Send us a text

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the power of perspective, resilience, and community in navigating the stress and overwhelm that comes with teaching—especially for those contemplating a career change.

She begins with a powerful story about how helping others can instantly boost our mood, sharing a real-life experience of lending a hand and seeing the positive impact firsthand. Then, she shifts focus to the concept of pointillism, using art as a metaphor for the teaching experience—sometimes, we’re too close to the dots to see the big picture.

In the second segment, Vanessa provides a practical hack to combat overwhelm: Drop Some Things. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and reassessing priorities, especially when the weight of responsibilities feels unbearable.

Finally, she dives into decision-making in times of uncertainty, inspired by an experiment conducted by a Duke University professor. She challenges listeners to consider how they navigate ambiguity and whether their current decision-making strategies align with their long-term goals.

💡 Interesting Links & Resources:

• 5-Minute Guided Relaxation Meditation
• Turtles Helping Turtles
• Stanford Article on the fact that People want to help more than we realize.
• Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Aaron Dinin and the 11:45 class – Questions of Failure and Ambiguity

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here
Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Send us a text

In this episode, Vanessa talks with Donna King from 360BalanceLiving about her transformation and leap of faith in entrepreneurship. Donna helps women in middle-age and beyond to feel good about themselves again through good food choices, movement, and working towards mental health. Donna shares how she works with her clients to accomplish that and has a great check-up tool for our listeners to see how they are doing in their life.

The Wellness Wheel at 360Balanced Living

Connect with Donna King:
Donna.King@360BalancedLiving.Com

Or Book a conversation with Donna here:

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Support the Podcast

If you like the podcast and think we have valuable insights to share – please share with a friend! It helps so much when you subscribe, rate and review on your favorite podcast platform.

We are still working on the transcript to this episode. When it is available, it will be posted on the episode's homepage.

Send us a text

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the mindset of optimism and pessimism, how these perspectives shape our decisions, and how they influence career transitions. With a mix of humor, self-reflection, and insightful analysis, she shares personal anecdotes about her own tendencies, from hoarding supplies and skills to embracing lifelong learning.

Vanessa begins by discussing the nature of optimism and pessimism, illustrating how they exist on a continuum rather than as absolute states. She introduces a quadrant system that categorizes different approaches to expectation and preparedness, helping listeners assess their own outlook. Through an amusing yet thought-provoking analogy of twin siblings—one an extreme optimist and the other a staunch pessimist—she highlights the importance of balance in mindset.

Connecting this discussion to the world of education, Vanessa reflects on how teachers naturally develop hoarding tendencies as a survival strategy, ensuring they have the resources necessary to support students. She examines the broader implications of these behaviors, questioning whether they stem from optimism, pessimism, or a mix of both. Additionally, she considers how personal perspectives evolve over time, using the film St. Elmo’s Fire as an example of how shifting experiences reshape perception.

In the career transition segment, Vanessa provides a valuable resource by identifying approximately 40 alternative careers that teachers can pursue without returning to school. She emphasizes that teachers already possess transferable skills that are highly valued in other industries.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of their own outlook on life and work, as well as practical strategies for approaching career change with a balanced perspective. Tune in to gain insights, motivation, and a fresh way of looking at the next step in your professional journey!

Send us a text

This week, Vanessa focuses on managing stress, understanding the impact of yelling, and keeping up with evolving resume trends. Designed for educators transitioning to new career paths, this episode provides actionable insights and practical tips.

In Our Segment on Stress Management:

• Vanessa talks about how yelling, whether literal or metaphorical, can activate stress responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, leading to feelings of anxiety, guilt, or withdrawal. Recognizing the emotional toll of yelling is essential for maintaining mental health. Strategies to help build resilience are detailed.

Career Transition and Job Search:

• Vanessa advises replacing the “Competencies” section on resumes with a “Highlights” section to showcase 3-4 impactful skills or achievements.
• Keywords from job descriptions should be bolded to improve visibility in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• The rise of short-form video resumes as a new standard for job applications is highlighted, encouraging listeners to prepare for this trend.

Today's Teacher Hack

• Vanessa provides a practical hack for becoming comfortable with short-form videos, emphasizing that discomfort with self-viewing on video often stems from natural facial asymmetry and unfamiliarity with mirrored images. With regular practice, individuals can build confidence in their video presentations.

Links!
Montage from the movie, Real Genius LINK

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here
Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Support the Podcast

Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform.
Share this episode with someone who might benefit from its insights!

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage.

Send us a text

In the segment on stress management, Vanessa starts with a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, using the metaphor of a leaf's journey to emphasize resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness. We are leaves on the wind.

Our hack today is all about how phoning a friend can make things better using basic math principles.

And in the segment on career transition and job search, Vanessa explores entrepreneurship as a potential, albeit a little bit scary, career path. While acknowledging the demanding nature of starting a business, Vanessa shares the sense of autonomy and reduced stress that comes from working on one's terms. She shares personal anecdotes about advocating for her children within the education system, illustrating how teachers' unique expertise can be leveraged for entrepreneurial ventures like advocacy or consulting.

The discussion expands on practical steps for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to identify problems they can solve using their teaching skills.

LINKS!
Thich Nhat Hanh Quotes and Teachings:
Explore more wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh: Plum Village Official Website

Entrepreneurship for Teachers:
Article: “10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business”
Free Small Business Courses: SBA Learning Platform

Advocacy and Special Education Resources:
Special Education Advocacy: Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Certification in Behavior Analysis: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

Stress Management and Mindfulness:
Guided Meditations: Insight Timer
Book Recommendation: The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh

Connect with Vanessa
Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here
Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Support the Podcast
Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform.
Share this episode with someone who might benefit from its insights!

The transcript for this episode can be found on its Buzzsprout homepage at https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/episodes

Send us a text

In this episode, Vanessa explores the top transferable skills that teachers already possess, making them highly competitive for jobs in 2025. These skills include emotional intelligence (EQ), data literacy, adaptability, project management, strong communication, and problem-solving. Vanessa explains how these abilities align with various career paths outside of education, such as project management, instructional design, user experience research, event planning, and more. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and translating these skills for roles in fields like nonprofit work, tech, customer service, and even voice-over artistry. Teachers are well-equipped for success in numerous industries and can leverage their skills to create fulfilling second careers.

Links mentioned in the show:

1. Microsoft Learning Paths for Data Literacy Certification: Microsoft Learn
2. Teachers in Transition Website: teachersintransition.com
3. Free Virtual Coffee Chat or Discovery Session: Sign up here
4. Email Vanessa for Support: vanessa@teachersintransition.com
5. Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
   Charity Watch: https://www.charitywatch.org

Please rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts! It really helps the show.

A transcript of this podcast can be found on it’s homepage at www.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text

In this podcast episode, Vanessa mixes of storytelling, sci-fi references, and actionable advice to emphasize the transformative power of discomfort in personal and professional development. Inspired by Michael Easter’s quote, “Do not go too comfortably into 2025,” She shares actionable strategies and personal stories that demonstrate how stepping outside our comfort zones leads to meaningful growth.

Vanessa underscores the rewards of embracing fear and pushing through discomfort. Drawing parallels to the Star Trek: Voyager episode “Good Shepherd,” Vanessa explores how finding the right environment and overcoming challenges can lead to personal success.

The episode provides practical advice for job seekers, encouraging them to stretch and grow. Vanessa also offers insights into identifying work environments that align with personal strengths and values, along with tips for introverts to ease into networking.

Listeners are encouraged to set weekly “uncomfortable” goals to build resilience and confidence in their job search.

Resources and Recommendations

• Yes.Fit Virtual Challenges
• Star Trek: Voyager, Season 6, Episode 20: "Good Shepherd" streams on Paramount+
• Teachers in Transition - episode 183: Planners Gonna Plan
• Learn more about Michael Easter

Connect with Vanessa:

• Email: teacherintransitioncoaching@gmail.com
• Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099

· Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook!

· Connect with me on Blue Sky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

· Connect on LinkedIn

• A Free Discovery Session with Vanessa

Share Your Story!
Have you recently stepped out of your comfort zone? Share your experience with me! Your story could inspire others! Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them.

Subscribe and Review
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps the podcast grow and reach more listeners like you.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

Send us a text

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson reflects on the often underestimated impact educators have on their students and communities, even when the recognition doesn't come immediately. She shares a personal story of reconnecting with a former student, realizing the lasting effect her teaching had – even when it wasn’t best teaching. Vanessa encourages teachers to recognize their contributions and the ripple effects of their work, regardless of the challenges they face in the education system.

Job Hack: Using Music to Manage Transitions in the Classroom Vanessa introduces practical ways to incorporate music into classroom routines to ease transitions and improve the overall atmosphere. She offers tips for both elementary and secondary school educators:

Career Transition & Job Search Tips for 2025 Vanessa provides three essential pieces to jumpstart your job search for 2025 focusing on preparation, navigating job boards, and some emerging job trends.

Vanessa encourages listeners to take actionable steps, such as updating their LinkedIn profile or researching niche job boards, to make 2025 a successful year for their career transition.

Helpful Links:

• The Twilight Zone - "The Changing of the Guard" Episode
• Sample Classroom Transition Songs for Elementary Teachers (Link to Vanessa's resource)

· Industry Specific job boards and More Niche Job Boards

• A Free Discovery Session with Vanessa

Takeaway Challenge:
Take one actionable step this week towards their career goals

o Update your LinkedIn Profile

o Research an new career field that you find interesting.
whether that’s updating your LinkedIn profile or researching an emerging

Connect with Vanessa:

• Email: teacherintransitioncoaching@gmail.com
• Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099

· Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook!

· Connect with me on Blue Sky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

· Connect on LinkedIn

Don't forget to subscribe, share the podcast, and leave a review. Let's make 2025 your best year yet! Send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.