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.

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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.
• 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].
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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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*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!

UX Bootcamps have become a hot topic in the world of tech, offering a blend of structure, speed, and practical skills designed to fast-track careers. In this episode, I discuss the various advantages and drawbacks of these programs, particularly for teachers looking to change careers. I also provide an overview of a course I took called "Fundamentals of UX Writing" offered by UX Content Collective. I share my personal experiences and highlight how the course's comprehensive curriculum, taught by industry experts, can lead to tangible career benefits.

Check out the UX Content Collective Course: Fundamentals of UX Writing Course: https://uxcontent.com/uxwc-the-fundamentals-course/

• Use discount code UXTPZEE to get 20% off [Full Disclosure: I’m a compensated affiliate for UX Content Collective]

If you're interested in the UX Design Course I took, here it is. Sign up for the SheDesigns Mentorship Program using my discount code: ZEEUXPREP for $75 off your initial payment. [Full Disclosure: I’m a compensated affiliate for SheDesigns]

• Learn more: https://www.shedesigns.org/

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 find yourself at the crossroads of passion and practicality? I've navigated those tricky paths, transitioning from teaching to user experience, and in this heart-to-heart, I impart my top strategies for keeping your wellness in check and avoid further burnout. Balancing a demanding teaching career with the hunt for new opportunities can seem daunting, but I break down how intentional scheduling and leaning on your support network can keep you grounded and healthy through it all. For any educator looking to pivot careers without losing their sanity, this episode is your lifeline.

We wrap things up with a reminder that you're not alone in the trenches of resume building and portfolio polishing. My website, uxteacherprep.com, stands ready to support you with personalized sessions to boost your career transition. Plus, tap into a free 15-minute call focused on wellness, because mental health is not just a buzzword—it's the foundation for achieving your dreams. Subscribe for your weekly dose of insights, and let's keep this conversation alive on Instagram and YouTube. I'm here to guide you through this journey; let's push forward to a fulfilling career and a healthier you.

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 wondered how a teacher's expertise could unlock the potential of tech products? I'm here to enlighten you! As a former educator now thriving in the realm of UX (User Experience) Research, I share my journey and insights on how teaching skills are not only transferable but also vital in understanding and enhancing user experiences, especially within an EdTech company. From collaborating with product teams to diving into users' behaviors, this episode unpacks the essentials of a UX Researcher's role, and I detail a real-life project cycle that reveals the striking similarities between refining research and crafting lesson plans. Tune in for an engaging look at how your knack for communication and collaboration can be your passport to a fulfilling career transition.

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 the weariness of a path once walked with vigor? In this episode, I unveil the raw and moving saga of a career that once was my identity. Embrace the narrative of my quest to reimagine my future, as we journey through triumphs and trials, from teaching accolades to the brink of burnout. My story is not just one of personal transformation, but a beacon for all who've felt the sting of a profession's unrelenting demands and yearn for the courage to seek a new direction.

Here is an episode that doesn't just share a story—it invites you to reflect on your own, encouraging educators everywhere to recognize their worth and the vast horizons awaiting beyond the classroom walls. 

If you've ever felt the pull towards reinvention or pondered the transferable wealth of your professional expertise, this episode promises a beacon of inspiration and a blueprint for your own potential pivot.

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!

Welcome to The UX Teacher Prep Podcast! This is your guide to transition from teaching to UX (User Experience) Design. ~~

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!