Leaving the Classroom: A Teacher Transition Podcast

In this episode of the Leaving the Classroom podcast, the host Kristi Oliva provides a roadmap for teachers looking to transition out of the classroom by 2025. Tune in to hear:

1. How to clarify your career goals and identify your transferable skills.
2. Strategies for optimizing your resume, LinkedIn profile, and networking approach.
3. Tips for sta...

In this episode of the Leaving the Classroom Podcast, host Kristi Oliva discusses the unexpected delights of transitioning from a teaching career to a new field.

Tune in to find out:

• The newfound flexibility and control over her schedule that Kristi experienced after leaving the classroom, including the simple pleasures of going to the gym during the day and enjoying her coffee without rushing.

In this episode, Kristi Oliva discusses the concept of "running through a goal, not to a goal" and how it can be applied to career transitions, particularly for teachers looking to leave the classroom.

Tune in to find out:

• The importance of not just reaching a goal, but using it as a springboard for continuous growth and evolution
• Practical steps for adopting a "ru...

In this episode of the Leaving the Classroom podcast, host Kristi Oliva shares a personal story about the financial struggles and emotional toll she experienced as a single mother and teacher.

Tune in to find out:

• Kristi's experience of being just $100 away from qualifying for welfare while working as a full-time teacher
• The impact of financial stress on her mental...

In this episode, Kristi Oliva introduces a new small group coaching program designed to help teachers transition into new careers.

Tune in to find out:

• The three key benefits of the small group coaching program are personalized action plans, expert guidance, and a supportive community.
• Why Kristi Oliva created this program to help teachers find fulfilling careers....

In this episode, Kristi Oliva discusses how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to improve your chances of landing a new job, especially for teachers looking to transition to a new career. 

Tune in to find out:

• How to create a professional and compelling profile picture and headline to make a strong first impression
• Tips for crafting an engaging summary section and h...

In this episode, Kristi Oliva discusses how to craft a compelling elevator pitch to help you transition from a teaching career to a new role. 

Tune in to find out:

• How to structure an effective elevator pitch with an introduction, background, and career objective

• Tips for keeping the pitch concise, highlighting your strengths and achievements, and tailori...

In this episode, Kristi Oliva discusses 5 effective strategies for teachers to build a professional network outside of education in order to transition into a new career. 

Tune in to find out:

• How to leverage your current contacts, including colleagues, friends, family, former students, and parents

• The benefits of joining professional organizations and at...

In this episode of the Leaving the Classroom Podcast, host Kristi Oliva provides tips for teachers looking to transition into corporate roles on how to write a standout resume. 

Tune in to hear:

• How to highlight transferable skills from teaching experience, such as communication, project management and problem-solving

• Tips for using strong action verbs an...

In this episode of Leaving the Classroom Podcast, Kristi Oliva interviews David Richards about starting micro-schools as an alternative to traditional public education.

Tune in to hear...

• David Richards' experience transitioning from teaching to opening charter and Micro Schools

• The benefits of Micro Schools for personalized learning and teacher autonomy

• Steps for starting a Micro School and resources for teachers interest...

In this episode of Leaving the Classroom, former teacher Jared Speight shares his journey transitioning from teaching to instructional design. 

Tune in to hear:

• Jared's story of transitioning from 14 years in the classroom to an instructional design role due to burnout from COVID. 
• Strategies for building an instructional design portfolio through groups, challenges, ...

In this episode of Leaving the Classroom, host Kristi Oliva interviews former teacher Melissa Chapman about her transition to a career in project management. 

Tune in to hear:

• Melissa's journey from burnout in teaching to becoming a certified project manager.
• How teachers can translate their skills and experience on their resume for roles in project management.

In this episode, Kristi Oliva provides tips for teachers planning their transition out of the classroom.

Tune in to hear:

1. The importance of mapping out your journey and identifying a clear destination or target career path to avoid feeling lost.

2. Steps to research potential post-teaching careers, identify skill gaps, and address qualifications needed for the target role.

3. Details about an upcoming "Teacher Ditch Day" event o...

In this episode of Leaving the Classroom, former teacher Kim Brooks shares her journey of transitioning from the classroom to holistic wellness curating.

Tune in to hear:

- Kim's story of teaching for 18 years in elementary school both in the US and internationally before feeling burned out and resigning.

- How she discovered yoga and other holistic practices to help manage her stress and fibromyalgia, leading her to get certificat...

In this episode, Kristi Oliva interviews former teacher Chris Shamblin about transitioning out of the classroom and preparing financially. Chris shares his journey of leaving the classroom after experiencing burnout and wanting more fulfillment in his career.

Kristi Shares:

- Her experience with burnout leading her to leave the classroom after 15 years of teaching.

- The toxic culture in education that discourages self-care and lea...

In this episode, Matt Gjertsen, former Air Force pilot and owner of Better Every Day Studios, shares advice for transitioning teachers looking to become instructional designers.  

Tune in to hear: 

• Advice for interviewing successfully and highlighting one's skills in a resume 
• Tips for standing out in a competitive job market and creating an effective portfolio 
• How to ask the right questions in an interview to determine career...

In this episode of the Leaving the Classroom podcast, host Kristi Oliva interviews former teacher Molly Schloesser about making the transition from her career in education to new opportunities outside of the classroom. Molly shares her experiences teaching third grade for several years and deciding to pursue a change, as well as her ongoing job search as she works to transition into a new role in customer success or account managem...

In this episode of Leaving the Classroom, former teacher Sarah Bainter discusses her journey from the classroom to a career in instructional design. She shares her experience going through IDOL courses Academy. Sarah reflects on translating her teaching skills to her new role and the differences between developing content for children and adults.

On this episode Kristi shares:

• Sarah's background as ...