Beyond the Classroom with Lisa Harding

Teacher Career Transition Academy
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Have you ever wished you had an experienced mentor with over a decade of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring teachers for roles outside of the classroom whispering success secrets into your ear? That’s exactly what you’ll get when you tune into the Teacher Career Transition Podcast, with your host, former EdTech CEO turned certified teacher career cost, Lisa Harding. Her specialty? Helping teachers follow a proven 4-step method for leaving the classroom to find a career that brings them joy and happiness. Tune in, get inspired, and get ready to discover why thousands of teacher

  1. 4d ago

    #112: What Actually Helps Teachers Get Hired

    What actually helps teachers get hired during a career transition? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m breaking down some of the biggest things that genuinely help former teachers gain traction during the job search process—from career clarity and transferable skills to networking, confidence, and becoming “recruiter-ready.” We’ll talk about:  Why clarity matters more than random applying  How to position your teaching experience strategically  The transferable skills employers are actually looking for  Why networking matters more than most teachers realize  What hiring managers are evaluating beyond your resume  How consistency and structure create momentum during a transition  If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure how to stand out outside the classroom, this episode will help you focus on what actually moves the needle during a career transition.  Links from Episode:» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

  2. Jul 14

    #111: You Are Not Running Out of Time

    Feeling discouraged because summer is flying by and you still don’t have your career transition fully figured out? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about the pressure so many teachers feel in July—the panic that starts creeping in when school feels closer, timelines feel shorter, and it seems like everyone else has everything figured out.  We’ll talk about:  Why career transitions rarely happen overnight  The hidden progress teachers often overlook  How social media creates unrealistic expectations  Why you are NOT “behind” if you’re still figuring things out  The emotional pressure tied to the school-year calendar  How small, intentional momentum creates real change over time   If you’ve been feeling anxious, discouraged, or like you “wasted your summer” because you don’t have a new job yet, this episode is for you.  Links from Episode:» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

  3. Jul 7

    #110: The Messy Middle: How Sally Found Her New Path, One Step at a Time

    What if the hardest part of your career transition… is how long it takes?  For Sally Del Llano, the decision to leave teaching didn’t happen overnight. After nearly two decades in special education, she knew as early as 2016 that she couldn’t sustain the pace long-term. But it would take eight more years of planning, saving, and navigating real-life responsibilities before she was finally able to step away from the classroom.  In this Messy Middle conversation, Sally shares what it really looks like to transition careers over time and why a nonlinear path doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.  From discovering new interests during a sabbatical, to landing a part-time “bridge role” that helped clarify her direction, to learning entirely new skills in her late 40s—her journey is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.  We talk about:  ✨ Why career transitions often take longer than you expect  ✨ How to move forward without a perfectly mapped-out plan  ✨ The role of “bridge jobs” in building clarity and confidence  ✨ What it looks like to balance family, finances, and career change  ✨ And how to navigate the overwhelm of modern job searching  If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure if you’re doing this “right”…. This episode will remind you that there’s no one path forward, only the one you keep choosing.  Links from Episode:  » Connect with Sally:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-del-llano  » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

  4. Jun 30

    #109: From Teacher to Nonprofit Managing Director with Amber Shields

    After spending 11 years in education, including roles as a kindergarten teacher, third grade teacher, instructional coach, and elementary principal–Amber Shields wasn't actively looking for a new job. But one unexpected phone call from a former colleague changed everything. Today, Amber serves as a Managing Director for a nonprofit organization, where she partners with school districts across her community to improve outcomes for children and families while enjoying greater balance, flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.In this insightful conversation, Teacher Career Transition Academy Career Coach Meagan Johnson sits down with Amber to discuss how networking opened the door to her career transition, why teachers have more transferable skills than they realize, and what hiring managers are truly looking for when educators apply for roles outside the classroom. Together, they discuss: How one professional connection led to an unexpected career opportunityWhy separating your identity from your job title is one of the hardest parts of leaving educationWhat a Managing Director in the nonprofit sector actually doesHow teachers can better communicate their transferable skills during interviewsWhy networking and LinkedIn are essential tools for career transitionWhat hiring managers look for when interviewing former educatorsHow to negotiate a job offer with confidence—and why it's about more than just salaryHow her transition created more balance, flexibility, and capacity for both family and personal growthWhether you're interested in nonprofit work or simply wondering what life after teaching could look like, this episode offers practical advice, honest encouragement, and a powerful reminder that the skills you've built in education can open doors to meaningful opportunities far beyond the classroom. Links from Episode:» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

  5. Jun 23

    #108: The Messy Middle: How Christina’s Faith Carried Her Through a Career Breaking Point 

    After years of navigating an incredibly challenging classroom environment, Christina Howard reached a moment where everything came to a halt—physically, emotionally, and professionally.  After enduring some incredibly heavy moments during her teaching career, Christina reached a point where she knew she needed a different path forward.  But what came next wasn’t a clear plan or an easy transition. It was uncertainty, fear, and a decision to keep moving forward one step at a time.  In this powerful Messy Middle conversation, Christina shares how her faith became the foundation that carried her through one of the hardest seasons of her life and how she began rebuilding from the ground up.  We talk about:  ✨ What it looks like to reach a true breaking point in your career  ✨ How to take action when you don’t know what’s next  ✨ The unexpected opportunities that can change everything  ✨ Why your skills are more transferable than you think ✨ And how faith, support, and resilience can help you keep moving forward   If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to take that next step…  This episode will remind you that you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.  Sometimes, you just need the courage to take the next step and something to lean on along the way.  Links from Episode:  » Connect with Christina:  www.linkedin.com/in/christina-e-howard » Check out Christina's Book:  https://a.co/d/02QKRF6b  » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

  6. Jun 16

    #107: Why Your Job Search Might Feel So Draining

    Does your job search feel emotionally exhausting lately?In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about why career transitions can feel so mentally and emotionally draining for teachers—and what you can do to make the process feel more manageable. We’ll talk about:  Why job searching can trigger overwhelm and burnout  The emotional weight of rejection and uncertainty  How overapplying can actually make you feel more stuck  The hidden pressure teachers put on themselves during a transition  Why structure and focus matter more than constant hustle  Practical ways to protect your energy while still making progress  If you’ve been feeling discouraged, mentally exhausted, or like your transition is taking longer than expected, this episode will remind you that you’re not failing—you’re navigating a major life transition.  Links from Episode:» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

  7. Jun 9

    #106: You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out Yet

    Do you feel stuck because you still don’t know exactly what career you want after teaching?  In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about one of the biggest things keeping teachers stuck during a career transition: the belief that you need complete clarity and confidence before you can move forward.  We’ll talk about:  Why uncertainty is a normal part of career transitions  The pressure teachers put on themselves to “figure it all out”  How perfectionism creates paralysis  Why confidence often comes after action—not before  The difference between needing certainty vs. needing direction  How to build momentum even when you don’t have all the answers yet  If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by too many options, afraid of making the “wrong” choice, or frustrated that you still don’t have your future perfectly mapped out… this episode is for you.  Links from Episode:» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

  8. Jun 8

    #105: From Teacher to Prison Educator with Samantha Laca

    After 10 years teaching elementary school, Samantha Laca reached a breaking point.Like many educators, she loved teaching—but she no longer felt safe, supported, or able to focus on what she entered the profession to do. Increasing behavioral challenges, safety concerns, and growing frustration with the traditional school environment led her to explore an unexpected alternative. Today, Samantha works as an Adult Education Teacher inside a California correctional facility, helping incarcerated adults improve their literacy skills, prepare for the GED, and build opportunities for a different future. In this fascinating conversation, Teacher Career Transition Academy team member Meagan Johnson sits down with Samantha to discuss what prison education actually looks like and why she says she's safer, happier, and healthier than she was teaching elementary school. Together, they discuss: Why Samantha decided it was time to leave the traditional classroomHow she discovered prison education as a career optionWhat a typical day looks like teaching incarcerated adultsSafety, work-life balance, and salary expectationsHow her teaching skills transferred to this unique settingThe hiring process and requirements for prison education jobsWhy this role helped her rediscover her love of teachingWhether prison education is a path you'd consider for yourself or not, this episode is a powerful reminder that there are teaching opportunities beyond the traditional classroom—and sometimes the most fulfilling careers are the ones we never expected. Links from Episode:» Join our FREE Virtual Summit June 13th: https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/teacher-transition-career-event» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.» Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

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Have you ever wished you had an experienced mentor with over a decade of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring teachers for roles outside of the classroom whispering success secrets into your ear? That’s exactly what you’ll get when you tune into the Teacher Career Transition Podcast, with your host, former EdTech CEO turned certified teacher career cost, Lisa Harding. Her specialty? Helping teachers follow a proven 4-step method for leaving the classroom to find a career that brings them joy and happiness. Tune in, get inspired, and get ready to discover why thousands of teacher

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