Episodes
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.
The joy of rediscovering weekends and holidays, as Kristi no longer had to spend her free time...
Published 09/17/24
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 "running through a goal" mindset, including defining a long-term vision, setting incremental goals, and continuously developing...
Published 09/10/24
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 and physical health, and how it affected her ability to be her best self in the classroom
Kristi's call to action for listeners...
Published 08/20/24
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.
How to join the waitlist and secure a spot in this transformative program.
Published 08/13/24
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 highlighting your transferable skills and experience
Strategies for requesting recommendations, posting regularly, and using...
Published 07/30/24
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 tailoring it to your audience
The importance of regularly practicing and seeking feedback to refine your elevator pitch and make a great...
Published 07/23/24
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 attending industry-specific events and conferences
Tips for using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to...
Published 07/16/24
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 and quantifying achievements with numbers and metrics to showcase impact
Strategies for tailoring your resume for each job application...
Published 07/09/24
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 interested in this option
Published 07/02/24
In this episode of Leaving the Classroom, host Kristi Oliva interviews Jill Kelly, a former teacher turned Project Coordinator.
Tune in to find out:
- Jill's 12-year teaching experience and why she decided to leave the classroom- Her journey from teaching to becoming a Sales Development Representative (SDR) at an EdTech company - What a Project Coordinator does and how her teaching skills transferred to this new role
Published 06/11/24
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, and independent projects.
Insights on transferring teaching skills like curiosity, delivering instruction, and empathy to...
Published 05/28/24
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.
Advice for teachers on gaining clarity about their career goals and tailoring their resumes and LinkedIn profiles for specific roles...
Published 05/21/24
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 on June 3rd to explore career options and networking...
Published 05/14/24
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 leads teachers to believe they won't succeed outside of...
Published 03/19/24
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 growth opportunities
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
Are you...
Published 03/12/24
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 management.
On this episode Kristi shares:
Molly's journey from...
Published 03/05/24
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 and now working as an instructional designer. Sarah reflects on translating her teaching skills to her new role and the differences between developing content for children and adults.
Published 02/27/24
In this episode, Kristi Oliva shares her journey transitioning from teaching to a career in instructional design. She discusses initially pursuing a master’s degree with the goal of becoming a professor. Kristi highlights how she discovered IDOL Academy and gained far more practical skills and knowledge applicable to her new career through their program compared to her master’s degree.
Published 02/20/24
In this episode, Kristi Oliva interviews Kristen Bahls, a former teacher turned Senior Learning and Development Specialist.
Tune in to hear:
Kristen's story of transitioning from teaching to instructional design, including how she discovered IDOL Courses and landed her current role in just 6 weeks.
The top 3 skills Kristen feels she brought from teaching to her new career in instructional design - adaptability, time management, and communication.
Kristen's advice on how to successfully...
Published 02/13/24
This episode features an interview with former high school math teacher Andrea Hanson about her journey from the classroom to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business coach. Andrea discusses how she overcame challenges like guilt and naysayers when transitioning out of teaching.
Published 02/06/24
This episode provides tips for teachers seeking to gain work experience outside of the classroom, as Kristi Oliva outlines three strategies - partnering with a small business for unpaid case studies, taking contract work, or using a fictional client - to build experience and a portfolio when transitioning to new careers. The host emphasizes finding ways to simulate work experience to demonstrate non-teaching skills for pursuing new roles.
Published 01/30/24
In this episode, host Kristi Oliva interviews Amar Kumar, CEO of Kaipod Learning, to discuss how microschools can provide an alternative education model for students while also empowering teachers to start their own schools with support from Kaipod’s Catalyst program.
Published 01/24/24
In this episode of Leaving the Classroom, host Kristi Oliva interviews Pamela Wynter about her experience transitioning from teaching to becoming an instructional designer at a nonprofit organization. Pamela discusses her background as a teacher and how she discovered IDOL Academy, deciding to make the transition out of the classroom. She describes her journey through the IDOL program and landing a job as a senior manager and instructional designer at the American Diabetes Association. Pamela...
Published 12/19/23