Feeling stuck between your teaching job and the career you really want?

In this motivational episode, Lisa Harding shares why the beginning of the year is the perfect time to say yes to yourself—and how small actions can create big momentum in your career transition.

You’ll learn:

– Why saying yes doesn’t require total clarity (yet)

– Practical ways to start building momentum this week

– How to reconnect with your goals and believe in what’s possible for 2026

– Why the people who make the leap aren’t necessarily the ones with the most time, but the ones who take the first step.

Whether it’s January or July when you’re listening, this episode is your reminder that the moment you say yes to yourself… everything begins to shift.

Links from Episode:

≫ Teacher Career Transition Kick Off Event: Click Here to Register.
≫ 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 Part 2 of this two-part series, we continue the conversation with former teacher turned Operations Specialist, Jake Schroeder, diving further into the realities of working in operations and what it truly takes to break into this field.

In this episode, Jake shares more detailed insights into career growth, common misconceptions about operations roles, and how teachers can stand out during the job search—even without direct corporate experience. We also talk through how to build confidence when making the leap, what hiring managers are really looking for, and how to position your skills for long-term success.

If Part 1 helped you see operations as a real possibility, Part 2 will help you understand how to move toward it with clarity and intention.Whether you’re actively job searching or still exploring what’s next beyond the classroom, this episode will help you connect the dots between your teaching background and a fulfilling career in operations management.

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 Part 1 of this two-part episode, we explore Operations Management as a potential next step for former teachers looking for meaningful, sustainable careers outside of education.Join us as we sit down with former teacher turned Operations Specialist, Jake Schroeder, who shares his real-life transition story.

Jake walks us through what his day-to-day work looks like, the transferable skills from teaching that helped him break into operations, and practical insights for getting hired in this field.

You’ll also hear tips on positioning your background, understanding the role of operations within an organization, and why this career path can offer both stability and growth for educators ready for change.If you’re wondering how your teaching experience can translate into a successful, fulfilling role in the corporate world, this episode is a great place to start.

Tune in for Part 1—and stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll go even deeper into this career path.

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!

There’s something magical about the start of a new year. ✨ It’s a blank slate… a chance to reflect, reset, and reimagine what’s possible.

If 2025 felt like a blur—or if you spent more time thinking about a career change than actually making one—this is your moment to shift from hesitation to action. In this episode, Lisa dives into how to use the energy of the new year to your advantage and explains why momentum is the #1 differentiator between teachers who make the leap and those who don’t.

You’ll walk away with:

- A fresh mindset for 2026

- Simple, actionable ways to build momentum (without burning out)

-Encouragement to finally prioritize your goals and take that next step This is the year you stop saying “someday”… and start making it happen. Let’s go.

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!

The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind—classroom chaos, family events, gift exchanges, and the endless pressure to “make progress” on your career goals. But what if resting was actually part of the plan?

In this cozy, heartfelt episode, Lisa shares her personal journey of learning to slow down—with seasonal mugs, twinkling lights, and hard-won lessons about saying no. She opens up about the moments in her life and career when choosing rest led to clarity, healing, and even the birth of the Teacher Career Transition Academy.

You’ll walk away with:

- Permission to hit pause without guilt

- Insight into how rest can fuel your next steps

- A reframed view of downtime as intentional momentum

- Encouragement to protect your peace in a busy season If you’re a teacher trying to balance it all while planning a career transition, this one’s for you.

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 episode of Beyond the Classroom, I sit down with career coach Reba Gordon Matthews for a powerful conversation about lifelong learning, confidence, and what it really takes to transition successfully out of the classroom.
Reba shares her remarkable journey—from preschool teacher to elementary educator to NASA Explorer School teacher to EdTech coach—and the unexpected path that led her to supporting teachers through career change.
We dive into:✨ The role vulnerability plays in successful transitions✨ Why lifelong learning isn’t just a phrase but a mindset shift✨ Common mistakes teachers make on LinkedIn and in the corporate world✨ How to present yourself with professionalism, clarity, and confidence✨ Why coaching support accelerates your transition
This episode not only helps you get to know Reba as a coach inside the Teacher Career Transition Academy, but also gives you practical, honest guidance you can apply to your own journey—no matter where you’re starting.

Links from Episode:

≫ Reba's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebagordonmatthews
≫ Best of 2025 Live Replay Event: Click here to register.

≫ 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 worried that your age might be holding you back in the job search?

You’re not alone—and today we’re talking honestly about ageism.
In this episode, I’ll walk you through what ageism looks like in the hiring process, what the research actually says, and—most importantly—how to shift the odds back in your favor.

Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, there is a place for you in the workforce.
You have value, wisdom, and experience that employers need—you just have to know how to communicate it.

Let’s talk strategy, mindset, and the real deal about overcoming age-related fears in your job transition.

Links from Episode:

≫ Best of 2025 Live Replay Event: Click here to register.

≫ 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 your job search has stalled or you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out what’s next, this episode is your gentle reset. Lisa

Harding walks you through three essential building blocks for your career transition—getting clear on your direction, creating marketing materials that stand out, and showing up with confidence on LinkedIn. You’ll walk away with practical tips you can start using today, whether you're still exploring career paths or actively applying to roles.

Plus, hear how you can dive even deeper by joining our upcoming Best of 2025 Live Replay Event, where we’re bringing back the year’s most popular coaching sessions—live with real-time support and a chance to connect with other teachers just like you.

Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need your next step. Let’s take it together.

Links from Episode:

≫ Best of 2025 Live Replay Event: Click here to register.

≫ 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!