Beyond the Classroom with Lisa Harding

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!

You’ve seen the posts:“Excited to announce my new role outside the classroom!”But what you don’t see?The messy, emotional, and often confusing journey it took to get there.In this episode, Lisa pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to change careers as a teacher—and why it’s okay if your transition isn’t quick, easy, or linear. She shares the truth behind the process, common emotional roadblocks, and the power of hearing real stories from teachers who’ve made the leap.You’ll learn:• Why career change is so much more than just a resume update• What to expect in the “messy middle” of transition• How hearing others’ stories can unlock clarity and confidence• Why networking matters—and how to start with simple steps• A sneak peek at the powerful panel coming to the June 14 Teacher Career Transition Summit🎉 Want to hear real stories from former teachers who made the leap?Join us for “How They Did It: Real Career Change Stories from Former Teachers”—a live panel at the Teacher Career Transition Summit featuring Katie Fielding, Amy Donato, and Holly Owens.🎟️ Register free (or grab the replay if it’s passed) at: TeacherCareerTransitionAcademy.com/summitThis episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and you’re more capable than you think.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!

Summer break is finally here—but what if you used it as more than just a pause?In this solo episode, Lisa shares how teachers can use the summer months to rest, recharge, and reflect—without piling on more pressure. Whether you're just starting to think about a career change or deep into your transition, this episode will help you create space for recovery and growth.You'll learn:• Why burnout recovery is essential before any big career move• What real teachers are doing during the summer to support their transitions• How to balance intentional rest with small, strategic next steps• Why summer is the perfect time to network, connect, and explore new career pathsPlus, Lisa shares how the upcoming Teacher Career Transition Summit on June 14 fits into your summer reset—and how you can still access the replay if you’re listening later.Register (or grab the replay!) here:www.TeacherCareerTransitionAcademy.com/summitThis isn’t about doing it all.It’s about doing what you need—so you can move forward without burning out again.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!

Career transitions are rarely clean or linear—and that’s okay.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Rachael Johnson, former music teacher turned copywriter and host of the What Do You Want! podcast, for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really looks like to leave the classroom and step into something new.From navigating the stigma of leaving teaching to learning how to advocate for yourself, Rachael shares hard-earned insights about identity shifts, asking for help, and trusting your gut—even when things don’t go as planned. They also explore how confidence, energy, and the people you surround yourself with can shape the entire transition process.And yes—Rachael is now a successful entrepreneur, helping brands communicate with clarity and voice. But this episode isn’t just about building a business. It’s about building a life that feels aligned with who you are now.If you're a teacher standing at a crossroads, this conversation will remind you: it’s okay to put yourself first—and there’s more than one way forward.Links from Episode:≫ Rachael’s Website: https://rj-creative.com≫ Rachael’s Podcast, Do What You Want!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2154645 ≫ Teacher Career Transition Summit: www.TeacherCareerTransitionAcademy.com/summit    ≫ 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!

#051: Breaking the Burnout Cycle: How to Protect Your Energy and Empower Your Careerwith Grace StevensBurnout isn't a personal failure—it's a systemic challenge, and teachers deserve better.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Grace Stevens, a former corporate VP turned public school teacher, best-selling author, and host of the Teacher Self-Care and Life Balance podcast. Grace shares her journey from corporate America to the classroom—and why protecting your energy is the foundation for both thriving in teaching and navigating career transitions.You’ll learn science-backed strategies for setting healthy boundaries, debunk common myths about burnout, and discover Grace’s ECHO framework for educator empowerment. Whether you're staying in education or exploring new opportunities beyond the classroom, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and re-energized.Links from Episode:≫  Free Resource: Guide to Saying No≫  Website: www.gracestevens.com≫  Grace Stevens’ Book – Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers Available in multiple formats: • Paperback: Amazon • Kindle Edition: Amazon Kindle • Audiobook: Audible≫ 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!

If you’re in the middle of a career transition and feeling stuck—mentally, emotionally, or strategically—this episode is for you. Whether you've been applying to job after job without hearing back, or you're still unsure what kind of career you're even aiming for, today’s conversation will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity.Lisa shares powerful mindset shifts, real stories from teachers who broke through the “stuck” phase, and a step-by-step strategy to help you regain momentum. From career clarity and informational interviews to small wins and strategic support, this episode is filled with encouragement and actionable tools to help you take your next step.✨ Want more structure and support? The Teacher Career Transition Academy offers on-demand training, coaching, templates, and a full roadmap to help you go from overwhelmed to hired.Links from Episode:≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.≫ 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.≫ “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!