In this episode of Teachers Transitions Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with veteran music educator, clinician, and leader Kristin Vogt for a rich conversation about purpose, passion, and growth in education. Kristin shares her unexpected journey from oboe performance and music theory into elementary music education, revealing how she found her true calling in the classroom.

With more than 23 years of teaching experience, Kristin offers powerful insight into the importance of quality elementary music instruction, the impact of the Kodály approach, and why “only the best is good enough for a child.” She also reflects on leadership, professional development, presenting at conferences, and what it means to keep growing even when the next door has not opened yet.

This episode is filled with wisdom for teachers who are considering whether to transition in, up, or out of education. Kristin reminds educators that sometimes you may not need a new career—you may simply need a new environment, a new challenge, or a renewed connection to your “why.”

This is an inspiring conversation for music educators, classroom teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone who believes that what teachers do truly matters.

In this powerful and entertaining episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with rising educator and content creator Keldric Holmes—a third-grade teacher whose humor, honesty, and authenticity have captivated audiences across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.

Known for sharing the real, unfiltered moments of classroom life, Keldric opens up about his unexpected journey into education—from pursuing dance to finding purpose in the classroom. He speaks candidly about the challenges of teaching, including burnout, emotional demands, and the many unseen roles educators take on every day.

Together, Alex and Keldric dive into meaningful conversations around:

• The realities of being a young male educator in today’s classrooms
• The emotional toll and rewards of teaching
• Why representation and mentorship matter for students
• Balancing teaching with a growing social media platform
• Taking ownership of your career path and embracing change

Keldric also shares hilarious, real-life classroom moments that will have every teacher nodding in agreement—and laughing out loud.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about making an impact in the lives of children. It’s a reminder that teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling, a journey, and sometimes, a stepping stone to something even greater.

Connect with Keldric Holmes:
Follow Keldric on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @KeldricHolmes for daily laughs and real classroom moments.

About the Host:
Alex Kirton is a veteran educator of 27 years, a husband, father of two, and the host of Teachers Transition Podcast, where he empowers educators to transition in, up, and through every stage of their careers.

🎙 Teachers Transition Podcast – Season 2 From Classroom to Copywriter: Meredith Cooley’s 17-Year Journey to Freedom

In this powerful episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, Alex Kirton sits down with Meredith Cooley, a former classroom teacher of 17 years who made the courageous leap from education into entrepreneurship.

Meredith shares her honest, behind-the-scenes story of quietly building a freelance copywriting business while still teaching — and how she eventually transitioned into full-time work serving education companies.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, invisible, or unsure whether your skills translate beyond the classroom, this episode is for you.

• The emotional and physical toll of teaching — especially during early motherhood
• Why the “exit ramp” feeling can start years before you act on it
• How Meredith replaced half her salary before making the leap
• The power of leveraging classroom experience instead of abandoning it
• Why education companies value former teachers
• What copywriting for EdTech actually looks like
• How to build confidence while starting something new
• The mindset shifts teachers must make before transitioning
• Why no one will give you permission — and why that matters
• The surprising challenges of working for yourself
• One small step teachers can take this month to explore what’s next

Teachers trust teachers.
Your classroom experience is not a liability — it’s a competitive advantage.

Permission isn’t coming.
If you feel the nudge toward something different, that feeling deserves your attention.

You don’t have to burn the bridge.
Meredith transitioned strategically — building income slowly, going part-time, and securing retainer clients before leaving fully.

Mindset matters.
Letting go of guilt, identity attachment, and the “sunk cost” mentality is often harder than learning new skills.

There is life beyond the classroom.
And sometimes, it begins with simply being curious.

Meredith now works as a freelance copywriter serving education and literacy companies. Her projects include:

• Blog posts and thought leadership content
• Ebooks and long-form guides
• Email campaigns
• Social media content
• Customer success stories and case studies

She also created a program designed specifically for teachers called:

A step-by-step pathway helping educators:

• Build foundational copywriting skills
• Develop a portfolio
• Leverage classroom expertise
• Confidently pitch education companies

Meredith is hosting a free masterclass for teachers interested in exploring copywriting.

Join her email list here:
pageandpurpose.kit.com/turnthepage

📍 LinkedIn: Meredith Rice Cooley
(Meredit’s preferred platform — her DMs are open.)

If you’re listening and feeling the nudge…

It doesn’t mean you failed.
It doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your calling.
It may simply mean you’re growing.

There is space beyond the classroom.
And you are allowed to explore it.

If you’d like, I can also create:

• A short episode description (150 words) for Apple/Spotify
• 3–5 promotional social posts
• A powerful email blast to your list
• Or 5 viral clip captions for TikTok/Reels

You’re building something important here. Let’s keep amplifying it.

🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:💡 Key Takeaways🚀 Meredith’s Current Work✍️ From Classroom to Copywriter🎓 Free Training Opportunity🔗 Connect with Meredith🎧 Final Encouragement

In this powerful and personal episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alexander Kirton sits down with a very special guest—his wife, Keyla Kirton, an experienced HR leader turned consultant and CEO.

Keyla shares her unconventional journey from journalism and producing for 60 Minutes, to higher education leadership, to overseeing HR operations in large school systems, and ultimately transitioning into the consulting and tech space.

This episode offers teachers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how careers evolve—and how to confidently pivot when your path no longer aligns with your purpose.

If you're a teacher feeling stuck, burned out, or simply curious about what's next, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your identity, embrace your transferable skills, and design a career on your own terms.

🔥 Episode Summary

In this powerful and personal episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, Alex sits down with a very special guest—his wife and business partner, Keyla Kirton. With a unique journey spanning journalism, higher education, K-12 leadership, and HR consulting, Keyla offers an inside look at what it truly takes to pivot your career with confidence.

From producing with 60 Minutes to leading HR functions in large school districts, Keyla breaks down the mindset shifts, transferable skills, and resilience required to transition into new opportunities—especially for educators feeling stuck or uncertain about their next move.

This episode is both a masterclass and a motivation boost for teachers ready to reclaim control of their careers.

1. Your Skills Are More Transferable Than You Think
Teachers already possess high-value skills like organization, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving—core competencies for consulting, project management, and leadership roles.

2. Transition Starts Internally Before It Happens Externally
Before making a career move, you must first release old expectations and redefine your identity. Growth requires closure.

3. You May Need to “Rewire Your Brain”
Transitioning into new industries—especially tech—requires learning how to think differently, not just learning new tools.

4. Failure Is Part of the Process
Even high achievers struggle when entering new spaces. Growth comes with discomfort, humility, and persistence.

5. Consulting = Teaching Adults
At its core, consulting is about listening, guiding, and translating information—skills teachers already use daily.

6. Burnout Isn’t Just External—It’s Also Internal
Keyla shares how mindset, ownership, and perceived lack of options contribute heavily to burnout in education.

7. You Have More Control Than You Think
Teachers don’t have to feel stuck. With intentional planning, certifications, and strategic use of time (like summers), new career paths are possible.

• Keyla’s early start in media, including producing for 60 Minutes
• The pivotal conversation that shifted her from journalism to HR
• Leading HR operations for over 14,000 employees in a major school district
• The humbling experience of starting over in tech and failing forward
• Breaking down what consulting actually is (and why teachers are a natural fit)
• Her mission to help teachers transition into consulting careers

• Teachers considering a career transition
• Educators feeling burned out or stuck
• Professionals curious about consulting or HR tech
• Anyone navigating identity shifts in their career
• Aspiring leaders looking to expand their impact

“You were a rockstar in one space—but in a new space, you have to give yourself grace to grow into it.”

💡 Key Takeaways🚀 Standout Moments🎯 Who This Episode Is For🧠 Key Quote

In this conversation, Jeffrey Bradbury discusses the essential role of teachers, likening their responsibilities to that of a conductor. He emphasizes that the primary job of a teacher is to inspire students, regardless of their age or setting, to unite towards a common vision and goal.takeaways

• You have one job as a teacher.
• A teacher's role is similar to that of a conductor.
• Inspiration is key in education.
• Teachers must unite students for a common goal.
• The setting does not change the teacher's responsibility.
• Inspiration can come from various age groups.
• A teacher faces challenges similar to a conductor.
• The tools of a teacher are not physical instruments.
• Effective teaching requires a vision.
• The ultimate goal is to inspire collaboration.

In this episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton speaks with Jeff Patterson, CEO of Gaggle, about the evolution of educational technology and its impact on student safety. They discuss the importance of balancing technology with human judgment, the need for mental health support in schools, and the challenges of navigating privacy concerns. Jeff shares success stories from Gaggle, trends in student safety post-COVID, and offers advice for educators looking to transition into the EdTech space. The conversation highlights the critical role of technology in safeguarding students while emphasizing the need for human oversight and support.

Takeaways

Gaggle started as a solution to provide email accounts for students safely.

The mission of Gaggle has evolved to focus on student safety and mental health.

Balancing technology with human judgment is crucial in identifying risks.

Real-time monitoring can save lives by identifying students in crisis.

Privacy concerns must be balanced with the need for student safety.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased mental health challenges among students.

Educators transitioning to EdTech should consider roles in sales or customer success.

The EdTech landscape is currently facing challenges due to budget cuts and layoffs.

Success in EdTech requires a growth mindset and adaptability.

Gaggle's services are essential for schools to ensure student safety.

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