Episode 27: Erin John Founder of Chalk to CEO-Unlocking Your Teaching Experience for New Opportunities

Episode 27: Erin John Founder of Chalk to CEO-Unlocking Your Teaching Experience for New Opportunities

In this insightful interview, Erin Johnson, founder of Chalk to CEO, shares her journey from classroom teaching to transforming educators into successful career changers. Discover practical strategies for resume building, navigating career transitions, and leveraging your teaching experience for new opportunities. Key topics: Teacher career transition strategies Resume optimization for educators Leveraging teaching impact in job search sound bites "You are the SME—subject matter expert in your classroom" "Write down your impact, not just your duties" "Make your resume ATS-friendly with the right keywords" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chalk to CEO and Erin Johnson 02:20 The Inspiration Behind Chalk to CEO 04:17 Personal Transition Story from Teacher to Consultant 07:23 Understanding the Financial Realities of Transitioning Careers 10:16 The Importance of Curriculum Alignment in Education 12:27 Empowering Teachers: The Mindset Shift Needed 14:23 Crafting a Resume That Stands Out 17:54 Navigating ATS and Job Applications 19:51 Services Offered by Chalk to CEO 21:14 Navigating Career Transitions for Teachers 23:57 Understanding Salary Expectations in New Roles 25:37 Exploring Side Gigs and Contract Opportunities 27:02 Preparing for Interviews and Overcoming Experience Gaps 29:51 The Importance of Professional Support 30:58 Timing and Seasons for Job Opportunities 32:29 Managing References During Job Searches 34:33 Ongoing Support and Coaching for Career Growth 36:19 Encouragement for Teachers Feeling Stuck resources Chalk to CEO - https://chalk2ceo.com Keywords: teacher career transition, resume tips, EdTech jobs, educator career change, ATS optimization, professional development, teaching impact, job search strategies

Episode 26-Lola Paul-From Classroom to Boardroom: How Educators Can Transition to Business

In this insightful interview, Lola Paul shares her journey from educator to successful entrepreneur, highlighting the transferable skills from teaching to project management and business development. She offers practical advice for educators considering career transitions, emphasizing resilience, strategic planning, and leveraging AI tools.keywordscareer transition, educators, project management, entrepreneurship, skills transfer, resilience, AI tools, professional development key topics * Transferable skills from teaching to business * Strategic planning and reverse engineering career goals * Overcoming challenges and resilience in career transition * From Classroom to Boardroom: How Educators Can Transition to Business * The Teacher's Guide to Project Management and Entrepreneurship * "Support systems change how we move" * "Start your first day at work" * "Your resume should tell your story" * Lola the Manager on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lolathemanager] * Lola the Manager on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lolathemanager] * Lola the Manager on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lolathemanager] * Lola the Manager on Twitter [https://twitter.com/lolathemanager] * * * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lolathemanager] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lolathemanager] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lolathemanager] * Twitter [https://twitter.com/lolathemanager] Chapters00:00 Introduction to Teacher Transitions 01:57 Lola Paul's Journey into Education 05:55 Transitioning from Teaching to Business 09:46 Navigating Challenges in Education 17:39 The Impact of Uncertainty and Resilience 23:32 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward 28:04 Embracing the First Day: A Teacher's Journey 32:17 Overcoming Procrastination: Taking Action in Education 34:01 Leveraging Skills: Transitioning from Education to Other Fields 38:02 Creating an Action Plan: Reverse Engineering Success 43:05 Valuing Educator Skills: The Transferable Nature of Teaching 47:58 Building a Portfolio: Showcasing Your Skills and ProjectsResourcesGuest links

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" Diana Hinojosa Chapters00:00Introduction to Teacher Transitions 01:28 The Journey to Retirement Considerations 07:01 Transitioning from Teaching to Financial Advising 09:54 Understanding TRS Misconceptions 12:15 Explaining the Rule of 80 and Retirement Eligibility 14:27 Preparing for Transitioning Out of Teaching 17:28 Social Security Points Explained 19:44 Advice for Upcoming Retirees 21:18 Impact of Higher Positions on Retirement Benefits 24:05 Distinguishing TRS from 403B Plans 25:32 Exploring Additional Income Streams for Teachers 29:57 Transferable Skills: Teachers in Sales 31:48 Building a Personal Brand: The Journey of TRS Teacher 34:01 Leveraging Social Media for Income 39:24 Actionable Steps for Financial Growth 41:47 Redefining Identity Beyond the Classroom 45:35 Final 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.