Educator Forever

The end of a year and the beginning of another is the perfect time to reflect on how far you’ve come and where you want to go next. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the classroom, are working beyond the classroom, or just started your own business, there are things you learned and grew from. So, just as I want you to reflect on your year, I wanted to share five things that made a difference this year in my 2023 reflections. 

Even though Educator Forever has been around for many years, it’s still evolving and adapting every year. I made several changes and additions that have continued to make this company successful and make an impact on so many people’s lives and careers. You may not notice the difference you’re making day to day, so during your 2023 reflections, be proud of all you’ve accomplished and learned this year to motivate you going into 2024!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode62

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

We talk frequently on this podcast about the emotional well-being of teachers and the overwhelming amount of stress that they endure on a daily basis. Teachers are expected to do so much with often very little support, which ultimately leads to teacher burnout. But my guest on today’s episode, Jen Rafferty, shares how her company, Empowered Educator, focuses on the social and emotional aspects of supporting teachers.

Jen always wanted to be an educator, but when her circumstances changed, she realized her reason for teaching, to inspire people to discover their voice, could be utilized in another way. Her company, Empowered Educator, does just that. She shares how it got started and gives advice for dealing with fear and disassociating with the idea of pleasing people. Jen’s idea of success will help you redefine success and deal with teacher burnout.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode61

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

In a world where things feel uncertain or out of your control and in an educational career where exploitation and burnout are so prevalent, it’s even more crucial to check in with yourself emotionally. After being forced to find a different way to live, my guest, Nataly Kogan, discovered emotional fitness and the skills needed to practice this in your life. In today’s episode, Nataly shares how teachers can benefit from emotional fitness and how to truly feel joy without guilt. 

Nataly describes emotional fitness as your ability to handle life’s challenges with less struggle. But we know as teachers, sometimes it’s difficult to manage what’s being asked of us every day. Nataly views this as surface acting and shares specific practices teachers can use that develop their emotional fitness. Additionally, she goes in-depth on the five emotional fitness skills and shares the importance of refueling your energy with consistent, intentional, and daily tasks. After listening to this episode, you will have a toolset of strategies to best support yourself emotionally.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode60

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

When you have aspirations for starting a business, you usually have an idea of what you want to create, produce, or sell, as well as your financial goals. But sometimes, when starting a business, you learn and achieve a lot more than what you started out with. This was definitely true for me when I started Educator Forever; I started out with one idea and ended up with a whole lot more. So, in today’s episode, I wanted to share the five lessons I learned when starting an education business.

As I reflected on my journey, I realized my biggest growth was through action and mistakes. And even though fear felt paralyzing at times, it was the lessons and experiences I took from my action steps that ultimately grew my business. I also share the importance of staying true to yourself and how the people who support you are the unexpected gift of starting a business. So, if you’re thinking about beginning a new career, take a listen to what I learned when I started my education business.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode59

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

For most teachers, we decided early on that we have a calling and passion for education. But sometimes, after years in education, we start to drift further away from our passion and reason for getting into education. Thankfully, whether you stay in the classroom, education, or move beyond, you can get back to your passions and values. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can begin to realign with your purpose as an educator.

No matter what our career is, we want it to be connected with our goals, values, and passions. There are five ways you can connect to your purpose as an educator, which will also provide ideas for new career opportunities you could go after. Each of the five ideas asks you to stay true to yourself, reflect on your values, and rely on your strengths and support system. When you do all those things, you can realign with your purpose as an educator.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode58

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Many educators have thoughts and opinions about change that needs to happen in education, but there are only a select few who actually put their thoughts into action. Wanting to expand her impact beyond the classroom, my guest and personal friend, Mariah Rankine-Landers, decided to start the work of culturally responsive teaching through the arts. In today’s episode, Mariah is sharing how to make a direct change in the education system through liberatory education.

Through Mariah’s company, Studio Pathways, their work addresses the root of social inequities and their effect on education and students. Furthermore, she discusses the core four in her book, Do Your Lessons Love Your Students?, which helps you get clear on your beliefs and what you’re carrying forward towards liberatory education. Mariah is living proof that when you have ideas for change, take the leap to make a difference.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode57

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

As you’re navigating the twists and turns of your life, there’s one thing that should be in your mind at all times: is what I’m doing now working in my life? That idea is something that my guest, Beryl Young, resonates with and uses to make personal and professional choices. Her career journey also goes through pivots and changes, but they all have ultimately led her to own her own business and still make time for creative space. In today’s episode, she shares how she transitioned to a creative coach and what she always keeps at the forefront when making professional and business decisions.

Being a former teacher herself, Beryl has learned to use her skills as an educator to positively impact her business and other jobs. Likewise, she discusses why teachers make great entrepreneurs and gives key advice for those wanting to work beyond the classroom while still keeping their core values and skills a priority. So, if you’re looking for ways to create more space creatively and need a next step away from fatigue, this creativity coach has what you need to have a healthy balance between it all.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode56

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

When literally trying anything new, the act of rejection is bound to happen at some point. And even though rejection is inevitable and part of the process, the feeling that comes when you’re rejected is never wanted. But what happens if you reframe rejection and start thinking about it as a learning opportunity and path toward success? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 ways that you can reframe rejection toward a more positive mindset. 

Since everyone experiences rejection in their life, there’s only one thing that separates those who succeed and those who don’t - perseverance. This idea is a common thread through my list of 5 ways you can reframe rejection because it truly is your key to success. When you have the right mindset, you will be able to reframe rejection in a way that sets you up for success.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode55

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

People are always talking about how they want the best of both worlds. Well, with this new company, KaiPod, you can! My guest on today’s episode, Amar Kumar, created a new learning environment of microschools that combines self-paced online learning with the social components of traditional school. He shares what led to this new way of school and learning and how you can be part of it as well.

After witnessing the vast difference in the academic level of his students and trying to find a curriculum that meets the needs of every student, he came up with the idea of KaiPod, a learning center of microschools that runs on student-driven learning. Amar describes what’s unique about his company, particularly in the area of learning, and how personalized learning benefits students and their motivation. With this teacher-led microschool, he shares how this can be a great opportunity for educators who are looking to move beyond the traditional classroom but still keep the connection with kids at the forefront.

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode54

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.

Teachers often feel “stuck” with their options when wanting to move beyond the classroom. However, there are so many things you can do while still working in education. I want to give you an overview and expand your ideas of what it can mean to work as an educator outside the classroom or in a typical school setting. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing six flexible jobs for educators and why they can be a good fit for you.

I say this all the time because it continues to be true - your skills and experiences are needed and an asset to jobs beyond the classroom. With each of the six alternative jobs I share, I discuss the benefits of each, what each job entails, and where you can work. Ultimately, I want you to know there are options for you out there. So, if you stay true to yourself and what path is best for you, you will find a variety of flexible jobs for educators that are right for you!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode53

Watch our free on-demand workshop to learn more about flexible work opportunities beyond the classroom: https://www.educatorforever.com/workshop

Take our free quiz to discover your next career step: https://www.educatorforever.com/quiz

Follow us on Instagram @educatorforever.