Teacher Transition Educator Series

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Jeremy Babb, a former educator who successfully transitioned from the classroom into product management. Jeremy's journey proves there isn't one "right" path into tech, and that the skills teachers develop every day are more valuable than they often realize.

Jeremy shares how networking, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning opened doors to a career he never expected. Together, they unpack what product managers actually do, how they collaborate across engineering, design, and business teams, and why educators are uniquely equipped to excel in these roles.

If you've ever wondered whether your classroom experience could translate into a career in tech, this conversation will challenge what you think is possible.

What to Expect:

• Jeremy's journey from teaching to product management

• What a product manager actually does day to day

• The transferable skills teachers already have

• Why networking is one of the most powerful career tools

• How to position yourself for opportunities in tech

• Why curiosity and continuous learning matter more than having the "perfect" résumé

• The impact of AI on product management and technology careers

• Advice for teachers considering a career transition

• Common misconceptions about product management
• Building confidence throughout your career pivot

Whether you're exploring life after teaching, considering product management, or simply curious about careers in tech, this episode is filled with practical advice, honest insights, and encouragement for your next chapter.

Jeremy Babb is a former educator turned Product Manager who is passionate about building meaningful technology that solves real-world problems. Drawing from his classroom experience, Jeremy now collaborates across engineering, design, and business teams to develop products that make an impact. He is a strong advocate for helping educators recognize the value of their transferable skills and confidently pursue careers in technology.

Meet Jeremy Babb

Jeremy Babb is a former educator turned Product Manager who is passionate about building meaningful technology that solves real-world problems. Drawing from his classroom experience, Jeremy now collaborates across engineering, design, and business teams to develop products that make an impact. He is a strong advocate for helping educators recognize the value of their transferable skills and confidently pursue careers in technology.

Connect with Jeremy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremybabb/

About The EdTech Guru

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. With over a decade of experience, she shares real stories, practical strategies, and insights to help you take your next step.

📲 Connect with Leena:

• X: ⁠www.x.com/leenamariesaleh⁠
• Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/leenamariesaleh⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/leenamariesaleh⁠
• TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠

💌 Want to sponsor an episode? Contact: ⁠[email protected]

Teacher Transition Educator Series

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Erique Berry, a former educator who successfully transitioned into the tech world and now works in customer success and technical support.

Erique’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when teachers leverage their skills in new and unexpected ways. He shares how he made the leap out of the classroom, the mindset shifts that helped him navigate the transition, and what it actually looks like to build a career in tech without a traditional background.

This conversation is honest, practical, and full of insight for any educator wondering what’s next.

What to Expect:

• Erique’s journey from teaching into tech
• What customer success and technical support roles really look like
• Transferable skills teachers bring into tech careers
• How to position yourself for roles outside the classroom
• Mindset shifts needed to successfully transition
• How to break into tech without a traditional background

If you’re a teacher exploring new career paths, especially in tech, this episode will give you clarity on what’s possible and how to get started. Erique’s story is a reminder that you don’t need a perfect roadmap, you just need to take the first step.

Meet Erique Berry:

Erique Berry is a former educator turned tech professional, currently working in customer success and technical support. He is passionate about helping other educators see the value of their skills and confidently pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.

🔗 Connect with Erique:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erique-berry/

About The EdTech Guru

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. With over a decade of experience, she shares real stories, practical strategies, and insights to help you take your next step.

📲 Connect with Leena:

• X: www.x.com/leenamariesaleh
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/leenamariesaleh
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leenamariesaleh
• TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@leenamariesaleh

💌 Want to sponsor an episode? Contact: [email protected]

In this episode of the Teacher Transition Expert Series, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA The EdTech Guru) sits down with Tommy Messinger, a former educator who successfully transitioned into a thriving corporate career. Tommy brings honesty, clarity, and heart as he shares what it really looks like to step out of the classroom and into a new professional path.

Tommy’s journey is one many teachers will recognize. After years in education, he wanted more growth, balance, and long-term stability. Instead of staying stuck, he followed his curiosity, identified his strengths, and built a career aligned with his skills and values. Today, he helps teachers understand their worth and navigate career transitions with confidence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The moment Tommy realized he was ready to leave teaching
• How he identified his transferable skills
• What the job search feels like as a first-time career changer
• How to build a resume that reflects your real classroom impact
• Why teachers underestimate their value in corporate roles
• The mindset shifts that make transitions possible
• What he wishes every transitioning teacher understood
• How to move forward even when the process feels overwhelming

If you are exploring new roles or looking for real examples of transition success, this conversation will leave you inspired, validated, and ready to take your next step.

Do not forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from educators building meaningful careers beyond the classroom.

Who is Tommy Messinger?
Tommy is on a mission to help educators who feel stuck or burnt out find a new path with confidence. After 10 years teaching middle and high school history and serving as an administrator at a diverse school with over 30 languages spoken, he realized it was time for a new chapter. About five years ago, he transitioned into instructional design to continue shaping education outside the classroom. Today, Tommy serves as an adjunct professor in a teacher credential program and helps create supportive spaces for transitioning teachers. His work empowers educators to understand their value, trust their skills, and confidently build meaningful careers beyond teaching.

• Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommymessinger/

Learning Academies and Resources:

• Academies for Educators: https://www.k12impact.com/transitioning-educators
• Free Course: Transitioning into Client Success or Sales: https://www.k12impact.com/transitioning-educators-free-course
• Join the Free Community: https://www.k12impact.com/join?invitation_token=531bd6b622af55d14dae5092b8d8da379bcd7d72-83de9980-82e7-434e-bd4b-a3cc9387e0ec

Who is 'The Edtech Guru'?

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and embrace innovation. With over a decade of experience, she brings real-world insights into education, EdTech, and the future of learning.

📲 Follow Leena Marie Saleh:

• Twitter: @leenamariesaleh
• Instagram: @leenamariesaleh
• LinkedIn: Leena Marie Saleh
• TikTok: @leenamariesaleh

💌 Want to sponsor an episode?

Contact: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode of the Teacher Transition Expert Series, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA The EdTech Guru) sits down with Jessica Maddry and Claire Smizer Muldoon, the co founders of BrightMinds, an AI powered platform built to elevate teaching and support personalized learning for every student.

Jessica and Claire share how BrightMinds was designed with educators at the center. They break down the real opportunities AI brings to classrooms, the misconceptions that scare teachers, and why ethical, human centered technology is essential for the future of learning.

Jessica brings more than 20 years of experience in education and deep expertise as a certified Ethical Emerging Technologist. Claire adds more than a decade of EdTech leadership and design experience. Together, they have created a platform that helps teachers save time, improve outcomes, and build more inclusive learning environments.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How BrightMinds uses AI to make learning more personalized and effective
• Why ethical and responsible AI is critical in educationHow AI can support teacher creativity and reduce burnout
• The difference between replacement myths and real teacher centered innovation What parents and educators should know about safe AI use
• How data informed insights can improve student outcomes
• What the future of AI and EdTech looks like through a teacher focused lens
• Why educators play the most important role in shaping this next era of learning

If you are interested in AI, EdTech, or the future of teaching, this conversation will help you feel informed, empowered, and excited about what is possible for students and educators.

Do not forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations with leaders shaping the future of education.

Who are the BrightMinds Founders?

Jessica Maddry, Co founder and CEOJessica is a visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience designing inclusive, high impact learning programs. She is a certified Ethical Emerging Technologist known for using data driven strategies that support every student.

Claire Smizer Muldoon, Co founder and COOClaire brings more than 10 years of EdTech leadership, specializing in user experience, project management, and product development. She has worked closely with schools and EdTech organizations to build solutions that meet real classroom needs.

Together, Jessica and Claire are redefining what ethical, student centered AI can look like in classrooms around the world.

Connect with BrightMinds:

• Website: https://www.brightminds-ai.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brightminds.ai
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightminds-ai

Who is 'The Edtech Guru'?

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and embrace innovation. With over a decade of experience, she brings real-world insights into education, EdTech, and the future of learning.

📲 Follow Leena Marie Saleh:

• Twitter: @leenamariesaleh
• Instagram: @leenamariesaleh
• LinkedIn: Leena Marie Saleh
• TikTok: @leenamariesaleh

💌 Want to sponsor an episode?

Contact: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (The EdTech Guru) chats with Kelsie Marks, Director of Career Transformations at Educated Exit, about what it really takes to leave the classroom and land your next dream role.

Kelsie shares her journey from teacher to career coach and breaks down how educators can identify transferable skills, optimize their LinkedIn profiles, and confidently navigate today’s job market.

We discuss how to:

• Highlight your skills beyond education
• Build a strong personal brand
• Use AI and strategy in your job search
• Explore industries hiring teachers right now

This is a must-listen for any educator ready to take the next step in their career with confidence and clarity.

Who is Kelsie Marks?

Kelsie Marks is the Director of Career Transformations at Educated Exit, where she empowers educators to transition into new careers with clarity and confidence. A former teacher and school counselor, Kelsie now specializes in one-to-one coaching, resume writing, and LinkedIn optimization—helping thousands of educators identify their strengths and land meaningful roles beyond the classroom.

Connect with Kelsie:

• 💼 LinkedIn: Kelsie Marks

• 📸 Instagram: @educatedexit

• 🎵 TikTok: @kelsiemarks

• 🌐 Website: educatedexit.com

Who is 'The Edtech Guru'?

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and embrace innovation. With over a decade of experience, she brings real-world insights into education, EdTech, and the future of learning.

📲 Follow Leena Marie Saleh:

• Twitter: @leenamariesaleh
• Instagram: @leenamariesaleh
• LinkedIn: Leena Marie Saleh
• TikTok: @leenamariesaleh

💌 Want to sponsor an episode?

Contact: ⁠[email protected]

Episode 102

In this episode of the Teacher Transition Expert Series, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA The Edtech Guru) sits down with Ali Parrish, a former educator and founder of Teacher Transition, to talk about the journey from classroom teacher to thriving entrepreneur and coach.

Ali shares her powerful transition story—how she went from burnout and confusion to finding purpose and passion in helping other teachers find their next best step. She breaks down practical tips, mindset shifts, and real strategies that can help any educator take charge of their career and step into a new chapter with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Ali knew she had to leave the classroom
• How to approach your transition with intention, not panic
• The most transferable skills teachers bring to new careers
• Why clarity and alignment are the keys to a successful transition
• How she built Teacher Transition to support thousands of educators
• Advice for navigating doubt, imposter syndrome, and overwhelm
• What industries are best suited for teacher skill sets
• Why it's never “too late” to pivot into something meaningful

If you’re an educator wondering, “What else could I do?” This conversation will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to take the next step.

🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real-talk episodes from teachers who’ve made the leap—and want to help you do the same!

Who's Ali Parrish?Ali Parrish is a former classroom teacher turned entrepreneur and founder of TeacherTransition.com. Through coaching, courses, and a thriving community, she’s helped thousands of educators move into careers that align with their talents, values, and lifestyle goals.

Ali believes every teacher deserves to feel empowered in their work, and that starts with realizing how deeply valuable their skills are outside the classroom.

Connect with Ali:

• Website: https://teachertransition.com
• LinkedIn: Ali Parrish

Who is 'The Edtech Guru'?

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and embrace innovation. With over a decade of experience, she brings real-world insights into education, EdTech, and the future of learning.

📲 Follow Leena Marie Saleh:

• Twitter: @leenamariesaleh
• Instagram: @leenamariesaleh
• LinkedIn: Leena Marie Saleh
• TikTok: @leenamariesaleh

💌 Want to sponsor an episode?

Contact: ⁠[email protected]

Episode 101

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Kelsey Huson, a former high school English teacher turned full-time marketing professional, to explore the emotional and strategic steps behind her powerful career shift.

Kelsey opens up about the mental and physical toll of the classroom, how she tapped into overlooked skills like running a school Instagram and yearbook, and why taking a local hybrid role was the right first step into marketing. She also shares real tools, tips, and encouragement for educators navigating their own transition.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Kelsey decided to leave teaching and how she coped emotionally
• How extracurricular roles helped build her resume
• What working in a hybrid marketing role really looks like
• Tools she uses daily (Canva, Notion, ChatGPT, and more)
• How LinkedIn networking led to real career opportunities
• Why local, non-EdTech jobs can be a great starting point
• Tips for building confidence and pushing past imposter syndrome
• How to identify your joy zone before diving into applications

If you’re a teacher feeling burned out, uncertain, or stuck, this episode is your permission slip to explore what’s possible and build a career that aligns with your strengths and happiness.

Meet Kelsey Huson:

Kelsey is a former educator who transitioned into a thriving marketing career by leveraging her creativity and classroom experience. From designing yearbooks to running social media, she found her voice in brand storytelling and now leads marketing for a tech startup. She’s passionate about helping educators realize just how marketable their skills truly are.

Connect with Kelsey :

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseyhuson/

Who is 'The Edtech Guru'?

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and embrace innovation. With over a decade of experience, she brings real-world insights into education, EdTech, and the future of learning.

📲 Connect with Leena:

• Twitter: ⁠@leenamariesaleh⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@leenamariesaleh⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠Leena Marie Saleh⁠
• TikTok: ⁠@leenamariesaleh⁠

💌 Want to sponsor an episode?

Contact: ⁠[email protected]

Episode 100!!!!

In this milestone episode of The EdTech Disruptor Series, Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Matt Dalio, CEO and Co-founder of Endless Studios, to explore how game development, AI, and creative collaboration are reshaping education.

Matt shares his passion for empowering students to become creators not just consumers, of technology and why traditional classrooms need to evolve to prepare learners for the modern workforce.

Whether you're an educator, EdTech leader, or just curious about how gaming and AI can change the way we learn, this episode is packed with inspiration and forward-thinking insights.

What we discuss:

• How game development builds real-world skills like collaboration and feedback

• Why teaching skills is just as important as providing access to technology
• How portfolios may eventually replace transcripts in hiring decisions
• The role of AI as a tool in learning environments—not something to ban
• Why students need to learn to give and receive constructive feedback
• The importance of focusing on outcomes over inputs in education
• How the classroom of the future could become a global, collaborative space
• Why youth are naturally drawn to innovation and startup culture

This episode is a powerful reminder that education must meet students where they are and equip them to shape, not be shaped by technology.

Who is Matt Dalio?

Matt Dalio is the founder of Endless Studios, a game-making studio that introduces youth to 21st-century skills like coding, design, and collaboration. His mission is simple: if you can engage them, you can teach them.

Through the Endless Foundation, Matt also works to close the device and internet gap, ensuring that every kid in the world has access to the tools they need to become creators of technology.

Connect with Matt & Endless Studios:

Endless Studios is a youth-focused game creation studio and learning hub. Founded in partnership with E-Line Media, Endless empowers young people to transform from players to creators, equipping them with technical, creative, and life skills that prepare them for a dynamic workforce.

With a portfolio including Minecraft.Edu, Gamestar Mechanic, The Endless Mission, and XPrize Connect Code Games Challenge, Endless has touched the lives of millions of learners globally.

Their programs focus on more than just tech; they build empathy, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

Who is 'The Edtech Guru'?

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, is dedicated to helping educators navigate career transitions and embrace innovation. With over a decade of experience, she brings real-world insights into education, EdTech, and the future of learning.

📲 Connect with Leena:

• Twitter: @leenamariesaleh
• Instagram: @leenamariesaleh
• LinkedIn: Leena Marie Saleh
• TikTok: @leenamariesalehh

💌 Want to sponsor an episode?

Contact: [email protected]

Episode 99

In this episode of the Teacher Transition Expert Series, Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Tyrina Lassiter, a career transition coach who specializes in helping educators confidently explore life beyond the classroom.

Tyrina shares her expert insight on the biggest hurdles teachers face when changing careers, how to identify and articulate transferable skills, and the practical steps needed to land roles in corporate and nonprofit sectors.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible for teachers outside of education, this conversation is filled with encouragement, strategy, and real talk about navigating a meaningful transition.

What to Expect:

• Why educator skills are highly valued in other industries

• How to clearly define your transferable strengths

• Common myths teachers believe about the non-education job market

• Tips for crafting a standout resume and LinkedIn profile

• Effective job search strategies tailored for former teachers

• How to build a strong professional network from scratch

• Insights into thriving in corporate and nonprofit roles

• Why having a plan and support system is essential for success

If you’re an educator thinking about a career pivot—or simply exploring what’s out there—this episode is packed with tangible tools and motivation to help you take the next step.

🎧 Follow the show for more inspiring conversations and expert advice on career transitions for educators!

Who is Tyrina Lassiter?

Tyrina Lassiter is a career transition coach and founder of T. Lassiter Services, where she helps educators navigate the leap from the classroom into new, fulfilling career paths. With a strong background in leadership, training, and corporate development, she brings deep expertise and heart to her mission of empowering teachers to build careers they love.

Connect with Tyrina:

• 💼 LinkedIn: Tyrina Lassiter

• 🌐 Website: https://tlassiterservices.com/

About ‘The EdTech Guru’:

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, has spent more than a decade helping educators navigate career transitions, embrace innovation, and redefine what’s possible. Her mission is to provide tools, stories, and strategies to support teachers through meaningful change.

📲 Connect with Leena:

• Twitter: @leenamariesaleh

• Instagram: @leenamariesaleh

• LinkedIn: Leena Marie Saleh

• TikTok: @leenamariesalehh

💌 Want to sponsor an episode? Contact: [email protected]

(Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are those of the guests and host alone.)

In this special crossover episode, Leena Marie Saleh teams up with Chris Nesi, host of the House of #EdTech podcast, to break down everything educators need to know from Canva Create 2025. From exciting updates like Canva Sheets, Magic Studio, and Canva Code to AI-powered classroom tools, this conversation is filled with practical insights to help teachers work smarter—not harder.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or tech-savvy educator looking to level up your workflow and boost student engagement, this episode is a must-listen.

• How Canva Sheets is transforming lesson planning, data visualization, and collaboration

• What the All-in-One Visual Suite means for newsletters, unit plans, and student portfolios

• Ways to use AI tools like Magic Write and Magic Insights to auto-generate content and summarize data

• How Canva Code can be used to create interactive lessons—no coding skills required!

• New features like AI voiceovers, speaker notes, quiz generators, and scrollables

• What’s coming soon to Canva for back-to-school and how to get ahead

• How students can use these tools in creative and meaningful ways

If you’re ready to get the most out of Canva in your classroom or school, this episode has everything you need.

🔥 Don’t forget to follow the show for more behind-the-scenes EdTech breakdowns and classroom-ready ideas!

Who is Chris Nesi:

Chris Nesi is a classroom educator, podcaster, and creator of the House of #EdTech podcast. Known for his ability to simplify powerful tech tools, Chris helps educators confidently integrate innovation into their teaching practices.

Connect with Chris:

• 🌐 Website: www.chrisnesi.com
• 🐦 Twitter: @mrnesi
• 🎧 Podcast: House of #EdTech

About The Edtech Guru:

Leena Marie Saleh, AKA The Edtech Guru, has spent well over a decade helping to drive change within the education space. A firm believer in the power of access and equity, Leena is passionate about empowering educators to take their skills beyond the classroom and into high-impact roles.

Connect with Leena:

• Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Medium: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/leenamariesaleh/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to sponsor a podcast episode or know someone who would make a great guest? Contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone)