On this week's episode I talk to Mike Kaufman, MSW, PhD, Author of Doing Good & Doing Well. Mike challenges the traditional idea that top leadership roles are best filled by individuals with business degrees. Instead, he advocates for the unique perspectives and skills that helping professionals—such as educators, social workers, and community organizers—bring to leadership positions, particularly in non-profit and service-oriented sectors.

We discuss:

Resources and Links:

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

Today I talk to Dr. Jordan B. Smith! We talk about:

Jordan B. Smith Jr. is a dedicated educator and advocate who has significantly impacted the lives of students through his work as a mathematics teacher, public speaker, and educational consultant. He has served the San Jacinto Unified School District for over 19 years, including roles at San Jacinto High School and Mountain View Alternative Schools, where he specialized in helping students overcome their fear of mathematics and achieve academic success. With advanced degrees in Secondary Education and Educational Leadership, Dr. Smith has also been an active member and chairperson of visiting committees for the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). He has presented at numerous educational conferences and conducted field testing for emerging educational technology. In addition to his teaching career, he founded Annapolis Creed LLC and is a best-selling author. Dr. Smith was named Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year in 2023 and AFE Teacher Ambassador for 2024, and he retired in June 2024 after nearly two decades of service.

https://books.teachleadandinspire.com/welcome/

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

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This week I talk to veteran teacher Shannon Hazel, author of the new book New Teacher Confidential: What They Didn’t Tell You About Being a Teacher. We talk all things teacher burnout including steps to sustain you if you’ve given all you’ve got in the tank. 

Shannon Hazel is a recently-retired public school teacher and the author of the upcoming book New Teacher Confidential: What They Didn’t Tell You About Being a Teacher. Over her 25-year career, she was a K-8 teacher, special education specialist and instructional coach for teachers.   During that time, she was actively involved in the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario and mentored many new teachers.  In 2023, Shannon was recognized for her leadership and advocacy work for students by the Council for Exceptional Children. She is the founder of teacherEDU.ca, an online community for teachers to learn, connect, collaborate, and grow their capacity as educators. Shannon is the mother of two young adults, a dog parent and a longtime fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

Today we're talking all things trainings, certifications, upskilling, and reskilling with Tai Nehisi of Organizely, an A.I.- supported digital marketplace for today's workforce supporting upskilling + reskilling for all adult learners.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

Has silence 🦗🦗 or a slew of rejections got you feeling less-than-motivated? This quickie episode is for you.

I talk about:

This episode is sponsored by Goldendelicious, the job platform directly connecting teachers with employers who want to hire them. https://www.goldendelicious.ai/

This week I was on the Educator Forever podcast. Please check out the Educator Forever network to discover how to apply your teaching skills in careers outside of the classroom but still in the education space.

_____________________

Julie Packett is a former K-12 teacher who navigated the journey from the classroom to a flourishing career in data science. Recognizing the hurdles educators face when transitioning out of teaching, Julie was inspired to pave a smoother path for others by leveraging her expertise in data science. She is the visionary behind Goldendelicious, an innovative platform designed to connect teachers directly with employers eager to harness the unique skill sets of former educators. Through Goldendelicious Julie seeks to empower teachers exploring new career horizons, bridging the gap between traditional education and diverse professional opportunities.

We talked about her career journey and the hurdles she had to overcome transitioning out of teaching. We also discuss what she passes on to teachers who want to enter the field of data science.

Topics Discussed:

Resources:

Spring is in the air, and while many of us used to count down to those coveted school breaks, there’s something refreshing about finding balance and rejuvenation all year round. In today’s episode, we dive into my top three free online resources that can radically simplify and illuminate the path for educators looking for a career change.

Resource #1: O*Net Online

Resource #2: Lightcast Resume Optimizer

Resource #3: LinkedIn Learning

How to use these resources strategically:

Closing Thoughts: Don’t let the vast sea of online resources overwhelm you as a teacher in transition. Today, we’ve spotlighted three tools that are not only free but specifically designed to support you as you leave the teaching profession. Remember, it’s about making informed, strategic decisions that align with your career aspirations. There are alternative career options for teachers and lots of hiring managers love hiring former teachers.

Stay Connected: Quitting teaching? Loved today’s episode? Subscribe and leave us a review!

In this heartfelt episode, our host shares the personal and profound journey of leaving the teaching profession, a decision fraught with emotion but ultimately led to self-discovery and new beginnings. From confronting the guilt and fear associated with leaving a career in education to discussing the systemic issues that plague the profession, this episode delves into the reasons behind the difficult choice to step away from the classroom. Listen as we explore the challenges of blurred boundaries, the pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations, and the quest for personal well-being and professional fulfillment outside of teaching. This episode is a candid reflection on making a significant life change, offering insights and encouragement for anyone contemplating a similar path.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

In this episode, I talk about GUILT, a major factor keeping teachers stuck in teaching long after they've wanted to change careers. I also talk about guilt and:

Protecting Your Wellbeing: Prioritizing personal health and well-being over staying in a profession out of obligation.

Challenges in the Current Education System: A look at the systemic issues within education, including the empowerment of parents, ethical dilemmas, and lack of boundaries that contribute to teacher burnout.

Safety Concerns in Schools: Addressing the increased anxiety around school safety, including the impact of school shootings on the decision to leave teaching.

The Sunk Cost Fallacy: Exploration of the sunk cost fallacy in the context of education and why it's okay to pivot into something new, despite time and resources invested.

The Misconception of a Teacher’s Duty: Debunking the notion that it's a teacher's sole responsibility to 'save' every student and highlighting student resilience.

Financial Considerations: Discussing the right to seek financial stability and growth outside of teaching, challenging the perception that desiring better pay is selfish.

Blurred Boundaries in Education: Examining the erosion of work-life boundaries in teaching and how it contributes to the decision to leave the profession.

Connect directly with employers who want to hire former teachers with Goldendelicious https://www.goldendelicious.ai

Free networking guide for transitioning teachers: https://whatsnextteacher.com/networkingguide/

Done-for-you teacher transition resumes (download and personalize!): https://whatsnextteacher.com/life-after-teaching/

Visit the website: https://www.whatsnextteacher.com 

Get coaching: https://whatsnextteacher.com/career-coaching-for-teachers/

Should I leave the classroom: free quiz https://www.whatsnextteacher.com/quiz

Meet Jacqueline B: A Teacher's Journey to Thriving Entrepreneurship

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jacqueline Butler, a former teacher who embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation and entrepreneurship. Jacqueline's story is a testament to the endless possibilities that exist for educators seeking fulfillment and success beyond the classroom.

Jacqueline's background as an educator spans 13 years, during which she dedicated herself to shaping young minds. However, her path took a dramatic turn when she made the bold decision to leave the classroom behind. What followed was a remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and extraordinary achievement.

Today, Jacqueline stands as a globally ranked Top 0.1% Etsy Seller, having tripled her teaching salary through her entrepreneurial endeavors. She is not only a multiple 6-figure business owner but also a passionate mentor, helping others cultivate their digital product Etsy businesses through her courses and coaching.

In this episode, Jacqueline shares her insights and experiences, offering valuable guidance on how educators can supplement or replace their teaching income by selling digital products on Etsy. She delves into topics such as:

Even if you're not specifically interested in selling digital products on Etsy, Jacqueline's journey and wisdom serve as an inspiration that true success is attainable and closer than you might think. Her story is a beacon of hope for educators seeking alternative paths to fulfillment and prosperity.

Tune in to this episode to hear Jacqueline's remarkable journey and gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leaving the classroom, and finding your own path to happiness and success.

If you're as excited as we are to learn from Jacqueline's experiences and strategies, be sure to let us know, and don't miss this inspiring conversation!