Don't forget to enter the Teacher Appreciation Giveaway on Instagram!

Every day, teachers across the world face the daunting task of nurturing young minds, often at the expense of their own well-being. This Teacher Appreciation Week, I'm tipping my hat to these unsung heroes and shedding light on the challenges they face within the teaching profession. From ethical dilemmas like grade inflation to the stifling effects of micromanagement, we have an open conversation about the signs of a toxic teaching environment.

If you've ever felt the weight of a negative work environment or wondered about your future in teaching, this episode is for you. We discuss ways to create a healthier professional atmosphere that reignites the passion for teaching and brings back the joy of making a difference in the classroom. Join me and explore strategies for building a trusting environment that supports both teachers and students.

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*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!

Ever considered the leap from the classroom to a professional role in the creative industry? In this episode, I delve into this transition with the help of Sarah Janosz, a Creative Recruiter with a wealth of experience in creative placements. Sarah shares her career evolution, providing you with an authentic perspective on the nuances of such a shift.  Our discussion goes beyond the conventional job-seeking advice. Navigating the leap from education to a creative career demands more than a simple desire for change; it involves a strategic approach to resume and portfolio building, job applications, and interviews. She emphasizes the significance of transparency in the recruitment process, especially in the creative sector where a portfolio often speaks louder than a resume. If you’re eager to pivot with purpose and finesse, learn from our shared experiences, and consider this your official invite to the tech realm—let's connect on LinkedIn and turn those possibilities into your new reality!

Guest Bio: Sarah Janosz has been a Creative Recruiter at Cella by Randstad Digital for almost 3 years. Her goal is to help talent through the interview process and do her best to get them to the offer stage. She helps candidates with their resumes and shares tips and tricks to help them stand out in the interview process so they can land a career they’re passionate about. She has a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a minor in psychology and is passionate about exercise and mental health.

Connect with Sarah on Linkedin
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Listen to The Art of Networking When Changing Careers

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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!

Transitioning to a new career can be challenging, especially when it involves moving from a long-established role in teaching to the dynamic and fast-growing  field of technology. Having the backing of your loved ones can make a significant difference. In this podcast episode, I delve into a firsthand account of my experience unpacking the emotional and practical elements that come into play when embarking on a career pivot with your family by your side. I share five key strategies I learned for winning my family's support during my career transition. The goal is to strike that delicate balance between personal growth and family life, ensuring those you love are part of the conversation every step of the way. 

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!

Teachers are known for their unwavering dedication to their students, often at the expense of their own health and well-being. In this episode, Jite Lark, a former educator turned administrator and women’s fitness and life transformation coach, shares her transformative journey and how it's shaped her mission to help teachers nurture their health to achieve professional fulfillment. Jite's inspiring story is a reminder of the power of self-care and the pivotal role it plays in our lives, both in and out of the classroom. Whether you’re in the process of seeking a new career, or staying in teaching for the long haul, this episode is guaranteed to inspire you.

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Guest Bio: Jite Lark is a fitness and life transformation coach who works with successful school leaders and professional women to rediscover themselves by being authentic, and enjoy all areas of life and health. With her unique approach, Jite helps her clients feel fulfilled and live vibrantly.

Click here to download your FREE “Win Your Weight Loss Journey For Good” PDF guide

• Follow Jite on Instagram and YouTube
• Email Jite: [email protected]

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!

Embarking on a new career path can feel overwhelming, but I can help. Crafting a career narrative is not just about explaining the desire to leave teaching but also about conveying the excitement and commitment to contributing to the success of a potential employer. In today's episode, I explain how to share stories from your teaching experience that highlight transferable skills and passion for your next role. I also provide an example "why statement" you can tailor for interviews and your cover letter that will resonate with your future tech employers. Stay tuned until the end for bonus interview tips!

"How UX Writing Stole My Heart" Article by Z Arnold

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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!

Is it time for educators to reinvent their careers by stepping into the ed tech realm, or should they take their talents to a whole new industry? I'm Zee Arnold, a teacher of 15 years and now a UX researcher, stirring up the conversation around this pivotal career crossroads. With a pulse on the unique skills teachers bring to the table, I dissect the powerful combination of advocacy and empathy that educators possess, and how that translates into a competitive edge in the educational technology landscape. 

As your guide on this career-shifting journey, I unpack the real-world impact you've made in the classroom and how it positions you for success in creating meaningful and user-friendly learning platforms. From advocating for student needs to understanding the nuances of classroom dynamics, I illuminate why your background equips you for roles in ed tech that are hungry for genuine educational expertise. If you're considering a career switch and wondering where your next step should lead, this brief conversation will offer you the insights to make that decision with confidence.

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!

Ever felt like a fraud in your own classroom, or doubted your ability to take on a new career path? Trust me, you're not alone. On our latest journey together, we confront the all-too-common imposter syndrome that plagues many educators as they consider new professional horizons. In today's episode, I draw from the depths of my early teaching days to shed light on these daunting feelings of self-doubt and discuss how they can unjustly tether us to our current roles. We navigate the intricate web of stress, burnout, and anxiety that contributes to this psychological challenge, all while highlighting the importance of embracing our innate competencies.

Today we explore the power of transferable skills, the impact of mentors, and the significance of consistency over perfection. By the end of our talk, you'll see why reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness. Whether you're contemplating a departure from the classroom or already advancing towards a new venture, this episode will guide you to a place where your qualifications shine brightly, unfettered by the shadows of doubt.

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!

Have you ever felt trapped in a career that drains your spirit, wondering if the grass is truly greener on the other side? Today, I bring you a brave story of transformation that might just tip the scales for you. In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Ng, a former high school science teacher who made the leap to a User Researcher after some serious challenges with her mental and physical health brought on by her work environment. Sharon unfolds her narrative of long hours and personal safety challenges in the classroom, painting a vivid picture of the life she left behind. She details the sense of liberation and work-life harmony she's discovered in her current role—a stark contrast to her past hardships.

Sharon's story isn't just about change; it's about reinvention and the application of her unique skill set to her new domain. We discuss how her background as a junior research scientist and a science teacher has equipped her with a potent combination of research acumen and empathy, which she now applies to her UX research projects. Join us as we dissect her approach to blending qualitative and quantitative methods, and gain insights into how skills honed in one career can bring unexpected value to another. If you're an educator contemplating a switch to the tech field, or simply curious about the world of UX, Sharon's story will surely inspire you.

Note:  This story is deep and very personal. I want to warn you that my guest discusses violence in schools, mental health, and topics that may be disturbing, upsetting, and sensitive to some listeners. Please skip that chapter if it might be triggering to you. (Timestamp 6:33-7:52)

Guest Bio: Sharon Ng is a Mixed Methods User Researcher from New York City with demonstrated research, teaching, and leadership experience. She has worked in a neuroscience lab at New York University, where she gained invaluable skills in research methodologies and brought them to the students in her classroom. Bridging the skills she’s built as a former research scientist at NYU and the deep empathy skills she has developed as an educator has shaped her into the User Researcher she is today. Currently, she is a Mixed Methods User Researcher & Analyst for the internal digital products at Johnson & Johnson.

You can reach out to Sharon on

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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, I interview the remarkable Tisha Woods, whose own metamorphosis from Child Development Educator to a Design Program Manager is nothing short of inspirational. Tisha illuminates the path she carved out for herself, transforming her classroom skills into tech talents in the bustling tech scene of the San Francisco Bay area. Her insights on work-life balance and the art of boundary-setting are golden nuggets for any professional seeking harmony in their hectic schedules. Tisha's story isn't just about a career switch; it's a masterclass in leveraging life's lessons across industries.

In a world where job titles can intimidate, Tisha breaks down the walls around the Design Program Manager role, showing how its core—goal setting, nurturing projects, and stakeholder management—mirrors the heart of teaching. She turns the spotlight on the essential soft skills that educators possess, which are invaluable and often underestimated in the tech world. Whether you're a teacher contemplating a career leap or a design enthusiast, Tisha's journey proves that with a bit of grit and a lot of self-compassion, the classroom's confines can give way to the limitless horizons of UX and design. Don't miss this episode where we celebrate the adaptable spirit of educators and the expansive future that beckons in the tech industry.

Guest Bio: Tisha Woods is an Auntie, a student, an educator, and a Design Program Manager based in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find her daydreaming about chips and salsa, reading and writing, and hanging out with her niece and nephews.

• You can reach out to Tisha on Linkedin.
• Podcast cover image credit: Tyrell Waiters - [tartwurk.com]

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 reveal the hidden power of networking for educators aiming to pivot their careers into the exciting realm of user experience and product design. Through the UX Teacher Prep Podcast, you'll uncover the truth behind a robust professional network—not just as a collection of contacts, but as a pivotal force for career advancement. You'll learn that a resume might land on a desk, but it's your relationships that open doors, ensuring you're seen, heard, and remembered in spaces you've yet to explore.

In this episode, I share personal anecdotes from my own transition out of the classroom and into the tech sphere, offering practical strategies to forge meaningful industry connections. This isn't about social media numbers; it's about creating ongoing partnerships that support growth long after you've secured your dream role. So tune in, get inspired, and let's start building a network that not only enhances your net worth but secures your place in the future of tech.

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!