Tune in to hear how she found her way—and why she’s never looked back! Name: Jo-Anne Years in education: 30 Last Position Held in Education: Elementary Music Teacher Years Since Pivot: 11 months! What is the greatest reward having pivoted away from teaching? “My greatest reward is growing a business that is suitable to my values of a creative lifestyle filled with the flexibility of choice — a lifestyle that can include family and friend activities, long walks, days filled with hobbies, watching plants grow,  waking up everyday and having choices about what "work" will look like — all that and not feeling rushed.  The ability to work and advocate one-on-one with children in foster care and their families makes me feel so effective.” - Jo-Anne from Locke Mentoring Contact Jo-Anne: www.lockementoring.ca __________________________________________________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website https://85afterschool.wordpress.com 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us 85afterschool@gmail.com 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning https://shorturl.at/BF2ay 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ https://shorturl.at/D9FEX 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay https://shorturl.at/hYLlG __________________________________________________________________________

    36 min
  7. S2E26  Sold on Change: A Teacher’s Leap into Real Estate - Anuja Shares Her Teacher Career Pivot Story

    2025-07-24

    S2E26  Sold on Change: A Teacher’s Leap into Real Estate - Anuja Shares Her Teacher Career Pivot Story

    Ready to be inspired? In this episode of our special summer series Teacher Career-Pivot Stories, meet Anuja—a former secondary teacher of 17 years who boldly transitioned into real estate. Now the founder of Seamless Rightsizing: Full Service Real Estate for Seniors, she helps seniors downsize with heart. Find out what advice Anuja has for those who are scared to take the leap away from teaching. Tune in for an empowering story of reinvention! Name: Anuja Years in education: 17 Last Position Held in Education: Head of Equity, Student Success (Secondary High School) Years Since Pivot: 3 What is the greatest reward having pivoted away from teaching? - Creativity in doing my work - Being able to control my own schedule - Taking time with family (like going to my children’s school to volunteer) __________________________________________________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website https://85afterschool.wordpress.com 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us 85afterschool@gmail.com 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning https://shorturl.at/BF2ay 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ https://shorturl.at/D9FEX 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay https://shorturl.at/hYLlG __________________________________________________________________________

    27 min
  8. S2E25 Teacher Goes Legal, Then Goes Global - Jennifer Shares Her Teacher Career Pivot Story

    2025-07-10

    S2E25 Teacher Goes Legal, Then Goes Global - Jennifer Shares Her Teacher Career Pivot Story

    Jennifer loved teaching, but the weight of endless responsibilities left her burned out. In this episode of our special Teacher Career-Pivot Stories series, discover how she transitioned into corporate training and boldly co-founded Captains & Poets—a K–12 program that's transforming education by fostering self-awareness, connection, and well-being. Her inspiring journey might just spark your own leap of faith. It’s all part of the Teacher Career-Pivot Stories series. Name: Jennifer Years in education: 8 Last Position Held in Education: Department Head, Special Education Years Since Pivot: 24 What is the greatest reward having pivoted away from teaching? - Freedom to chart my own course Contact Jennifer: Co-Founder, Captains & Poets www.captainsandpoets.com @captainspoets on Instagram, X, FB https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-johnson-37a9514/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/captainsandpoets/ Sign up for Captains & Poets Newsletter https://shorturl.at/wMqS2 __________________________________________________________________________ 🎧 Follow @85AfterSchool on ⁠IG, FB⁠ and YouTube 👩🏻‍💻Visit Our Website https://85afterschool.wordpress.com 🎙️Want to be a guest on the show? Email Us 85afterschool@gmail.com 📔Looking for Teaching Career & Retirement Planning Advice? Smart Teacher: Teacher Career & Retirement Planning https://shorturl.at/BF2ay 📗Feeling anxious about retirement? ⁠Retire-Mint: Fresh Starts and New Beginnings⁠ https://shorturl.at/D9FEX 📘Looking for a proven solution to teach reluctant writers in K-8? ⁠Power Writing: From Paragraph to Essay https://shorturl.at/hYLlG __________________________________________________________________________

    35 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

📌 Curious about what retired life will be like when you stop teaching? Wonder no more! 🎧 Each episode of the 85 After School podcast features a retired teacher who shares their career highs, hilarious and sentimental stories, as well as the exciting adventures that keep them thriving post-teaching. You’ll also gain career insights and tips for your own retirement planning. 🇨🇦 If you are a Canadian teacher, no matter if you’re just starting out or you’ve got one year left, you won’t want to miss the stories, advice and ideas shared in every episode. 🌟 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at 85 After School. 👩🏻 Interested in being a guest? Connect with us directly at 85afterschool@gmail.com 📺 All information, advice and stories shared are for entertainment purposes only.

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