This is part two of our One Small Step series for career-transitioning teachers.

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding walks through one of the most uncomfortable—but necessary—parts of a career transition: talking about yourself.

We’ll explore why teachers struggle to describe their skills, how to move away from “teacher language” without losing authenticity, and how to practice talking about your experience in a way that feels natural, not salesy.

If you freeze when someone asks, “So what do you want to do next?” this episode will help you take one grounded step forward.
Links from Episode:

» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.
» Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy
» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.
» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.
» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.
» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

This episode kicks off our One Small Step series—designed to help career-transitioning teachers move forward without overwhelm.

In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding breaks down the very first practical step in a career transition: exploration.

We’ll talk about why exploration does not equal commitment, why trying to research everything at once keeps teachers stuck, and how to approach career exploration in a way that builds clarity instead of anxiety.

If you’ve been thinking “I don’t even know where to start,” this episode will help you take one grounded step forward.

Links from Episode:

» Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.
» Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy
» Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.
» Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.
» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.
» Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!

If you know you want to leave teaching—but it might be a year or two down the road—this episode will help you build a sustainable bridge to what’s next.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Tem Ezimokhai, a full-time teacher and host of the Helping Teachers Thrive podcast.

Tem shares practical, real-life strategies for setting boundaries, protecting your time, and managing the guilt that comes with saying “no”—especially when you’ve spent years believing that being a great teacher means always doing more.

We also talk about how to stay motivated and show up for your students when you already know the classroom isn’t your forever path, and why having something meaningful outside of school—whether it’s a project, plan, or passion—can bring back that “fire in your belly” while you transition.

You’ll walk away with a grounded mindset shift, tangible boundary ideas, and encouragement for the messy middle—whether you’re teetering, staying, or planning your exit with intention.

Links from Episode:

≫Helping Teachers Thrive Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/helping-teachers-thrive/id1681843058

≫ Tem's Linedin: linkedin.com/in/tem-ezimokhai-23306a263

≫ Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.
≫ Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy
≫ Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources.
≫ Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers.
≫ “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” ←If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.
≫ Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now!