Teachers Transitions Podcast

Alexander Kirton
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Education
  • Updated Daily

Are you a teacher navigating the next steps in your career? Whether you're transitioning into education, moving up the ranks, or stepping into a brand-new path beyond the classroom, this podcast is for you! Join us as we share insights, real stories, and expert advice to help educators like you embrace change with confidence. From professional growth to career pivots, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. Your transition starts now—let’s dive in!

  1. 20h ago

    Episode 29: Allen Whitehead: Music Director to CEO of Tech Entreprenuer

    In this insightful interview, Alan Whitehead shares his journey from music educator to tech entrepreneur, offering practical advice for teachers considering career transitions into technology and leadership. Discover strategies for overcoming fears, leveraging classroom skills, and building a successful new career. keywordsteacher career transition, tech industry, resume tips, networking, resilience, education to tech, Teach to Tech Acceleratorkey topics Transferable classroom skills into tech and leadershipOvercoming fears and doubts in career transitionEffective networking and personal branding for teachersUsing AI tools for resume optimizationThe emotional and identity shift in career changeFrom Classroom to Cloud: Teachers Breaking into TechThe Resilient Teacher's Guide to Career Change"Teachers are basically CEOs every day""It's okay to choose yourself first""Networking is your most valuable resource"Alan Whitehead 00:00Introduction to Teacher Transitions 02:35Alan's Journey from Music Educator to Tech Entrepreneur 05:42Facing Fears and Doubts in Career Transition 10:12The Moment of Realization: It's Possible 12:15Understanding Entry-Level Positions in Tech 13:58Transferable Skills: From Classroom to Corporate 17:40Communicating Resilience in Your Resume 20:17The Importance of Networking and ATS Optimization 23:14Building a Strong Network 25:48Taking Action: First Steps for Transitioning Careers 29:49Navigating AI in Resume Writing 32:40The Teach to Tech Accelerator Program39:25Transitioning from Teaching to Corporate 40:14Lessons from Teaching in Business 42:37Networking with Authenticity 46:00Choosing Yourself: Reinventing Your Career 48:42 TTP NEW OUTRO.mp3Resources Guest links

    49 min

  2. Jun 8

    Episode 28 :From Classroom to Leadership: Superintendent Dr. Ratliff's Journey and Insights Mastering the Principal Interview: Secrets from Dr. Ratliff-

    In this insightful interview, Dr. Ratliff shares her journey from classroom teacher to educational leader, emphasizing the importance of relationships, real-world skills, and mentorship in leadership development. She discusses her Executive Leadership Academy, designed to prepare aspiring principals for success, and offers practical advice for navigating career transitions, interviews, and crisis management in education. keywords educational leadership, principalship, mentorship, career transition, crisis management, leadership skills, teacher to principal, leadership academy, school culture, urban education key topics Career progression from teacher to principal Importance of relationships in leadership Skills learned through experience and mentorship Details of the Executive Leadership Academy Crisis management in school sound bites "You just have to jump in sometimes" "We are here for kids" "Show up sharp and professional" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ratliff 02:08 The Journey from Teacher to Leader 06:09 Shifting Mindsets for Leadership 10:35 Standing Out in Principal Interviews 15:53 Learning from Leadership Mistakes 20:54 Real-World Leadership Skills 25:03 Navigating Different Educational Environments 29:09 Crisis Management in Leadership 32:49 Launching the Executive Leadership Academy 36:19 Readiness for Leadership Roles resources Aspiring School Principals Program - https://www.aspiringschoolprincipals.com

    41 min

  3. Jun 1

    Episode 27: Erin John Founder of Chalk to CEO-Unlocking Your Teaching Experience for New Opportunities

    In this insightful interview, Erin Johnson, founder of Chalk to CEO, shares her journey from classroom teaching to transforming educators into successful career changers. Discover practical strategies for resume building, navigating career transitions, and leveraging your teaching experience for new opportunities. Key topics: Teacher career transition strategies Resume optimization for educators Leveraging teaching impact in job search sound bites "You are the SME—subject matter expert in your classroom" "Write down your impact, not just your duties" "Make your resume ATS-friendly with the right keywords" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chalk to CEO and Erin Johnson 02:20 The Inspiration Behind Chalk to CEO 04:17 Personal Transition Story from Teacher to Consultant 07:23 Understanding the Financial Realities of Transitioning Careers 10:16 The Importance of Curriculum Alignment in Education 12:27 Empowering Teachers: The Mindset Shift Needed 14:23 Crafting a Resume That Stands Out 17:54 Navigating ATS and Job Applications 19:51 Services Offered by Chalk to CEO 21:14 Navigating Career Transitions for Teachers 23:57 Understanding Salary Expectations in New Roles 25:37 Exploring Side Gigs and Contract Opportunities 27:02 Preparing for Interviews and Overcoming Experience Gaps 29:51 The Importance of Professional Support 30:58 Timing and Seasons for Job Opportunities 32:29 Managing References During Job Searches 34:33 Ongoing Support and Coaching for Career Growth 36:19 Encouragement for Teachers Feeling Stuck resources Chalk to CEO - https://chalk2ceo.com Keywords: teacher career transition, resume tips, EdTech jobs, educator career change, ATS optimization, professional development, teaching impact, job search strategies

    41 min

  4. Jun 1

    Episode 26-Lola Paul-From Classroom to Boardroom: How Educators Can Transition to Business

    In this insightful interview, Lola Paul shares her journey from educator to successful entrepreneur, highlighting the transferable skills from teaching to project management and business development. She offers practical advice for educators considering career transitions, emphasizing resilience, strategic planning, and leveraging AI tools.keywordscareer transition, educators, project management, entrepreneurship, skills transfer, resilience, AI tools, professional development key topics Transferable skills from teaching to businessStrategic planning and reverse engineering career goalsOvercoming challenges and resilience in career transitionFrom Classroom to Boardroom: How Educators Can Transition to BusinessThe Teacher's Guide to Project Management and Entrepreneurship"Support systems change how we move""Start your first day at work""Your resume should tell your story"Lola the Manager on TikTokLola the Manager on YouTubeLola the Manager on InstagramLola the Manager on TwitterTikTokYouTubeInstagramTwitter Chapters00:00 Introduction to Teacher Transitions 01:57 Lola Paul's Journey into Education 05:55 Transitioning from Teaching to Business 09:46 Navigating Challenges in Education 17:39 The Impact of Uncertainty and Resilience 23:32 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 28:04 Embracing the First Day: A Teacher's Journey 32:17 Overcoming Procrastination: Taking Action in Education 34:01 Leveraging Skills: Transitioning from Education to Other Fields 38:02 Creating an Action Plan: Reverse Engineering Success 43:05 Valuing Educator Skills: The Transferable Nature of Teaching 47:58 Building a Portfolio: Showcasing Your Skills and ProjectsResourcesGuest links

    54 min

  5. May 19

    Episode 25 Teacher Retirement Secrets: What Every Educator Needs to Know About TRS with Diana Hinojosa

    In this insightful interview, Diana Hinojosa shares her journey from teaching to becoming a financial advisor, offering valuable advice on retirement planning, misconceptions about TRS, and how teachers can leverage social media for additional income streams.keywordsTeacher retirement, TRS, financial planning, side income, social media, retirement misconceptions, Texas teachers, insurance, financial independencekey topics Teacher retirement misconceptionsUnderstanding the rule of 80 and rule of 90Strategies for additional income streams for teachersLeveraging social media for incomeTransitioning from teaching to retirementMastering Teacher Retirement: 5 Key Facts Every Educator Must KnowFrom Classroom to Financial Freedom: Diana Hinojosa's Journey"TRS can reduce your income by 30 to 40 percent""Start early with IRAs and other investments""Leverage social media to generate income"Diana Hinojosa Chapters00:00Introduction to Teacher Transitions 01:28 The Journey to Retirement Considerations 07:01 Transitioning from Teaching to Financial Advising 09:54 Understanding TRS Misconceptions 12:15 Explaining the Rule of 80 and Retirement Eligibility 14:27 Preparing for Transitioning Out of Teaching 17:28 Social Security Points Explained 19:44 Advice for Upcoming Retirees 21:18 Impact of Higher Positions on Retirement Benefits 24:05 Distinguishing TRS from 403B Plans 25:32 Exploring Additional Income Streams for Teachers 29:57 Transferable Skills: Teachers in Sales 31:48 Building a Personal Brand: The Journey of TRS Teacher 34:01 Leveraging Social Media for Income 39:24 Actionable Steps for Financial Growth 41:47 Redefining Identity Beyond the Classroom 45:35 Final Thoughts on Transitioning and Financial Planning

    50 min

  6. May 13

    Episode 24 Young, Gifted, and Teaching: Navigating Education Authentically with Anaia Lachelle

    In this inspiring interview, Anayla Lachelle shares her journey from criminal justice to teaching and social work, highlighting the importance of authenticity, community service, and the freedom to pivot in your career. Discover her insights on navigating challenges as a young teacher, embracing change, and leveraging social media for impact.keywordsteaching, career transition, social work, education, social media, community service, teacher burnout, career pivot, diversity in education, teacher advicekey topics Career transitions from criminal justice to teaching and social workThe importance of authenticity and community in educationOvercoming challenges as a young teacher and person of colorUsing social media to inspire and connect educatorsThe mindset shift needed for veteran teachers to embrace changeFrom Criminal Justice to Classroom: Anayla Schell's Inspiring JourneyThe Power of Pivot: How One Teacher Embraces Change and Growth"I switched to education during COVID.""Second grade was definitely it for me.""My faith guides my decisions."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anaya's Journey 01:01 Transitioning Through Education and Social Work 03:59 Experiences in Teaching Second and Fifth Grade 08:02 Influence of Family in Education 10:02 Navigating Career Paths and Future Aspirations 11:57 Advice for Veteran Teachers16:00Impact and Relationships in Teaching 17:52 The Musical Journey Begins 19:23 Music as a Tool for Connection 20:32 Balancing Music and Teaching 21:15 Building Confidence Through Music 24:43 Navigating Racial Bias in Education 27:23 Overcoming Competition Among Teachers 33:51 The Role of Social Media in Education 35:14 Faith and Guidance in Transitions 35:47 Advice for Aspiring Educators

    44 min

  7. May 6

    Episode 23: Music Teacher and National Clinician to Aspiring Fine Arts Administrator

    In this episode of Teachers Transitions Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with veteran music educator, clinician, and leader Kristin Vogt for a rich conversation about purpose, passion, and growth in education. Kristin shares her unexpected journey from oboe performance and music theory into elementary music education, revealing how she found her true calling in the classroom. With more than 23 years of teaching experience, Kristin offers powerful insight into the importance of quality elementary music instruction, the impact of the Kodály approach, and why “only the best is good enough for a child.” She also reflects on leadership, professional development, presenting at conferences, and what it means to keep growing even when the next door has not opened yet. This episode is filled with wisdom for teachers who are considering whether to transition in, up, or out of education. Kristin reminds educators that sometimes you may not need a new career—you may simply need a new environment, a new challenge, or a renewed connection to your “why.” This is an inspiring conversation for music educators, classroom teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone who believes that what teachers do truly matters.

    54 min

  8. Apr 28

    Episode 22: "Come on in the. Room with Mr. H/ Keldric Holmes-Dance Major to Elementary School Teacher

    In this powerful and entertaining episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with rising educator and content creator Keldric Holmes—a third-grade teacher whose humor, honesty, and authenticity have captivated audiences across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. Known for sharing the real, unfiltered moments of classroom life, Keldric opens up about his unexpected journey into education—from pursuing dance to finding purpose in the classroom. He speaks candidly about the challenges of teaching, including burnout, emotional demands, and the many unseen roles educators take on every day. Together, Alex and Keldric dive into meaningful conversations around: The realities of being a young male educator in today’s classroomsThe emotional toll and rewards of teachingWhy representation and mentorship matter for studentsBalancing teaching with a growing social media platformTaking ownership of your career path and embracing changeKeldric also shares hilarious, real-life classroom moments that will have every teacher nodding in agreement—and laughing out loud. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about making an impact in the lives of children. It’s a reminder that teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling, a journey, and sometimes, a stepping stone to something even greater. Connect with Keldric Holmes: Follow Keldric on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @KeldricHolmes for daily laughs and real classroom moments. About the Host: Alex Kirton is a veteran educator of 27 years, a husband, father of two, and the host of Teachers Transition Podcast, where he empowers educators to transition in, up, and through every stage of their careers.

    38 min
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5
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About

Are you a teacher navigating the next steps in your career? Whether you're transitioning into education, moving up the ranks, or stepping into a brand-new path beyond the classroom, this podcast is for you! Join us as we share insights, real stories, and expert advice to help educators like you embrace change with confidence. From professional growth to career pivots, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. Your transition starts now—let’s dive in!

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