Leaving the Classroom: A Teacher Transition Podcast

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Molly Schloesser Former Teacher | 42

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 teaching third grade to working as an educational consultant for an edtech startup and then being laid off after eight months. 
• The challenges Molly faced in her initial job search after leaving teaching, applying to over 100 jobs before landing interviews and second rounds. 
• Molly's goals to transition from sales roles to customer success or account management and her long-term interests in business development while acknowledging the importance of gaining experience first. 

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Former Teacher Turned Instructional Designer with Sarah Bainter | 41

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 a teacher for 13 years and her decision to pursue instructional design through IDOL courses Academy
• Details of Sarah's current role as the first instructional designer at the American College of Osteopathic Internists
• Insights into the transferable skills teachers possess and how those skills translate well to instructional design roles

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: You Don't Need Another Degree | 40

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.

Tune in to hear:

• Kristi's initial thought that she needed another degree to change careers
• How she discovered IDOL Academy and the practical skills she gained
• Advice for teachers on proving they have the experience for new roles without additional degrees
• Details on Kristi's resume and interview coaching services

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Former Teacher Turned Senior Learning and Development Specialist with Kristen Bahls | 39

In this episode, Kristi Oliva interviews Kristen Bahls, a former teacher turned Senior Learning and Development Specialist. 

Tune in to hear:

1. 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.
2. The top 3 skills Kristen feels she brought from teaching to her new career in instructional design - adaptability, time management, and communication.
3. Kristen's advice on how to successfully make the transition out of the classroom, including the importance of updating your LinkedIn and using resources like IDOL Courses to build your portfolio and interview skills.

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Former Teacher Turned Entrepreneur with Andrea Hanson | 38

In this episode, Kristi Oliva interviews former high school math teacher Andrea Hanson about her journey from leaving the classroom to become a successful entrepreneur and business coach. Andrea discusses how she started with network marketing before opening her own boutique. She shares her experience with following her intuition despite fears and overcoming challenges when transitioning out of teaching.

Tune in to find out:

- How Andrea took the leap of faith to leave teaching full-time

- Strategies for overcoming guilt and the doubts of naysayers when making a career change 

- Three key skills teachers already have that can transfer well to entrepreneurship

Connect with Andrea on Instagram

Are you looking for a no-nonsense formula for creating engaging courses and training? Check out my new book, The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learners (IDOLs) on Amazon.

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: 3 Ways to Get Work Experience Without a Job | 37

In this episode, Kristi Oliva discusses 3 ways for teachers to gain work experience outside of the classroom when transitioning to new careers.

Tune in to hear:

- Tips on finding a local small business to gain experience through unpaid case studies and portfolio building

- Advice on taking on contract work to gain client management skills and experience 

- Suggestions for using a fictional client scenario to build a portfolio if other options aren't available

Connect with Kristi on LinkedIn

This podcast is sponsored by IDOL Courses and is the only authorized vocational school and implementation program of its kind that not only shows you exactly how to create your job application assets and build a portfolio from scratch, but also includes credentials, mentorship, expert coaching, and paid experience opportunities in corporate instructional design and online learning for life! Learn more about the program here.

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: How to Start a Microschool with KaiPod CEO Amar Kumar | 36

In this episode of Leaving the Classroom podcast, host Kristi Oliva interviews Amar Kumar, CEO of KaiPod Learning.

Tune in to hear:

- About KaiPod Learning, a company that helps educators start their own microschools. Amar discusses how microschools can provide a personalized learning experience for students while also giving teachers more flexibility and impact.

- About KaiPod's Catalyst program, which provides training and resources for teachers interested in starting their own microschool. The program helps educators develop business plans, find funding, and get their microschool up and running.

- Examples of different types of microschools, from ones focused on student athletes or neurodiverse learners to schools targeting gifted students. Amar discusses how microschools can meet the needs of diverse learners.

Connect with Kristi on LinkedIn

Connect with Amar on LinkedIn

This podcast is sponsored by IDOL Courses and is the only authorized vocational school and implementation program of its kind that not only shows you exactly how to create your job application assets and build a portfolio from scratch, but also includes credentials, mentorship, expert coaching, and paid experience opportunities in corporate instructional design and online learning for life! Learn more about the program here.

Leaving the Classroom Podcast: Day in the Life of a Non-Profit ID with Pamela Wynter | 35

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 also discusses her daily responsibilities in her remote role and how she applies skills from her teaching experience.

 

Tune in to hear:

1. How Pamela committed fully to IDOL Academy, treating it like a full-time job to successfully transition out of teaching.
2. The importance of networking on LinkedIn and putting yourself out there through consistent posting to attract opportunities aligned with your passions.
3. Strategies Pamela uses from her teaching experience that serve her well in her new role, like organization, discipline, and flexibility.

 

Connect with Kristi on LinkedIn

Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn

This podcast is sponsored by IDOL Courses and is the only authorized vocational school and implementation program of its kind that not only shows you exactly how to create your job application assets and build a portfolio from scratch, but also includes credentials, mentorship, expert coaching, and paid experience opportunities in corporate instructional design and online learning for life! Learn more about the program here.