Beyond the Classroom with Lisa Harding

After 17 years in the classroom, Meredith Cooley knew something had to change. In this inspiring episode, she shares her deeply personal story of burnout, rediscovery, and building a fulfilling new career as a freelance copywriter and educator for educators.You’ll hear how Meredith went from Googling “jobs for teachers” to launching her own business, Page and Purpose, and is now helping fellow teachers transition into writing careers. She gets candid about juggling work and motherhood, finding her first clients, building confidence, and creating a life she loves. Whether you’re still in the classroom wondering “what if,” or already exploring your next step, this episode is full of validation, mindset shifts, and practical tips to help you move forward.🎧 Tune in to hear:Meredith’s path from English teacher to entrepreneurHow she found time (and belief) to build a business while still teachingWhat types of writing projects education companies actually hire forHow she’s now paying it forward by mentoring other teachersThe mindset tools she used to unlock her next chapterLinks from Episode:≫ Meredith's Website: https://pageandpurpose.com/≫ Classroom to Copywriting: https://pageandpurpose.kit.com/classroomtocopywriter≫ Meredith’s Newsletter: https://pageandpurpose.kit.com/turnthepage≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

What if the clues to your next chapter are already hiding in plain sight?In this episode, I’m joined by Sara Marye, former elementary teacher turned full-time business owner and CEO of The Stellar Teacher Company. Sara shares how she built her side hustle into a thriving literacy business supporting educators across the country—and how she navigated imposter syndrome, doubt, and mindset shifts along the way.Whether you’re dreaming of entrepreneurship or just trying to figure out your next step, Sara’s story is packed with insight. We talk about the power of momentum, the role of networking and mastermind groups, and how to start taking action even before you feel “ready.”✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:✅ How Sara made the leap from teaching to full-time entrepreneur✅ Her practical steps for starting a business while still in the classroom✅ Real talk on imposter syndrome and how she moved through it✅ Why momentum might be the missing piece in your transition✅ Encouragement for teachers navigating any kind of career changeIf you’ve ever felt the pull toward something more, this conversation will leave you both inspired and equipped.Links from Episode:≫ Sara Marye's Website: https://www.stellarteacher.com/≫ Sara Marye's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-marye/≫ Sara Marye's Podcast: https://www.stellarteacher.com/stellar-teacher-podcast-with-sara-marye/ ≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Ever feel stuck in a spiral of burnout, doubt, or overwhelm during your career change?In this episode, Lisa shares a personal reflection on how positivity is showing up all around her lately—from teacher messages to recent interviews and even her own morning routine.Drawing from the research of Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s book Positivity, Lisa unpacks what it really means to shift your mindset, find small moments of joy, and use those moments as powerful clues to keep moving forward.Whether you’re still in the classroom or navigating the ups and downs of a job search, this episode will help you stay grounded, hopeful, and ready for the next step.Links from Episode:≫ Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s book Positivity: https://www.positivityratio.com/≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I sit down with career coach Marcia Wall for a conversation that’s equal parts personal and practical. Marcia shares her own career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and powerful advice for teachers considering a transition.We talk openly about:✨ Overcoming imposter syndrome✨ Navigating the emotions of career change✨ Practical steps for building confidence in a new path✨ Encouragement for teachers who feel stuck or uncertainThis episode is not only packed with inspiration and actionable advice—it’s also a great “Get to Know You” episode designed to help you connect more personally with the incredible coaches inside the Teacher Career Transition Academy. Whether you’re already a member or just starting to explore what’s next, you’ll walk away feeling encouraged, motivated, and a little closer to the people cheering you on in your career journey.Links from Episode:≫ Marcia Wall's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwall1000/ ≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the world of nonprofit grant writing with Kimberly McCabe leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this second part in a two-part series for an enlightening session featuring Kimberly McCabe, a former social studies teacher who has successfully transitioned into a grant writing role within the nonprofit sector. Kimberly will share her inspiring journey from the classroom to the forefront of nonprofit work, offering insights into her daily tasks, the intricacies of her role, leveraging teaching experience for success, invaluable advice for securing positions in this domain, and much more.Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how your skills as an educator can open doors to a fulfilling and impactful career in nonprofit grant writing.Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the world of nonprofit grant writing with Kimberly McCabe leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this first part in a two-part series for an enlightening session featuring Kimberly McCabe, a former social studies teacher who has successfully transitioned into a grant writing role within the nonprofit sector. Kimberly will share her inspiring journey from the classroom to the forefront of nonprofit work, offering insights into her daily tasks, the intricacies of her role, leveraging teaching experience for success, invaluable advice for securing positions in this domain, and much more.Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how your skills as an educator can open doors to a fulfilling and impactful career in nonprofit grant writing.Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

In this special solo episode, Lisa gets personal about the one habit that’s quietly transformed her mindset, motivation, and momentum: a simple but powerful morning routine. If you’re stuck in the overwhelm of a career transition—or just struggling to stay focused—this episode will help you recenter, reset, and reconnect with your goals. Hear how Lisa built her own calming, energizing routine (without waking up at 5am), and discover how a few intentional minutes each morning can bring clarity and confidence to your day—no matter where you are on your journey.Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Sign up for Coaching Session: How to Start Your Career Transition≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the field of Learning & Development as a Training Specialist, with Samantha Wade leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this second part of a two-part podcast for an enlightening session featuring Samantha Wade, a former 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts teacher who has transitioned into a Training Specialist role. Samantha will share her inspiring journey from the classroom to the forefront of L&D, offering insights into her daily tasks, the intricacies of her role, leveraging teaching experience for success, invaluable advice for securing positions in this domain, and much more.Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles?Embark on a transformative journey into the field of Learning & Development as a Training Specialist, with Samantha Wade leading the way.Uncover endless possibilities!Join us in this first part of a two-part podcast for an enlightening session featuring Samantha Wade, a former 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts teacher who has transitioned into a Training Specialist role. Samantha will share her inspiring journey from the classroom to the forefront of L&D, offering insights into her daily tasks, the intricacies of her role, leveraging teaching experience for success, invaluable advice for securing positions in this domain, and much more.Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

If you’re feeling stuck in your career transition—unsure what to do next, overwhelmed by options, or afraid of making the wrong move—this episode is here to help. Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re ready for something different—and now it’s time to get strategic.In this episode, Lisa shares what it really looks like to move forward without having everything figured out. Through personal reflection, real teacher stories, and actionable encouragement, you’ll learn how to take meaningful steps even when the path ahead feels unclear. Because getting unstuck isn’t about having the perfect plan—it’s about being willing to start.Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Sign up for Coaching Session: How to Start Your Career Transition≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a daily reality for many teachers.In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Lisa Harding sits down with Ruby Brown-Herring, a corporate well-being consultant and CEO of RBH Wellness Solutions, to explore how educators can start protecting their mental health—even when the workplace isn’t changing.Drawing from her experience designing employee wellness strategies across industries, Ruby shares powerful, practical tips for setting boundaries, building emotional resilience, and reclaiming your well-being without guilt. If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally drained by your job, this conversation will equip you with real strategies to take care of yourself and start healing from burnout—one small shift at a time.Links from Episode:≫ Connect with Ruby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-brown-herring≫ Ruby's Website: rubybrownherring.com≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Instructional design is one of the most popular—and promising—career paths for teachers transitioning out of the classroom. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Lisa Harding sits down with Sarah Hayford, a former educator who turned her passion for teaching into a fulfilling new role designing learning experiences for adults.Sarah opens up about the realities of career change, how she overcame fear and uncertainty, and why instructional design gave her a renewed sense of purpose.Whether you're just starting to explore new career options or seriously considering this path, you’ll walk away inspired and empowered to take your next step.Connect with Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahhayford3/Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Lisa Harding sits down with Miss Estruch—a former teacher who turned her passion for AP Biology and resource creation into a thriving, multi-faceted business that now surpasses her teaching salary.Miss Estruch pulls back the curtain on exactly how she built her business while still teaching full-time, what gave her the confidence to finally make the leap, and the different income streams that keep her business growing today. But this episode isn’t just about business strategy—it’s about the emotional journey behind the transition: the fear, the identity shift, and the moment she realized it was time to choose herself.Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or simply curious about what else is possible beyond the classroom, this honest and empowering conversation is packed with actionable advice and real-life insight every teacher needs to hear.Tune in and discover what’s possible when you give yourself permission to dream bigger.Links from Episode:≫ To Connect and Learn More:Website: https://www.missestruch.co.uk/teach&tellYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissEstruchTeachTellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss.estruch.teach.and.tell/?hl=en≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you curious about career options that go beyond the classroom?A role in government as a Program Analyst could be your next exciting step!Join us in this second part of a two-part podcast as we host former teacher turned Government Program Analyst, Paola Clark, as she shares her inspiring journey. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her daily responsibilities, learn how to apply your teaching skills to thrive in program management, and gain practical tips for breaking into the public sector.Don’t miss this opportunity to see how your teaching experience can pave the way for a fulfilling career in government!Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you curious about career options that go beyond the classroom?A role in government as a Program Analyst could be your next exciting step!Join us in this first part of a two-part podcast as we host former teacher turned Government Program Analyst, Paola Clark, as she shares her inspiring journey. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her daily responsibilities, learn how to apply your teaching skills to thrive in program management, and gain practical tips for breaking into the public sector.Don’t miss this opportunity to see how your teaching experience can pave the way for a fulfilling career in government!Links from Episode:≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you seeking exciting opportunities beyond traditional teaching roles?A career in software development could be a great fit for you!Software development is the process of designing, creating, and maintaining applications, systems, and programs that solve problems or perform specific tasks on computers and digital devices. It involves writing code, testing, debugging, and continuously improving software to meet user needs. Whether it's mobile apps, websites, or enterprise software, developers work in teams to turn ideas into functional technology solutions that power everything from business operations to everyday life.Join us in this second part of a two-part series as we host former teacher turned Senior Agile Coach and Scrum Master, Dan Huffman, as he shares his inspiring transition story. You’ll get an inside look at his daily responsibilities, learn how to apply your transferable skills to succeed in this field, and discover actionable tips for breaking into Agile coaching and Scrum Master roles.Don’t miss this chance to see how your teaching experience can pave the way for a successful and rewarding career!Links from Episode:≫ Scrum.org: https://www.scrum.org/≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Are you seeking exciting opportunities beyond traditional teaching roles?A career in software development could be a great fit for you!Software development is the process of designing, creating, and maintaining applications, systems, and programs that solve problems or perform specific tasks on computers and digital devices. It involves writing code, testing, debugging, and continuously improving software to meet user needs. Whether it's mobile apps, websites, or enterprise software, developers work in teams to turn ideas into functional technology solutions that power everything from business operations to everyday life.Join us in this first part of a two-part series as we host former teacher turned Senior Agile Coach and Scrum Master, Dan Huffman, as he shares his inspiring transition story. You’ll get an inside look at his daily responsibilities, learn how to apply your transferable skills to succeed in this field, and discover actionable tips for breaking into Agile coaching and Scrum Master roles.Don’t miss this chance to see how your teaching experience can pave the way for a successful and rewarding career!Links from Episode:≫ Scrum.org: https://www.scrum.org/≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Scrum? Agile? If you’ve never heard those words before—or assumed they were just tech buzzwords—this episode is your crash course into a career path more teachers should know about.In this conversation, Lisa sits down with Johnathan Vo, founder of School of Scrum, to explore how teachers can successfully transition into Agile roles—especially those who enjoy structure, collaboration, problem-solving, and project-based work.Johnathan breaks down:• What Scrum and Agile actually mean—and how they’re used in companies today• Why teachers are often naturals in Agile roles (think: facilitation, adaptability, team leadership)• What kinds of job titles and industries use these methods• How his School of Scrum program helps teachers break into the fieldIf you’re a teacher who thrives on helping teams work smarter, leading projects, or bringing clarity to chaos—this could be a path worth exploring.This episode will give you the clarity you need to decide whether Agile might be the right next chapter for you.Links from Episode:≫ School of Scrum: https://learn.schoolofscrum.com/the-school-of-scrum ≫ Teacher Career Transition Academy: www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com≫ Join our Teacher Career Transition FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Join our Life After Teaching FB Group.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

What happens when you leave the education system—but not your passion for teaching?In this episode, Lisa sits down with Melissa Lefort, former educator, writer, and creator of Taught: The Podcast, for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to walk away from the classroom and rebuild your identity from the ground up.Now living in Portugal, Melissa spends her days writing novels, tutoring language learners, and teaching workshops on her own terms. But her journey hasn’t been a clean break or a straight line—it’s been one of burnout, imposter syndrome, and learning to embrace failure as part of the process.Together, Lisa and Melissa talk about the emotional weight of leaving teaching, the stigma that still surrounds it, and the courage it takes to step into the unknown. They explore why burnout isn’t about broken teachers—it’s about broken systems—and why the world needs educators who are willing to take their talents elsewhere.This episode is for anyone who’s asking:“Who am I if I’m not a teacher anymore?”“What if I take a leap and it doesn’t go perfectly?”“What if that’s exactly what I needed?”Links from Episode:≫ Taught: The Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taught-the-podcast/id1737501218⁠≫ Melissa’s Website: ⁠https://taughtspot.com/⁠≫ Taught: The Very Private Journal of One Bad Teacher: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Taught-Very-Private-Journal-Teacher/dp/B0DSSRF549⁠≫ Luminary Education: ⁠https://www.luminary-education.com/luminary-education⁠≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

Ever wonder what hiring managers actually think when they see a resume from a former teacher?In this episode, Lisa shares what she’s learned from both sides of the hiring process—as a former EdTech executive who interviewed hundreds of candidates (many of them teachers), and as a coach helping teachers land roles outside the classroom every day.You’ll get practical advice on:• What makes former teachers stand out—and what holds them back• How to confidently talk about your skills in interviews• The most common resume mistakes and how to fix them• What hiring managers are really looking for (spoiler: it's not perfection)• The different types of interviews you’ll face in the corporate worldPlus, Lisa shares a preview of the upcoming Teacher Career Transition Summit, and the powerful panel session:"Educators on the Inside: Hiring Tips from Former Teachers Turned Hiring Managers."You’ll hear from former teachers now working at PowerSchool, Krispy Kreme, and SchoolAI—who are pulling back the curtain on what it’s like to go from teacher to hiring decision-maker.🎟️ Join us live on Saturday, June 14 or access the replay anytime: TeacherCareerTransitionAcademy.com/summitThis episode is a must-listen if you’re applying to jobs, preparing for interviews, or just want a confidence boost from someone who’s been on the other side of the table.Links from Episode:≫ Teacher Career Transition Summit: www.TeacherCareerTransitionAcademy.com/summit≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ Teacher Career Transition Academy: www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!