Beyond the Classroom with Lisa Harding

In Part 2 of this two-part series, we continue the conversation with former teacher turned Operations Specialist, Jake Schroeder, diving further into the realities of working in operations and what it truly takes to break into this field. In this episode, Jake shares more detailed insights into career growth, common misconceptions about operations roles, and how teachers can stand out during the j...

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we explore Operations Management as a potential next step for former teachers looking for meaningful, sustainable careers outside of education. Join us as we sit down with former teacher turned Operations Specialist, Jake Schroeder, who shares his real-life transition story. Jake walks us through what his day-to-day work looks like, the transferable skills from...

There’s something magical about the start of a new year. ✨ It’s a blank slate… a chance to reflect, reset, and reimagine what’s possible.  If 2025 felt like a blur—or if you spent more time thinking about a career change than actually making one—this is your moment to shift from hesitation to action. In this episode, Lisa dives into how to use the energy of the new year to your advantage and expl...

The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind—classroom chaos, family events, gift exchanges, and the endless pressure to “make progress” on your career goals. But what if resting was actually part of the plan?  In this cozy, heartfelt episode, Lisa shares her personal journey of learning to slow down—with seasonal mugs, twinkling lights, and hard-won lessons about saying no. She opens up about the...

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I sit down with career coach  Reba Gordon Matthews  for a powerful conversation about lifelong learning, confidence, and what it really takes to transition successfully out of the classroom. Reba shares her remarkable journey—from preschool teacher to elementary educator to NASA Explorer School teacher to EdTech coach—and the unexpected path that led her to...

Are you worried that your age might be holding you back in the job search?  You’re not alone—and today we’re talking honestly about ageism.  In this episode, I’ll walk you through what ageism looks like in the hiring process, what the research actually says, and—most importantly—how to shift the odds back in your favor.  Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, there is a place for you in t...

If your job search has stalled or you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out what’s next, this episode is your gentle reset. Lisa Harding walks you through three essential building blocks for your career transition—getting clear on your direction, creating marketing materials that stand out, and showing up with confidence on LinkedIn. You’ll walk away with practical tips you can start using today, wh...

It’s Thanksgiving week, and while the season is full of reminders to count your blessings, that doesn’t mean everything feels easy. Especially if you’re balancing a career transition while you’re still in the classroom – and especially during one of the busiest seasons of the year.   In this episode, Lisa gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of a career transition—especially for teachers wh...

The holidays are full of magic—and opportunity. Whether you're headed to a school holiday program, standing in line at the grocery store, or catching up with extended family, there's no better time to start meaningful conversations about your career journey. In this episode, I'm sharing practical tips for holiday networking, how to create your elevator pitch (even if you're not sur...

Have you ever had the feeling or thought “I deserve better than this?” – if yes, then you’re not alone!  That’s exactly how former teacher, Kathleen Long, felt before making the leap out of the classroom.  After 22 years in the classroom, Kathleen knew she was ready for a change—but like so many veteran teachers, the idea of starting over felt overwhelming. In this inspiring episode of Beyond the...

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa revisits one of her favorite mindset books—*The Let Them Theory* by Mel Robbins—with a fresh perspective just for teachers navigating a career change. Inspired by recent listener feedback and her own reflections, Lisa explores how this popular personal development book can offer practical tools and emotional relief during the highs and lows of transiti...

After 17 years in the classroom, Meredith Cooley knew something had to change. In this inspiring episode, she shares her deeply personal story of burnout, rediscovery, and building a fulfilling new career as a freelance copywriter and educator for educators. You’ll hear how Meredith went from Googling “jobs for teachers” to launching her own business,  Page and Purpose,  and is now helping fellow...

What if the clues to your next chapter are already hiding in plain sight? In this episode, I’m joined by  Sara Marye , former elementary teacher turned full-time business owner and CEO of  The Stellar Teacher Company . Sara shares how she built her side hustle into a thriving literacy business supporting educators across the country—and how she navigated imposter syndrome, doubt, and mindset shift...

Ever feel stuck in a spiral of burnout, doubt, or overwhelm during your career change? In this episode, Lisa shares a personal reflection on how positivity is showing up all around her lately—from teacher messages to recent interviews and even her own morning routine. Drawing from the research of Dr. Barbara Fredrickson’s book  Positivity , Lisa unpacks what it really means to shift your mindset,...

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I sit down with career coach  Marcia Wall  for a conversation that’s equal parts personal and practical. Marcia shares her own career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and powerful advice for teachers considering a transition. We talk openly about: ✨ Overcoming imposter syndrome ✨ Navigating the emotions of career change ✨ Practical steps...

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles? Embark on a transformative journey into the world of nonprofit grant writing with  Kimberly McCabe  leading the way. Uncover endless possibilities! Join us in this second part in a two-part series for an enlightening session featuring  Kimberly McCabe , a former social studies teacher who has successfully transition...

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles? Embark on a transformative journey into the world of nonprofit grant writing with  Kimberly McCabe  leading the way. Uncover endless possibilities! Join us in this first part in a two-part series for an enlightening session featuring  Kimberly McCabe , a former social studies teacher who has successfully transitione...

In this special solo episode, Lisa gets personal about the one habit that’s quietly transformed her mindset, motivation, and momentum: a simple but powerful morning routine. If you’re stuck in the overwhelm of a career transition—or just struggling to stay focused—this episode will help you recenter, reset, and reconnect with your goals. Hear how Lisa built her own calming, energizing routine (wit...

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles? Embark on a transformative journey into the field of  Learning & Development as a Training Specialist , with  Samantha Wade  leading the way. Uncover endless possibilities! Join us in this second part of a two-part podcast for an enlightening session featuring  Samantha Wade , a former 7th & 8th Grade Langua...

Are you a teacher eager to explore new avenues beyond traditional education roles? Embark on a transformative journey into the field of  Learning & Development as a Training Specialist , with  Samantha Wade  leading the way. Uncover endless possibilities! Join us in this first part of a two-part podcast for an enlightening session featuring  Samantha Wade , a former 7th & 8th Grade Languag...

If you’re feeling stuck in your career transition—unsure what to do next, overwhelmed by options, or afraid of making the wrong move—this episode is here to help. Being stuck doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re ready for something different—and now it’s time to get strategic. In this episode, Lisa shares what it really looks like to move forward without having everything figured ou...

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a daily reality for many teachers. In this episode of  Beyond the Classroom , host Lisa Harding sits down with Ruby Brown-Herring, a corporate well-being consultant and CEO of RBH Wellness Solutions, to explore how educators can start protecting their mental health—even when the workplace isn’t changing. Drawing from her experience designing employee wellness str...

Instructional design is one of the most popular—and promising—career paths for teachers transitioning out of the classroom.  In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, host Lisa Harding sits down with Sarah Hayford, a former educator who turned her passion for teaching into a fulfilling new role designing learning experiences for adults. Sarah opens up about the realities of career change, how she o...

In this inspiring episode of  Beyond the Classroom , host Lisa Harding sits down with Miss Estruch—a former teacher who turned her passion for AP Biology and resource creation into a thriving, multi-faceted business that now surpasses her teaching salary. Miss Estruch pulls back the curtain on exactly how she built her business while still teaching full-time, what gave her the confidence to finall...

Are you curious about career options that go beyond the classroom? A role in government as a Program Analyst could be your next exciting step! Join us in this second part of a two-part podcast as we host former teacher turned Government Program Analyst, Paola Clark, as she shares her inspiring journey. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her daily responsibilities, learn how to apply your teach...