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This podcast is for teachers ready to transition out of the classroom and into a new career. Each week, I will share stories about what I have learned moving from education to the corporate world. I will answer the most common questions and share my best tips to help you get started! If you are considering leaving the classroom, this show is for you! Kristi Oliva is a Learning Program Manager for Worldwide Customer Service Assessment Strategy at Amazon. She drives a global program to design high-quality assessment methods that correlate with performance-based business solutions. A successfully transitioned teacher, Kristi is also a Guest Faculty Member and Mentor for IDOL courses, where she has helped hundreds of professionals enter the instructional design field by providing group mentoring and one-on-one coaching.
Episodes

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
In this episode of the Leaving the Classroom podcast, host Kristi Oliva discusses setting realistic career goals for transitioning out of teaching and provides strategies for staying motivated during the process. Tune in to hear:
- How to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for your career transition.
- Tips for visualizing your dream career through creating a vision board or journaling.
- Kristi's plans for new podcast content, resources, and events to support teachers leaving the classroom in 2025.
Join Kristi’s Facebook Group to stay connected with an entire community of transitioning teachers: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/aE4ir7LQU3YytEpP/

Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Your 2025 Roadmap to Leaving the Classroom | 59
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
Tuesday Dec 24, 2024
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:
- How to clarify your career goals and identify your transferable skills.
- Strategies for optimizing your resume, LinkedIn profile, and networking approach.
- Tips for staying organized and confident during the job search and interview process.
The free Leaving the Classroom Roadmap Workbook and Webinar Kristi references in this episode can be found here: idolcourses.com/roadmap

Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
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 grading, lesson planning, or worrying about the upcoming week.
- Kristi's personal growth and learning opportunities in her new role in instructional design, which challenged her in exciting ways and reignited her passion for continuous learning.

Monday Sep 09, 2024
Leaving the Classroom Podcast: 5 Steps to Run Through a Goal | 57
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
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 skills
- How building a supportive network and embracing challenges can help in transforming a career transition into a journey of continuous growth and fulfillment

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Leaving the Classroom Podcast: $100 from Welfare | 56
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
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 to advocate for better pay and working conditions for teachers, and to support those transitioning out of the classroom

Monday Aug 12, 2024
Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Group Coaching Announcement | 55
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
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.

Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
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 LinkedIn's job search features to boost your visibility and attract the right opportunities

Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
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 impression