UX Teacher Prep Podcast

In today's episode I share a personal update about answering a spiritual call to mentor youth in my local community while continuing my UX research career. This unexpected opportunity represents not a step backward but a meaningful expansion that combines my teaching background with my UXR skills in a new context. THANK YOU for sticking with me through this incredible journey! Text Me! 📱I’d...

Coach Zee shares essential UX research interview questions and expert advice for teachers transitioning to tech careers. This updated summer episode includes new AI-related interview questions for 2025, along with sample answers tailored specifically for educators making the career change. • Common hiring manager questions focus on research methodologies and staying current with UX trends • New AI...

A brief reflection on how children and family members perceive the shift from dynamic classroom teaching to the seemingly static world of UX research. What looks like "just clicking all day" to a 13-year-old is actually detective work uncovering patterns in human behavior and advocating for users. • The visible nature of teaching versus the invisible complexity of UX work • What my famil...

Navigating the pressures of job hunting while transitioning into UX can tempt anyone to embellish their experience, but authentic storytelling and strategic positioning of real skills prove more effective. I share my personal experience of almost stretching the truth on a job application and how choosing authenticity led to an interview anyway. • Creative and crazy job application tactics that fol...

Three years into my career as a UX researcher after leaving the classroom, I'm reflecting on the realities of remote work and what I miss about in-person connection. While I don't regret my career change and appreciate the freedom of working remotely, I'm experiencing unexpected challenges that have me considering a hybrid approach. • Communication has transformed from reading a roo...

In today's short and sweet episode, I explore how teachers can leverage AI (artificial intelligence) tools in education to build valuable skills for transitioning to UX research and design careers. I share practical strategies for using classroom AI experiences to develop a compelling UX portfolio while still teaching . Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message. Su...

In today's episode, Sharae Gibbs, founder of She Designs and Google Interaction Designer, shares her 12-year journey in UX and her mission to empower women of color in tech through mentorship and training. • Former Graphic Designer who pivoted to UX design at major tech companies like IBM and Google • Created She Designs as a mentorship platform for women of color in tech • Describes Interact...

In today's episode, I explore accessibility in UX design with Shaine Frazier, a former special education teacher who now works as a UX insights professional in the insurance industry, discussing how teaching experience translates into building more accessible digital products. • Accessibility in design helps not just people with disabilities but benefits all users • Simple additions like subt...

This is a replay episode (S1. Ep. 10)- while I'm out sick. I'll be back with fresh content as soon as my voice returns! Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy this throwback gem!  Whether you’re pivoting careers, breaking into UX or just trying to stand out in this competitive job market, how you articulate your purpose and motivation can make all the difference.  Today's episode di...

The episode highlights the transferable skills educators possess that can open new career pathways outside teaching. I discuss how teacher skills can pave the way for successful careers in areas like curriculum design, project management, policy-making, and more.  • Exploring the adaptability of teaching skills  • Importance of communication and collaboration  • Leadership experiences gained in th...

As educators transitioning into UX and product design, the sting of rejection can feel overwhelming. But remember, you're not alone in this. Every "no" you encounter is an opportunity to adapt and grow. In today's episode, I share a personal story of rejection and guide you on transforming these challenging moments into stepping stones towards success. Embrace the journey, and...

A moment of rest and reflection.  Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message. Support the show Note: The UX Teacher Prep Podcast has come to an end and is no longer being updated. The company behind the podcast, UX teacher Prep, LLC, has been dissolved, and the website and coaching program are no longer available. Please disregard any references to them in the episodes o...

Ready to transform your teaching skills into a thriving UX career? Join me, Coach Zee, as I share my personal journey from a 15-year teaching tenure to becoming a Senior UX Researcher in EdTech. This episode will equip educators with the tools needed to craft their first UX portfolio piece. By leveraging your current teaching experience, you'll learn how to tackle the unique challenges of por...

Meet Joe Natoli, a seasoned UX expert whose career trajectory offers invaluable insights for both aspiring and experienced UX professionals. Join us as we uncover the wisdom Joe has amassed over three decades, from overcoming imposter syndrome to teaching over 350,000 students on platforms like Udemy. Joe also discusses his collaboration with Leah Buley on "The User Experience Team of One,&qu...

Is the era of remote work really over? Are we officially seeing the end of remote work? Is all hope lost for transitioning teachers who want to work from home? Tune in as we unpack the latest buzz around major companies like Amazon, Boeing, UPS, and Disney, calling their employees back to the office. We’ll explore whether remote corporate roles, especially in UX, are still a viable option for teac...

Learn about the secrets of a successful career transition as I chat with Shaine Frazier, a former New York City Special Education Teacher turned UX and Customer Experience Design expert. Shane shares his journey from classroom discontent to his thriving new role in tech, including the pivotal moments of self-study, LinkedIn networking, and professional certifications that made it all possible. Wit...

Unlock the secrets to a successful career transition with Hilda Naluanga, a senior UX researcher at Xsolla, in our latest episode. Discover how Hilda navigated the fascinating shift from a career development coach in South Africa to becoming a key player in the video game industry. You’ll learn how her passion for design thinking and human-centered approaches led her to pursue an innovative path i...

What if your teaching skills could help you land an exciting career in User Experience Research?  This season finale will guide educators through the essential skills and methodologies that make them uniquely qualified for a transition into the UX Research space. You'll learn how lesson planning and classroom management are directly applicable to UX research processes, from defining research...

If you want to transition to a career in tech, you have to use tech! Ever wondered how AI can transform your career transition from teaching to UX design? I'm Coach Zee, a 15-year teacher turned UX Researcher and in this episode, I uncover the secrets behind leveraging AI to streamline your job search and land your dream role in the tech industry. Whether you're a seasoned educator ready...

What if you could skip the exhausting daily grind, commute less, and transform your work-life balance entirely? That's exactly what happened to me as I transitioned from a traditional teaching role to becoming a Senior UX Researcher working remotely. In this episode of the UX Teacher Prep Podcast, I share my journey, recounting the joy of trading in my hour-plus commute for the freedom to cho...

In this episode, I unpack the most commonly asked questions in UX Research interviews and offer invaluable insights to help you ace them. Drawing from personal experiences and research, I guide you through key methodologies, the importance of staying current with industry trends, and how to showcase your versatility and commitment to professional growth. This episode equips you with practical advi...

In today's episode, I discuss the teacher shortage and recent teacher stories in the news. The first step to overcoming an obstacle is admitting there is a problem.  There is a huge problem with the state of teaching and although it will take time, I believe a solution is possible.  Announcement:  Starting in June, the UX Teacher Prep Podcast will be released biweekly.  Our next episode will...

In today’s episode, I share the 5 things I wish I knew before transitioning out of the classroom.  Knowing these 5 things would’ve eased my anxiety and helped me mentally and logistically prepare for my corporate role in tech. If you're considering leaving the classroom, or in the middle of this life-changing leap, remember you've got an ally. I’m recounting my experience and giving you...

Are you a teacher interested in a creative career in UX (User Experience) Design? Let's unwrap the essentials of a portfolio that stands out, not just as a showcase, but as a narrative of your professional journey. In this episode, I offer tips for building your first UX portfolio and reflect on my early portfolio as a transitioning teacher to my current portfolio as a Senior UX Researcher. I...

Don't forget to enter the Teacher Appreciation Giveaway on Instagram ! Every day, teachers across the world face the daunting task of nurturing young minds, often at the expense of their own well-being. This Teacher Appreciation Week, I'm tipping my hat to these unsung heroes and shedding light on the challenges they face within the teaching profession. From ethical dilemmas like grade i...