Three years into my career as a UX researcher after leaving the classroom, I'm reflecting on the realities of remote work and what I miss about in-person connection. While I don't regret my career change and appreciate the freedom of working remotely, I'm experiencing unexpected challenges that have me considering a hybrid approach.

• Communication has transformed from reading a room to deciphering slack messages and emojis
• Brainstorming has lost its spontaneity, becoming scheduled rather than organic
• The isolation of remote work creates a void after years in the socially rich teaching environment
• Professional visibility requires intentional effort rather than natural presence
• The sense of belonging and community is harder to maintain in virtual environments
• Experimenting with hybrid work may provide the perfect balance of structure without suffocation
• In-person UX research sessions have reignited creative energy that was missing

I'd love to hear from fellow teachers who've transitioned to tech roles - is remote still working for you? Are you thriving in the quiet or craving connection? Would you consider hybrid work? Text me through the link under the podcast, DM me on Instagram, or send me an email with your thoughts.

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Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
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In today's short and sweet episode, I explore how teachers can leverage AI (artificial intelligence) tools in education to build valuable skills for transitioning to UX research and design careers. I share practical strategies for using classroom AI experiences to develop a compelling UX portfolio while still teaching.

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Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

In today's episode, Sharae Gibbs, founder of She Designs and Google Interaction Designer, shares her 12-year journey in UX and her mission to empower women of color in tech through mentorship and training.

• Former Graphic Designer who pivoted to UX design at major tech companies like IBM and Google
• Created She Designs as a mentorship platform for women of color in tech
• Describes Interaction Design as understanding user journeys and touch points to help people achieve goals
• Discusses the value of having representation and community as a Black woman in tech
• Explains how the She Designs UX course evolved to be more flexible and comprehensive
• Shares tools like Otter AI, Gemini, and ChatGPT that help maintain work-life balance
• Provides perspective on how AI is changing UX, but can't replace human empathy and cultural understanding

Teachers already have core UX skills - empathy, communication, problem-solving, and experience designing for different learners. Reframe your classroom experience in UX terminology: lesson planning is experience design, supporting diverse learners is accessibility work, and curriculum adjustments are usability testing and iteration.

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Bio: Sharae Gibbs is the Founder of She Designs, and an Interaction Designer with over 12 years of experience in User Experience (UX) Design. She’s worked at companies like IBM and Google, and her goal is to empower the next generation of women of color in tech. 

Contact Share at: [email protected]

Check out her courses at www.shedesigns.org

Use my discount code ZEEUXPREP for 15% off the course. 

Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.

Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

In today's episode, I explore accessibility in UX design with Shaine Frazier, a former special education teacher who now works as a UX insights professional in the insurance industry, discussing how teaching experience translates into building more accessible digital products.

• Accessibility in design helps not just people with disabilities but benefits all users
• Simple additions like subtitles in videos make content more accessible while improving overall user experience
• Special education techniques translate directly to UX—meeting users where they are and adapting content to their needs
• Teachers already have experience running meetings with stakeholders (IEP meetings) that mirror UX research presentations
• Less is more when implementing accessibility features—targeted improvements often have bigger impact than complete overhauls
• The future of accessibility in UX must balance AI advancements with human understanding of nuance around disability and diversity

Follow Shane on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more about his journey from education to UX research.  Instagram: s.d.fraizer  LI: at Shaine Frazier  

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Bio: 

Shaine Fraizer was born and raised in the Bronx. He is former Special Education Teacher with a unique journey from education to web design, to user experience design, cumulating in his current role as a Digital Customer Experience (CX) Manager.

Shaine studied psychology at New York Tech, where he gained early teaching experience as a program facilitator with Changing the Odds, mentoring teens on mental health and positive sexual behavior. This sparked his passion for education.

After earning his degree, Shaine pursued Educational Psychology at Columbia University's Teachers College but soon joined the NYC Teaching Fellows, serving Bronx students for five years. During this time, he ventured into web design, creating platforms for his own short-term rental business and an e-commerce company, Science.Teacher.Mom.

His growing interest in UX design led him to complete Google’s Professional UX Design Certification on Coursera. Combining this knowledge

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Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

This is a replay episode (S1. Ep. 10)- while I'm out sick. I'll be back with fresh content as soon as my voice returns! Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy this throwback gem! 

Whether you’re pivoting careers, breaking into UX or just trying to stand out in this competitive job market, how you articulate your purpose and motivation can make all the difference. 

Today's episode dives into the significance of effectively communicating your ‘why’ in job interviews, specifically for teachers transitioning to new careers. We discuss how understanding and expressing your motivation can set you apart in a competitive job market.

• Importance of articulating your "why" during job interviews
• Steps to craft a compelling personal story
• Tips for demonstrating confidence and enthusiasm during the interview

Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.

Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

The episode highlights the transferable skills educators possess that can open new career pathways outside teaching. I discuss how teacher skills can pave the way for successful careers in areas like curriculum design, project management, policy-making, and more. 

• Exploring the adaptability of teaching skills 
• Importance of communication and collaboration 
• Leadership experiences gained in the classroom 
• Career transition opportunities for teachers 
• Emphasizing the value of networking and mentorship 
• Strategies for leveraging teaching skills in new areas 
• Defining actionable steps for career transition 
• Encouragement to embrace new possibilities and futures

Episodes mentioned in this one:

S1 E10. Communicating Your Why in Job Interviews

S1 E5. The Art of Networking When Changing Careers

Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.

Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

As educators transitioning into UX and product design, the sting of rejection can feel overwhelming. But remember, you're not alone in this. Every "no" you encounter is an opportunity to adapt and grow. In today's episode, I share a personal story of rejection and guide you on transforming these challenging moments into stepping stones towards success. Embrace the journey, and let rejection propel you to new horizons in your career transformation. Tune in for encouragement, insight, and a reminder that your worth is not defined by rejection but by your ability to persist and flourish.

Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.

Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

A moment of rest and reflection. 

Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.

Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

Ready to transform your teaching skills into a thriving UX career? Join me, Coach Zee, as I share my personal journey from a 15-year teaching tenure to becoming a Senior UX Researcher in EdTech. This episode will equip educators with the tools needed to craft their first UX portfolio piece. By leveraging your current teaching experience, you'll learn how to tackle the unique challenges of portfolio creation, turning them into an opportunity to shine in the world of user experience and product design. Discover how to brainstorm solutions based on everyday problems and tailor your portfolio to fit your dream roles, whether in ed tech or beyond.
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• Click here to sign up for a Career Strategy Call and receive the PDF file of my first UX portfolio project that I walked you through in this episode!
• In case you missed it: Season 1 Episode 15 - Building Your UX Portfolio for Transitioning Teachers
• Listen to my most popular episode: Communicating Your Why in Job Interviews

Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.

Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

Meet Joe Natoli, a seasoned UX expert whose career trajectory offers invaluable insights for both aspiring and experienced UX professionals. Join us as we uncover the wisdom Joe has amassed over three decades, from overcoming imposter syndrome to teaching over 350,000 students on platforms like Udemy. Joe also discusses his collaboration with Leah Buley on "The User Experience Team of One," reflecting his dedication to empowering UX teams and individuals.

Whether you're new to UX or aiming for growth, this episode is packed with insights and resources tailored to your journey.
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Bio: 

Joe Natoli is a UX consultant, author and speaker — and a household name in UX and product design. For three decades, he’s advised, trained and empowered the UX, design and product development teams of some of the world’s largest organizations, from Fortune 100 companies to U.S. Government agencies and startups. He has published ten books — the most recent being the second edition of the bestselling The User Experience Team of One with Leah Buley for Rosenfeld Media — and is a regular keynote speaker and lecturer at industry conferences and corporate events across the globe.

Joe has also taught more than 344,000 students through his online courses and his own UX 365 Academy, at ux365academy.com, in addition to a private coaching practice.

Joe’s approach to improving product UX and design focuses on addressing systemic, personal dynamics issues across individuals, teams and organizations: combating impostor syndrome and increasing self-confidence, improving communication and collaboration, addressing fear and dysfunction driving poor management practices and redesigning inappropriate, counterproductive processes.

His experience has been that when these root causes are improved and solved, the output of the work—and the experience people have with it—improves dramatically.

Joe lives in Washington DC with his wife Eli and three kids, and he strives to be the person his dog Rosie thinks he is. You can find Joe (as well as a voluminous collection of free UX + product design resources) online at givegoodux.com.

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• Connect with Joe on

Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.

Support the show

*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!

Resources:

• Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips.
• Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.
• Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.
• Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.
• Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here.
• Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at [email protected].
• Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!