Teachers Transitions Podcast

Episode 25 Teacher Retirement Secrets: What Every Educator Needs to Know About TRS with Diana Hinojosa

In this insightful interview, Diana Hinojosa shares her journey from teaching to becoming a financial advisor, offering valuable advice on retirement planning, misconceptions about TRS, and how teachers can leverage social media for additional income streams.keywordsTeacher retirement, TRS, financial planning, side income, social media, retirement misconceptions, Texas teachers, insurance, financial independencekey topics * Teacher retirement misconceptions * Understanding the rule of 80 and rule of 90 * Strategies for additional income streams for teachers * Leveraging social media for income * Transitioning from teaching to retirement * Mastering Teacher Retirement: 5 Key Facts Every Educator Must Know * From Classroom to Financial Freedom: Diana Hinojosa's Journey * "TRS can reduce your income by 30 to 40 percent" * "Start early with IRAs and other investments" * "Leverage social media to generate income" guest nameDiana HinojosatitlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Teacher Transitions01:28The Journey to Retirement Considerations07:01Transitioning from Teaching to Financial Advising09:54Understanding TRS Misconceptions12:15Explaining the Rule of 80 and Retirement Eligibility14:27Preparing for Transitioning Out of Teaching17:28Social Security Points Explained19:44Advice for Upcoming Retirees21:18Impact of Higher Positions on Retirement Benefits24:05Distinguishing TRS from 403B Plans25:32Exploring Additional Income Streams for Teachers29:57Transferable Skills: Teachers in Sales31:48Building a Personal Brand: The Journey of TRS Teacher34:01Leveraging Social Media for Income39:24Actionable Steps for Financial Growth41:47Redefining Identity Beyond the Classroom45:35Final Thoughts on Transitioning and Financial Planning

Episode 24 Young, Gifted, and Teaching: Navigating Education Authentically with Anaia Lachelle

In this inspiring interview, Anayla Lachelle shares her journey from criminal justice to teaching and social work, highlighting the importance of authenticity, community service, and the freedom to pivot in your career. Discover her insights on navigating challenges as a young teacher, embracing change, and leveraging social media for impact.keywordsteaching, career transition, social work, education, social media, community service, teacher burnout, career pivot, diversity in education, teacher advicekey topics * Career transitions from criminal justice to teaching and social work * The importance of authenticity and community in education * Overcoming challenges as a young teacher and person of color * Using social media to inspire and connect educators * The mindset shift needed for veteran teachers to embrace change * From Criminal Justice to Classroom: Anayla Schell's Inspiring Journey * The Power of Pivot: How One Teacher Embraces Change and Growth * "I switched to education during COVID." * "Second grade was definitely it for me." * "My faith guides my decisions." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anaya's Journey 01:01 Transitioning Through Education and Social Work 03:59 Experiences in Teaching Second and Fifth Grade 08:02 Influence of Family in Education 10:02 Navigating Career Paths and Future Aspirations 11:57 Advice for Veteran Teachers16:00Impact and Relationships in Teaching 17:52 The Musical Journey Begins 19:23 Music as a Tool for Connection 20:32 Balancing Music and Teaching 21:15 Building Confidence Through Music 24:43 Navigating Racial Bias in Education 27:23 Overcoming Competition Among Teachers 33:51 The Role of Social Media in Education 35:14 Faith and Guidance in Transitions 35:47 Advice for Aspiring Educators

Episode 23: Music Teacher and National Clinician to Aspiring Fine Arts Administrator

In this episode of Teachers Transitions Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with veteran music educator, clinician, and leader Kristin Vogt for a rich conversation about purpose, passion, and growth in education. Kristin shares her unexpected journey from oboe performance and music theory into elementary music education, revealing how she found her true calling in the classroom. With more than 23 years of teaching experience, Kristin offers powerful insight into the importance of quality elementary music instruction, the impact of the Kodály approach, and why “only the best is good enough for a child.” She also reflects on leadership, professional development, presenting at conferences, and what it means to keep growing even when the next door has not opened yet. This episode is filled with wisdom for teachers who are considering whether to transition in, up, or out of education. Kristin reminds educators that sometimes you may not need a new career—you may simply need a new environment, a new challenge, or a renewed connection to your “why.” This is an inspiring conversation for music educators, classroom teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone who believes that what teachers do truly matters.

Episode 22: "Come on in the. Room with Mr. H/ Keldric Holmes-Dance Major to Elementary School Teacher

In this powerful and entertaining episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with rising educator and content creator Keldric Holmes—a third-grade teacher whose humor, honesty, and authenticity have captivated audiences across TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. Known for sharing the real, unfiltered moments of classroom life, Keldric opens up about his unexpected journey into education—from pursuing dance to finding purpose in the classroom. He speaks candidly about the challenges of teaching, including burnout, emotional demands, and the many unseen roles educators take on every day. Together, Alex and Keldric dive into meaningful conversations around: * The realities of being a young male educator in today’s classrooms * The emotional toll and rewards of teaching * Why representation and mentorship matter for students * Balancing teaching with a growing social media platform * Taking ownership of your career path and embracing change Keldric also shares hilarious, real-life classroom moments that will have every teacher nodding in agreement—and laughing out loud. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about making an impact in the lives of children. It’s a reminder that teaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling, a journey, and sometimes, a stepping stone to something even greater. Connect with Keldric Holmes: Follow Keldric on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @KeldricHolmes for daily laughs and real classroom moments. About the Host: Alex Kirton is a veteran educator of 27 years, a husband, father of two, and the host of Teachers Transition Podcast, where he empowers educators to transition in, up, and through every stage of their careers.

Episode 21: Meredith Cooley Veteran Teacher to Freelance Copywriter

🎙 Teachers Transition Podcast – Season 2 From Classroom to Copywriter: Meredith Cooley’s 17-Year Journey to Freedom In this powerful episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, Alex Kirton sits down with Meredith Cooley, a former classroom teacher of 17 years who made the courageous leap from education into entrepreneurship. Meredith shares her honest, behind-the-scenes story of quietly building a freelance copywriting business while still teaching — and how she eventually transitioned into full-time work serving education companies. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, invisible, or unsure whether your skills translate beyond the classroom, this episode is for you. * The emotional and physical toll of teaching — especially during early motherhood * Why the “exit ramp” feeling can start years before you act on it * How Meredith replaced half her salary before making the leap * The power of leveraging classroom experience instead of abandoning it * Why education companies value former teachers * What copywriting for EdTech actually looks like * How to build confidence while starting something new * The mindset shifts teachers must make before transitioning * Why no one will give you permission — and why that matters * The surprising challenges of working for yourself * One small step teachers can take this month to explore what’s next Teachers trust teachers. Your classroom experience is not a liability — it’s a competitive advantage. Permission isn’t coming. If you feel the nudge toward something different, that feeling deserves your attention. You don’t have to burn the bridge. Meredith transitioned strategically — building income slowly, going part-time, and securing retainer clients before leaving fully. Mindset matters. Letting go of guilt, identity attachment, and the “sunk cost” mentality is often harder than learning new skills. There is life beyond the classroom. And sometimes, it begins with simply being curious. Meredith now works as a freelance copywriter serving education and literacy companies. Her projects include: * Blog posts and thought leadership content * Ebooks and long-form guides * Email campaigns * Social media content * Customer success stories and case studies She also created a program designed specifically for teachers called: A step-by-step pathway helping educators: * Build foundational copywriting skills * Develop a portfolio * Leverage classroom expertise * Confidently pitch education companies Meredith is hosting a free masterclass for teachers interested in exploring copywriting. Join her email list here: pageandpurpose.kit.com/turnthepage 📍 LinkedIn: Meredith Rice Cooley (Meredit’s preferred platform — her DMs are open.) If you’re listening and feeling the nudge… It doesn’t mean you failed. It doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your calling. It may simply mean you’re growing. There is space beyond the classroom. And you are allowed to explore it. If you’d like, I can also create: * A short episode description (150 words) for Apple/Spotify * 3–5 promotional social posts * A powerful email blast to your list * Or 5 viral clip captions for TikTok/Reels You’re building something important here. Let’s keep amplifying it. 🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:💡 Key Takeaways🚀 Meredith’s Current Work✍️ From Classroom to Copywriter🎓 Free Training Opportunity🔗 Connect with Meredith🎧 Final Encouragement