Teachers Transitions Podcast

Alexander Kirton

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. 3d ago

    Episode 33:Caitlin O'Reilly-Teacher Burnout Made Her Walk Away—What Happened Next Changed Everything

    summary In this episode, Caitlin O'Reilly shares her raw and honest journey of leaving a decade-long teaching career, navigating burnout, and finding new purpose. Alexander Kirton explores the emotional and practical aspects of career transition in education. keywords teacher burnout, career transition, education, mental health, teaching, burnout recovery, TikTok, life after teaching, professional growth, emotional health key topics Teacher burnout and mental health The emotional journey of career transition The impact of COVID-19 on teaching and burnout The importance of therapy and self-care for teachers Navigating the unknown and embracing change The power of storytelling and community support Practical steps for leaving a teaching job responsibly The role of social media in sharing teacher experiences takeaways Teachers need to prioritize mental health and self-care. Burnout can be a sign to explore new career paths. Healing requires time, reflection, and support. Leaving a job doesn't mean burning bridges. Sharing your story can inspire others and create community. The messy middle is challenging but also rewarding. guest name Caitlin O'Reilly sound bites "Owe it to yourself to put yourself first." "Take a leap of faith and explore what's out there." "The messy middle is hard, but it's worth it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Teacher Transitions 01:56 Caitlin O'Reilly's Journey in Education 03:57 The Impact of COVID-19 on Teaching 10:04 The Importance of Mental Health and Therapy 12:01 Summer Healing and Reflection 15:06 Recognizing Burnout and the Decision to Leave 19:56 Navigating the Resignation Process 24:03 Support from Colleagues and Administrators 25:02 The Emotional Journey of Transitioning Careers 27:03 The Importance of Taking Time to Heal 30:38 Navigating the Unknown: Challenges of Job Searching 34:23 The Messy Middle: Embracing Uncertainty 38:41 Empowering Others: The Impact of Sharing Stories 43:20 Advice to My Past Self: Embracing Change

  2. Jul 13

    Episode 32- New Teacher. Full-Time Student. 3.9 GPA -Thriving with Lesley Birmingham

    Leslie Birmingham shares her inspiring journey into education, overcoming challenges as a first-year teacher, and the importance of support systems in the teaching profession. Keywords education, teaching, first-year teacher, teacher support, Texas education, teacher journey, classroom management, teacher certification, student success key topics Leslie Birmingham's unconventional path into teaching The importance of support systems and mentorship Managing classroom behavior and student relationships Balancing coursework, personal life, and teaching responsibilities The significance of administrative support and teamwork Strategies for new teachers to build confidence The impact of early relationships with students Teacher resilience and motivation Sound bites "I got through it, so I can keep doing it." "They wrote me long, proper grammar notes." "Doing this with all this on my plate, I maintained a 3.9 GPA." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leslie's Journey in Education 01:54 Transitioning into Teaching: From Criminology to Classroom 05:44 Building Confidence and Classroom Management 09:43 Balancing Teaching and Education: The Emotional Toll 12:30 Support Systems: The Role of Allen ACT 16:32 Challenges and Triumphs: The Importance of Teamwork 20:11 Navigating the First Year of Teaching 26:49 Memorable Moments and Student Connections 33:45 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Aspirations

  3. Jun 29

    Episode 31-Nikki Buyna from K-12 teacher to University Leadership

    summary In this episode, Nikki Buyna, an experienced educator with over 25 years in K-12 and higher education, shares insights on career transitions, supporting teachers, and the importance of adaptability in education. She discusses her journey from classroom teaching to university leadership, the role of social media in teacher support, and strategies for navigating burnout and career changes. Key topics Career transitions in education Supporting and empowering teachers The role of adaptability and growth mindset in education action items Set boundaries to prevent burnout Trust and delegate to your team Embrace adaptability and lifelong learning Use social media to connect and support teachers Explore AI tools and frameworks for education Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Education 03:08 Inspiration Behind Becoming an Educator 06:10 Challenges of Leadership in Education 09:10 Recognizing Leadership Potential 11:52 Creating Impact Through Leadership Roles 15:00 The Importance of Teacher Support 18:01 Identifying Gaps in Teacher Support 21:08 Characteristics of Effective Leadership 23:52 The Power of Adaptability in Education 26:09 The Art of Adaptability in Teaching 29:36 Harnessing Social Media for Educators 31:55 Digital Transformation in Education 33:45 Embracing AI in the Classroom 36:28 Navigating Teacher Burnout and Finding Fulfillment 40:47 Advice for First-Year Teachers 42:56 Wisdom for Veteran Educators sound bites "Don't be afraid to try something new" "Respect your teachers' time and needs" "Teaching is like juggling plates on fire" resources Educational Cheerleader TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@educationalcheerleader Nikki Buyna's Gmail - NikkiByna@gmail.com

  4. Jun 22

    Episode 30 From Classroom to Corporate: Courtney McKay's Reinvention Journey

    In this inspiring interview, Courtney McKay shares her journey from classroom teacher to content creator and corporate professional. She discusses the challenges of teaching, the importance of mental health, and strategies for successful career transitions, emphasizing authenticity, relationship-building, and self-care.keywordsteacher transition, mental health, career change, relationship building, authenticity, self-care, education, reinvention, social media, professional growth Key topics Teacher burnout and mental healthTransferable skills from teaching to corporateThe role of social media in career transitionImportance of authenticity and relationship-buildingStrategies for self-care and healingFrom Classroom to Corporate: Courtney McKay's Reinvention JourneyThe Power of Authenticity in Teacher Transition"It comes with a cost""TikTok started in December""Imposter syndrome is real"00:00Navigating Life's Transitions 02:25The Journey into Education 05:44Overcoming Guilt in Leaving Teaching 11:02The Role of Humor in Healing 13:33Identity Shifts After Teaching 15:54Transferable Skills from Teaching 17:21Trusting Yourself in New Environments 18:57Authenticity in Sharing Life's Messiness 19:59The Importance of Therapy for Educators 22:52Finding Belonging in a New Role 24:45Impact of Transition on Relationships 29:52Building a Community Through Content Creation 34:18Empowering Educators to Explore New Paths 35:52Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations 39:01TTP Outro.mp3

  5. Jun 15

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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