Educator Forever

Ever use a product and think, Wow! This is really easy to use! Well, that’s because there was great user research involved in the making of that product. Megan Boddum, a kids user research specialist, is sharing how you can combine your love of working with kids and research skills as a teacher, to work in user research that’s beyond the classroom. 

Megan Boddum currently works as an independent consultant focusing on helping companies and individuals with various children’s technology, media, education and research initiatives with her designed and developed methodologies.

On the podcast, we talk about using your skills and passion to make a career. Megan is a great example of that, and explains her journey in having a career in user research and content strategy. While those are both very broad terms, she gives her definition of each and why both are filled and needed by educators with certain skill sets. 

Even if you’re leaving the classroom, there’s still a way for you to work with kids in the capacity of user research. Throughout our conversation, Megan highlights the power of user research and ways to get into that career with the help and advice of others.Take a listen and start exploring this new career path beyond the classroom!

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode12

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.

There are so many educators that dream of working outside of the classroom, but something stops them from pursuing that goal: self rejection. It tends to not be the fear that others will reject them, but talking themselves out of the action before even getting a chance to try. 

I get it. It’s hard to put yourself out there and take a leap of faith on a new opportunity, but I’m here to tell you that you can! I’m sharing three steps that will help you recognize when you self reject and learn how to move forward.

In order to overcome your fears, you need to take action. My three steps in accomplishing that goal are doing it scared, celebrating the action, and letting others decide whether to move forward or not. I share how to acknowledge your feelings and determine when things are in and outside of your control, all of which will help you not self reject.

While it’s difficult, I challenge you to start reflecting on where you self reject and take the proper action and steps to overcome it. If you do, the reward far outweighs your fear of even starting! 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode11

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.

On the podcast, I’m constantly talking about your marketable skills, jobs you can do outside of teaching, and guests who have started their own education businesses. However, some of you still might be thinking, but does that apply to me? Can I really do that? I’m here to tell you again, yes! Today’s episode, I have guest Rozane Rosenberg, who just like you, had some reservations about working beyond the classroom, but she went for it and is succeeding! 

Rozanne Rosenberg worked in the publishing industry for five years and then as an elementary educator for a decade. Feeling burned out and looking to leave the classroom but still stay in the education industry, she then found me and the Educator Forever community. Being part of Educator Forever has been truly life-changing for her. Rozanne now works as an Assistant Director of Communications for an independent school in New York and as a freelancer for various companies.

Working in several different careers, Rozanne shares her path to becoming a freelancer who works on a variety of projects from curriculum designer, editor, writer, and content creator. Rozanne was apprehensive about working beyond the classroom, but after taking Educator Forever courses, it gave her the confidence to follow a new career path, which she believes was well worth it! 

Acknowledging that it can be challenging starting out, Rozanne does promise that the flexibility, variety in projects, and new work environment makes working beyond the classroom the perfect fit for educators wanting a new career. For those still doubting if you should take the leap, we’re here to tell you to do it, for you won’t regret it! 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode10

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 a lot on the podcast about finding ways to pursue your passion in education, but on your own terms, and today’s episode is no different. Dr. Shira Leibowitz is the perfect example of someone who believes that anything is achievable with the right mindset and vision. So, thinking about starting your own school? In today’s episode, Dr. Shira Leibowitz of Discovery Village, discusses designing purpose-driven schools. 

Before opening Discovery Village Childcare Center and Preschool in July, 2019, Dr. Shira Leibowitz spent twenty years as the principal of early childhood through eighth grade schools. Dr. Leibowitz saw opening a childcare center as an opportunity to design and lead a school reflecting her own vision for relationship rich, experiential, purpose-driven education. The work has been so meaningful that she also opened Revabilities™ Educational Leadership Training Center, supporting early childhood leaders to deliver customized purpose-driven, profitable programs, without burning themselves and their teams out in the process.

Dr. Shira Leibowitz, like many of you, had a unique path getting into education, but once she did, she went full-steam ahead! Wanting more than a traditional and structured school system, she eventually started her own school, Discovery Village. Being a purpose-driven school for early childhood, Discovery Village’s primary focus is the well-being of their students for a well-developed life. 

Believing that anything is achievable, Dr. Leibowitz is sharing her knowledge with others who are wanting to start their own school or programs based on purpose-driven learning. She has a lot of knowledge, advice, and the right mindset to help you achieve your educational visions. So if you’re ready to start your own purpose-driven school or program, listen to Dr. Leibowitz for implementation success! 

Free access to Stand Out Early Childhood mini-course

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode9

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 those of you thinking about finding a career outside of education or teaching, this episode is for you! A common fear about leaving the classroom is that you don’t have the right skills or experience to excel in a different career. However, I’m here to tell you that’s absolutely false. Teachers have many valuable skills, so I’m highlighting 10 marketable teacher skills that make you an asset outside of the classroom. 

As teachers, we do copious amounts of things per day. However, we tend to not think of them as marketable teacher skills. In reality, they’re very valuable in helping to explore further opportunities. Those skills include:

1. Multitasking
2. Efficiency
3. Problem solving 
4. Detail oriented
5. Interpersonal
6. Innovation
7. Adaptability
8. Written skills
9. Research skills
10. Enthusiasm

While not all teachers have the same skills, we all develop certain skills along the way. If considering a career outside of the classroom, determine your marketable teacher skills and how they can be utilized for specific roles and other career opportunities. 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode8

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 teachers, we know that kids are unique individuals and learn differently from one another. And while teachers do an amazing job at teaching students at all different levels, sometimes the school system isn’t working for them. Therefore, attending a microschool can be the perfect fit. To learn more about this, I have guest Iman Alleyne, founder of Kind Academy, who is sharing how to build a microschool network. 

After Iman’s son wasn’t having the best experience at a traditional preschool, she started looking at different options, and eventually landed on a microschool. Her persistence and passion for teaching and celebrating an individual’s unique abilities, led her to opening up Kind Academy, which has changed the trajectory of her children’s academic successes. 

Not every child excels in a traditional school, and not every parent wants their children to have a structured day. Instead, a microschool is a place that’s progressive, engaging, and student-centered, who are recognized for their individuality. While academics are present, in a microschool, project-based learning, creativity, and developing conflict resolution or social emotional skills are at the forefront of a student’s individualized curriculum. With so many ways that students can learn, this might be the best option for your child! 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode7

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.

Have you ever thought about using your teaching expertise beyond all the wonderful things you do in your classroom? If you have, becoming an education consultant could be in your future! Although this job title might be vague and broad, in today’s episode, I’m sharing more insight and clarification on how to get started as an education consultant. 

As an education consultant, one of the benefits is getting to work with a variety of people with different expertise than you. In doing so, you’re able to collaborate and create meaningful content that will be used by teachers in the classroom. In order to be a part of that, during the episode, I share 3 steps you need to take if you are interested in being an education consultant. 

With each step you take, you’re able to start seeing your expertise and experience as valuable, because it is! Being a consultant on products or services, you get to create a positive change in education beyond the classroom setting. 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode6

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 teachers end up leaving the classroom, it’s usually for a multitude of reasons and personal to each individual. But an overall similarity is that teachers didn’t feel like they were best serving students within the educational school system. That’s exactly how my guest on the podcast felt, which was the catapult to starting her own business, All the Write Colors. In today's episode, I have a very open and honest dialogue with Katharine Hsu, who shares how she went from working in the classroom to helping students with their literacy through online teaching. 

Katharine Hsu is the founder, teacher, and CEO of All the Write Colors where she believes there are many kids not thriving or excited about reading and writing because we are not teaching into their strengths and interests. In order to combat this idea, Katharine personalizes reading and writing classes that teach to the strengths of each child, while incorporating art and creative writing into lessons. 

Throughout our conversation, Katharine shared the struggles she felt working in the school system and how that impacted the start of her business and how she views kids’ struggles with literacy. She now prioritizes a students’ strengths and their self-worth to build confidence and develop their literacy skills. Reaching all students with various geographical and academic needs, Katharine has created programs for online teaching and in-person meetings. If you’re ready for your child to be seen as an individual, Katharine’s literacy program will help them grow and develop their unique skill set as an academic learner. 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode5

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 teachers, you’re constantly creating and designing lesson plans, units, instructional activities, and so much more for your students. But have you ever thought about doing that for a living or a side job and getting paid for it? That can certainly become your reality if you become a curriculum developer like I did. If you’re wanting to take that same path, then you’ll love today’s episode. I’m sharing what you need to know in order to determine if being a curriculum developer is right for you, plus tips for getting started. 

Before getting started, it’s important to know what curriculum design entails and what skills and experience is needed, so you can have a full understanding before diving in. After listening to the episode, you’ll be surprised to know that you already have the right skills and mindset to embark on this career. Finally, I share in detail the steps you need to get started, which are as easy as 1, 2, 3. If becoming a curriculum developer is something you’re considering, acknowledge the skills you possess and use those to land your dream job! 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode4

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.

Have you ever thought about starting your own online teaching business? In today’s virtual world, there are so many opportunities to make this a reality. On the other hand, if the idea of owning a business is one that’s never crossed your mind, you’re certainly not alone. Many teachers find themselves in a position where they have an unexpectant opportunity to turn their passion into a business.

Our guest, Allison Williams, is the perfect example of this. Allison began teaching in 2012 and has experience in private, public, and charter schools. When the pandemic hit and schools transitioned into online learning, Allison discovered that she actually really enjoyed virtual teaching and wanted to explore how she could do this long-term.

It started with her virtually supporting her niece to help prepare her for kindergarten. Then slowly, Allison added more kids to the learning group. Over time, multiple small tutoring groups were formed, and it just grew from there. Once Allison realized that she had a real business on her hands, she went through my Grow Your Education Business Accelerator program to take it to the next level.

Now Tutor Tots Online serves kids in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. In our conversation, Allison shares all the details about how she got started, how she brings in new clients, using social media for her online teaching business, and so much more. If starting a business is in the back of your mind, I know you’ll be inspired to take action after hearing Allison’s story! 

For all links and resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.educatorforever.com/episode3

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.