In this episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, Alexander Kirton speaks with social worker Gordon Gooding about the challenges educators face, including burnout, mental health, and the impact of technology on students. They discuss the importance of connection, deliberate intentions in mental health, and the role of leadership in supporting teachers. Gordon shares his personal journey from social work to private practice and offers insights on coping mechanisms, the significance of community, and the need for resources in mental health support.

To reach Gordon Gooding

Gooding Wellness website:  

https://www.goodingwellness.com

Gooding Wellness anxiety Series:   https://www.goodingwellness.com/anxiety-course

Gooding Wellness Instagram: 

 https://www.instagram.com/GoodingWellnessPC

Finding a therapist blog:  

https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/finding-the-right-therapist-for-you-a-guide

Finding a therapist for your child blog:  https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/navigating-the-search-for-a-child-therapist-on-long-island

Summary

In this episode of Teachers Transition, host Alexander Kirton speaks with Kathy Kuddes, a respected figure in music education, about her journey from teacher to administrator, the impact of the Kodály philosophy, and the importance of folk songs in music education. They discuss the challenges and rewards of teacher training, the design of the Robbie Lenore Robinson Fine Arts Center, and the role of music in language learning. Kathy shares insights on revitalizing teaching practices and the significance of community support in education, as well as her reflections on retirement and future plans.

Takeaways

Kathy Kuddes emphasizes the importance of community in music education.

The Kodály philosophy revolutionizes how music is taught.

Folk songs serve as a foundational tool for music learning.

Teacher training can revitalize educators' approaches to teaching.

Transitioning from teaching to administration requires a supportive community.

The design of performance spaces impacts student experiences.

Music can bridge language barriers for students.

Curriculum development should reflect high expectations in arts education.

The Plano Kodály Teacher Training Program has a national impact.

Retirement can be a new beginning for educators.

Kathy's website: www.kuddesmusic.com

In this episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, Dr. Deborah Wortham shares her remarkable journey from a determined student in Chicago to a transformative leader in education. With heartfelt stories and powerful insights, Dr. Wortham discusses the importance of belief, resilience, and intentional leadership. Her experiences as a superintendent and educator highlight the impact of creating systems of belief and fostering a growth mindset.

Her STORY

Dr. Deborah L. Wortham is an educator, best-selling co-author, elder, professor, and nationally recognized lecture circuit presenter. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Wortham is prepared spiritually and educationally. She is the former Superintendent of the School District of the City of York in York, Pennsylvania, and the Steelton-Highspire School District in Steelton, Pennsylvania. She was the first locally elected Superintendent of the Roosevelt Union Free School District in eleven years. During her tenure, the District moved from "State Takeover" to "Good Standing." Dr. Wortham served as the First African-American Female Superintendent of the East Ramapo Central School District in Spring Valley, New York, where all 12 K-8 schools reached "Good Standing." Still fond of the Roosevelt Union Free School District; currently, Dr. Wortham serves as the Superintendent in charge of "Resetting Roosevelt!"

Her credentials include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a Master's Degree in Reading from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland; and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.Dr. Wortham has been married for 50 years to Rev. Chester H. Wortham, Jr. She and her husband work together in ministry locally and abroad. They have led marriage and leadership development seminars at various conferences. Dr. Wortham and her husband have two children, Dr. Shelley and Min. Chester, III; one son-in-law, Sheldon; one daughter-in-law, Marquita; one granddaughter, Jordynn Lynn; and four grandsons, Chester, IV, Sheldon, Jr., Zachary, and Ethan.

Dr. Wortham was licensed and certified as a Minister by the Board of Examiners, and in 2011 she was ordained as an Elder at the Higher Dimensions Christian Center in Baltimore, MD. "To God Be the Glory, for the Great things He has Done!" If you would like to contact Dr. Wortham, you can reach her through her website: www.drdeborahlwortham.com

In this powerful finale of her trilogy on Teachers Transition Podcast, Kendall Askins shares her journey as an educator, mom, and entrepreneur. From starting as a math teacher to becoming a principal, CEO of Stemulating Minds, and director at the Da Vinci Science Center, Kendall reveals how she manages her time, balances multiple roles, and prioritizes what truly matters.

Key takeaways:

• Time Management & Focus: Boundaries are everything—work is for work, family time is sacred, and sleep is non-negotiable.

• Building a Business with Purpose: Kendall scaled tutoring into a full-fledged company, focusing on her why, quality service, and long-term impact over quick profit.

• Partnerships for Growth: Strategic collaborations amplify resources without diluting mission. Think puzzle pieces: the right fit creates powerful outcomes.

• Marketing & Referrals: Word-of-mouth and authentic, value-driven content outperform paid ads. Providing free, quality guidance builds trust and long-term reach.

• Authenticity & Consistency: Kendall emphasizes being impeccable with your word—sharing lessons from experience and research while staying true to your mission.

Final wisdom: Know your why, stay true to your mission, and start where you are. Big goals are possible when you prioritize, plan, and take deliberate steps.

In this heartfelt episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alexander Kirton welcomes his longtime friend, colleague, and mentor Rick Magnani. With over 26 years of experience teaching music in Baldwin, NY—and an even longer career full of diverse jobs—Rick shares lessons learned about resilience, parent communication, and thriving in education despite challenges.

From his early days at Berklee College of Music and Stony Brook University to his transition into teaching at age 36, Rick’s journey underscores the power of versatility, grit, and lifelong learning. Now retired from the classroom but still performing music weekly, Rick reflects on building strong programs, mentoring younger teachers, and cultivating parent partnerships that support students’ success.

Alexander and Rick also discuss:

• The importance of collaboration between teachers and colleagues.

• Strategies for navigating unsupportive administrators.

• Building a “parent base” that champions your program.

• How music education fosters discipline, resilience, and academic success in students.

• Lessons on saving, investing, and planning for the future as an educator.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom and warm memories—from concerts at Meadow Elementary School to seeing former students succeed on Broadway or in medicine. Rick’s insights remind teachers that while the work can be demanding, it’s also deeply rewarding—and that strong relationships, adaptability, and perseverance are key to long-term success.

In this inspiring episode, host Alexander Kirton sits down with longtime friend and seasoned educator LaTisha Elliott to explore her remarkable journey from teaching assistant to classroom teacher, school administrator, and ultimately successful entrepreneur.

LaTisha shares how a psychology degree and an initial role as a teaching assistant opened unexpected doors in education. Encouraged by mentors and colleagues, she earned her master’s in education and later an administrative certification, moving from the classroom to leadership roles where she impacted entire schools and communities. She reflects on the challenges of administration—building trust with teachers, earning respect, and maintaining relationships—while offering practical advice for teacher assistants and aspiring leaders.

When the pandemic prompted a career reevaluation, LaTisha embraced a bold new chapter, leveraging her transferable skills in relationship-building, data analysis, and communication to thrive as a loan officer and real estate entrepreneur. Now licensed in multiple states, she educates clients on financial empowerment and homeownership while balancing the demands of self-employment.

This episode is a must-listen for teachers considering a transition, showcasing how classroom skills translate to business success and how mentorship, resilience, and faith can guide life-changing career moves.

In this episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with Andy Rettke to explore his unique journey from being a high school teacher and wrestling coach in Plano, Texas, to running his own successful construction company, Sonova Construction.

Andy shares how his experiences as a teacher, coach, and athlete shaped his resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage people—skills that proved highly transferable to his career in construction. He reflects on the challenges of teaching during COVID, the personal sacrifices he made for his students, and the difficult decision to leave education to honor his commitments to his family and well-being.

Listeners will hear practical advice on transitioning careers, including how to leverage transferable skills, start small with side hustles, and gradually move toward a new professional path. Andy also provides insights for teachers on identifying trustworthy contractors, managing construction projects, and ensuring value in home improvement endeavors.

Throughout the conversation, Andy emphasizes the importance of self-care, support networks, and finding joy in both personal and professional life. He also encourages teachers to recognize that leaving the classroom doesn’t mean leaving education behind—there are many ways to positively impact kids and communities outside the traditional school system.

This episode is full of candid stories, actionable insights, and encouragement for teachers navigating transitions, whether moving up within education or pursuing entirely new career paths.

Resources & Contact:

• Sonova Construction:www.sonovaconstruction.com

• Connect with Andy for advice on teaching, coaching, or construction projects.

In this continuation of Cherise Irons’ inspiring journey, she dives into how her personal health challenges became a catalyst for advocacy and entrepreneurship. Cherise candidly shares how frequent medical appointments and breakdowns in communication with doctors led her to discover a deeper calling: bridging the gap between patients and medical professionals. A key turning point came when a physician recognized her natural ability to advocate and communicate effectively, encouraging her to share her experiences more broadly.

Cherise explains how her initial frustration with the medical system evolved into meaningful advocacy work. She became an official advocate with the American Migraine Foundation in 2021, building on earlier recognition for her role in a 2019 documentary. Through this work, she realized her personal struggles were not unique, and that many patients faced similar communication barriers. This experience became the foundation for her consulting business, Irons Consulting Group, LLC, which helps doctors and patients connect in a collaborative, empathetic way.

A central theme of this episode is the transferable skills from education to healthcare. Cherise reflects on how her background as a teacher and administrator—listening, advocating, and creating safe spaces for students—translated seamlessly into helping patients be heard and understood in medical settings. Her story underscores the value of recognizing and leveraging skills gained in one field to make an impact in another.

Cherise also shares profound lessons about perseverance, heartwork, and healing. Drawing on personal experiences with trauma, burnout, and spiritual guidance, she emphasizes the importance of introspection, therapy, and surrounding oneself with people who provide both support and honest feedback. She encourages listeners to persevere through challenges, stay aligned with their purpose, and approach transitions with faith, passion, and resilience.

For those navigating career changes or contemplating entrepreneurship, Cherise provides practical advice: transitioning from the classroom to building a business requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to nurture the “baby” of your venture. Her story is a testament to courage, spiritual grounding, and the transformative power of purpose-driven work.

Listeners can connect with Cherise via LinkedIn at Cherise C. Irons, Instagram @Ms.IronsSharpens, Facebook Irons Consulting Group, LLC, or her website ironsconsultinggroupllc.com for consultations and collaboration opportunities.

In this inspiring episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, Alex Kirton sits down with Cherise Irons to explore her unconventional journey through education, leadership, and life transitions. Cherise candidly shares how she entered teaching unexpectedly after a career in broadcast journalism was interrupted by motherhood. What began as a practical decision quickly evolved into a deep passion for education, eventually leading her into administrative leadership roles.

Cherise details her path from classroom teacher to department chair and assistant principal, highlighting how her leadership was recognized organically by peers and mentors rather than through planned ambition. She emphasizes the importance of being present, taking initiative, and demonstrating consistent leadership in everyday teaching, noting that opportunities often seek you out when you show readiness and competence.

Her move to Maryland introduced new challenges and opportunities, including participation in the prestigious Governor’s Promising Principals Academy, which significantly shaped her leadership style and confidence. However, Cherise also shares the difficult realities of navigating bias, conflict, and workplace adversity. A particularly poignant story recounts her experience confronting inappropriate comments from a colleague and the stress that ultimately contributed to a severe health crisis.

Through it all, Cherise reflects on the critical role of integrity, standing by one’s values, and the resilience required to navigate unexpected career and life transitions. Her story is a testament to courage, self-advocacy, and the power of mentorship and community in guiding teachers through professional and personal growth.

This episode is a must-listen for educators facing career transitions, aspiring leaders, or anyone navigating the challenging intersection of personal health, professional integrity, and systemic obstacles in education.

Kendal Askins—former middle school principal, Director of the DaVinci Science program for the Allentown School District, and CEO of Stemulating Minds—shares her experiences and leadership lessons. These lessons have guided her success both in the public school system and as the leader of a thriving tutoring company. Her insights offer valuable guidance for current and aspiring leaders.