The Teacher Career Coach Podcast

61- 5 Ways A Career Hunt Is Like Dating

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to start something new and fresh, to put yourself out on the market, and to try to attract something that’s a better fit for you. It ca...

34 - Five Tips for Interviewing Outside of Teaching

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This is a short-but-sweet episode is all about helping you navigate interviews outside of the classroom and in new positions. I answer some of the big...

17 - Leaving Teaching: My Story

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Many people have asked me to share my personal story about why I left teaching and what I've done since. In this episode, I'll share why I left, what ...

65 - Standing Out as a Candidate in a Competitive Job Market

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Teacher Career Coach Podcast, Daphne Gomez breaks down what teachers need to understand about transitioning into non-teaching r...

113 - Pros and Cons of Remote Work

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Daphne discusses the pros and cons of remote work, including flexibility, commute, and work-life balance. Learn more about your ad c...

206- Setting New Year Goals for an Uncertain Year

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58 - How Fear Holds Us Back

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode I want to talk all about how fear can control our lives and hold us back from being who we were meant to be. How fear stops us...

205- From Teaching to Program Management with Claire Leischer

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today as we chat with Claire, who is now a Program Manager. We learn about her duties in her role and how she got to where she is now. Hope yo...

46 - Sharon McMahon Answers Teachers' Questions

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview the amazing Sharon McMahon. Sharon is a former high school government and law teacher who earned a reputation as ‘Ameri...

30-Angela Watson: Making Teaching a Sustainable Career

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Angela Watson is one of the most highly regarded productivity and mindset specialists for educators. In addition to being an author and a motivational...

63- Best Practices For LinkedIn

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

LinkedIn is a social networking tool used by professionals all over the world, and acts like a digital resume. Many teachers are headed to the platfor...

204-Teaching in Higher Education with Charles Fournier

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today as we chat with Charles Fournier who is now teaching in higher education. We learn about what it is like, how it is different from K-12 ...

203- How AI Is Changing the Job Market

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

202 - Productivity Strategies for When You're Already Running on Empty

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover practical productivity strategies tailored for exhausted educators— from naming stressors and reframing self-talk to creating a step-by-ste...

20 - The Pros and Cons of Leaving Teaching

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Teacher Career Coach Podcast, I’m addressing one of the biggest (and most common) questions I’m receiving from teachers ri...

201- From Teacher to Trade Desk Consultant with Lauren Fulbright

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lauren Fulbright is a former teacher who is now a trade desk consultant. Join us today for discussion around her entry into sales to where she is now!...

200 - 5 Biggest Myths About Career Clarity

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, I’m going over five of the biggest myths about career clarity that may be holding you back from your career transition. ...

Ep 199 - What I Learned From Our 2025 Job Market Survey

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Daphne shares the key findings from the 2025 Job Market Survey for transitioning teachers, featuring insights from 717 former educators. Learn what th...

52-Breaking Your Teaching Contract

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm going to discuss the consequences around teachers breaking contract, weighing the pros and cons of leaving your teaching contract...

198- Contract Work as an Instructional Designer with Gwen Karaba

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gwen Karaba is an Instructional Designer contractor for Microsoft through Oxygen Learning, a consulting firm specializing in sales enablement and wo...

197- 5 Steps To Take Even If You're Not Sure You're Leaving

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

196- Answering Questions From Our Social Media Accounts

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Teacher Career Coach Podcast, Daphne answers questions sent in directly from this audience including how to stand out in a competi...

195 - Hi, It's Daphne. I'm Back To Lead Teacher Career Coach.

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A deeply personal episode, Daphne explains why she walked away 16 months ago, and what her vision is for the future of Teacher Career Coach now that s...

194- Where to Start in Marketing with Jaclyn Mullen

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With a dynamic background in startups and digital marketing education, Jaclyn Mullen brings deep expertise in B2B and B2C marketing. She is currently ...

193- Replacing Fear-Based Thinking with Dr. Graeme Mitchell

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we speak with Dr. Graeme Mitchell to learn about a program he runs at his school called the Institute for Global Solutions (IGS). It’s a publi...

192- Middle & High School Reimagined with Monica White and Jackie Insinger

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Monica White is the founder of Elevate Academy and co-creator of Spark Brilliance for Educators with Jackie Insinger. Monica was formerly a principal...

191- From Teacher to Account Management Lead with Natalie Williams

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Natalie Williams taught for 13 years before pivoting careers. She’s now an Account Management Team Lead. In her role, she is an advocate for people,...

190- How to stay involved in education after leaving the classroom with Lindsay DeHartChuck

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we chat with Lindsay DeHartchuck . She is the Senior Director at KIPP Foundation. Prior to moving here, she taught special education and had exp...

189- Working in Higher Education with Meghan Waldron

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we chat with Meghan Waldron. Dr. Meghan Waldron is currently serving as an academic advisor and instructor at a University. Prior to moving to H...

188- From Teacher to Account Executive with Jay Lockwood

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we chat with Jay Lockwood. He was a high school science teacher before he got into sales. He’s now an Account Executive for an Ed Tech company...

187- From Teacher to Sleep Consultant with Katie Eppley

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Katie Eppley taught for seven years, and after experiencing severe anxiety, she decided to leave the classroom midyear. She successfully transitioned ...

186 - From Teacher to Business Owner with Carly Clusserath

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carly Clusserath was a middle and high school science teacher before leaving. She landed an edtech SDR role. However, a few months into the role she ...

185-From Teacher to Marketer with Alyssa Rowan

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alyssa Rowan taught elementary school before she decided it was time to make a change. She started upskilling with Aspireship and listening to the TCC...

184- Teacher to Project Coordinator with Jill Kelly

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jill Kelly was classroom teacher for 12 years. In August of 2022, she took a sales role as an Account Development Manager for an Ed Tech company. In J...

183-From Teacher to Founder with Lauren Farrow

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lauren Farrow was former educator who has now dedicated her career to helping educators, parents, and students navigate a safe and successful path int...

182-The Value of Hiring Teachers with Denae Biscoe

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Denae Biscoe spent 12 years as a 2nd-3rd grade school teacher, where she honed her skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Seeking n...

181- Higher Ed to Talent & People Experience Partner with Jacki Lancaster

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jacki Lancaster is a former 8th grade math teacher and Higher Education professional turned Talent & People Experience Partner. She holds a Masters of...

180- Project Management & the PMP with Tamara McLemore

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tamara McLemore, PMP, PMI-ACP, is an experienced project manager, having spent over 20 years in varying industries with her certification, including t...

179- Learning Experience Design with Jalonna Kearney-Rodgers

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jalonna Kearney-Rodgers is a Learning Experience Designer at a major educational publisher. She taught math in grades 6-12 throughout her 10 years of...

178- Tackling the Mental Health Crisis with Karen Foley

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Karen Foley is the CEO of JPA Chicago, a non-profit, which provides mental and emotional health resources in classrooms, homes, and communities. We di...

177- From Veteran Teacher to Non-Profit Consulting with Lesley De Paz

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lesley De Paz has 20 years of experience in the public school system and community development, providing her with a deep understanding of the strengt...

176- Orchard and the Future of Work with Corey Kossack

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we speak with CEO and Founder of Aspireship and Orchard, Corey Kossack. We discuss how Orchard is helping students pick the right career path, w...

175- Prioritizing Mental Health with Lauren Pasquini

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lauren Pasquini was an elementary school teacher and felt like there was and is a lot of shame and judgement cast down on educators for leaving the pr...

174- From Teacher to Tech with Yanira Sesniak

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yanira Sesniak was a high school English teacher for 5 years before she made her transition into tech. She knew it was time to reflect on her work li...

173 -Teacher to Financial Advisor with Chris Shamblin

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Shamblin was a former middle and high school teacher, and now works as a financial advisor. In this episode, we discuss how he made the switch f...

172- Vice Principal to Director of Education Enablement with Josh Prieur

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Josh Prieur was a former Vice Principal, and now works for Prodigy Education as the Director of Education Enablement. In this episode, we discuss ...

171- From Principal to Author with Lana Penley

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lana Penley was a former Principal, and now stands at the forefront of Social and Emotional Learning. She is an author and CEO of Unlocking SEL. We di...

170 -Leaving the Classroom after 19 Years with Sally Evans

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sally Evans was a veteran teacher with 19 years in the classroom. It wasn't until COVID 19 when she finally had some space and time to reflect on her...

169- The Case for Taking an Entry Level job with Blake Fisher

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Blake left the classroom to work in the tax field as an administrative assistant. She had no knowledge of taxes but her work ethic and professional...

168- How to Translate your Skills with Emily Gossett

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emily was an elementary school teacher who is now a Manager of Customer Success. We discuss the value that teachers bring to the corporate world, how ...

167- Teachers Make Great Marketers with Stephanie Crugnola

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stephanie spent 13 years teaching high school English and is now working for a marketing agency as a content strategist and brand marketing manager. D...

166- Teaching Abroad with Rachel Johnson

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel spent 7 years teaching in the USA before transitioning to teaching internationally. She was looking for ways to increase her travel opportuniti...

165- How to Stay Engaged After Retirement with Kathy Shevlin

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kathy retired as a third grade teacher. In retirement, she stays connected to education by administering the annual ELPAC test which measures English...

164- Storytelling During the Interview with Brianna Doe

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brianna is the Founder and CEO of Verbatim. She helps companies build successful, scalable marketing programs. With more than a decade of experience i...

163 - From Teaching to Building a Business with Kim Brooks

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kim Brooks was an elementary teacher and reading specialist for 18 years in the U.S., Morocco, and Taiwan before resigning in June 2022. Kim has start...

162 - From Teaching at a Catholic School to a Job in Software Engineering with Nestor Cayanan

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nestor Cayanan is a software engineer but before he made the switch, he was a middle school teacher with a focus on theology. He taught through the p...

161 How to Break into RevOps with Peter Fuller

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Fuller is the founder of The Workflow Academy, a RevOps consulting agency + bootcamp to teach RevOps and CRM skills. Peter has been running his...

160- Commissions and Quotas in Sales with Catherine Vandenberg

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine Vandenberg is a former AP Lit & Comp teacher who transitioned to sales in 2022. She is currently a Senior Manager of Business Development....

159- Staying Afloat During the Transition with Jay Muller

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jay Muller is a former 5th grade teacher who transitioned to EdTech in 2019, bringing a wealth of educational insights to his sales role. In this epis...

158 - A Customer Success Coach’s Perspective with Carly Agar

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Carly Agar is a customer success coach, and she shares skills that teachers already have that will help position themselves for a CSM role. Find Carly...

157 - Career Growth in Customer Success with Kristina Cruz

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Former middle school teacher Kristina Cruz shares how, with hard work, perseverance, and motivation, she went from a contract role to Senior Customer ...

156 - From Spanish Immersion to a Career in AI with Gabriele Silvey

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as Gabriele Silvey shares all about enterprise sales, selling artificial intelligence, and the connections she makes between teaching and sale...

155 - From Supporting Students to Refugees with Kait Evans

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kait Evans went from elementary school teacher to Youth Programs Manager at a nonprofit that serves refugees and migrant families in Kentucky. Listen ...

154 - How to Start a Microschool with Amar Kumar

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amar Kumar was a former school teacher in India and is the founder of KaiPod Learning, which is an organization that helps teachers start their own Mi...

153 - What Can Your Union Do for You? with Mary Reed

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mary Reed has been a teacher since 1994 and a union rep for over a decade. Mary shares with us the basics of teachers unions, how they can help you, a...

152 - What Does a Scrum Master Do? with Megan Steinbacher

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Megan taught English at a public high school and now works as a scrum master at a major textbook publishing company. She shares why she transitioned a...

151 - The New Classroom: Teaching Through Non-Profits & ESL with Kate Leaf

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Leaf spent more than 10 years as an educator and made the switch into non profit communications and community outreach. Listen in as we talk abou...

150 - Picking a Path in Sales with Brandon Roberts

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brandon Roberts has worked as a teacher as well as a police officer, correctional officer, and retail manager. Today, we chat about how he chose sales...

149 - The Power of Perseverance with Erin Hoerr

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Erin Hoerr taught middle school science for 16 years and now works as a customer success manager for a global telecommunications company. Listen to he...

148 - Software Sales to Customer Success Manager with Morgan Mason

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Morgan Mason is a former second grade teacher who started to feel stuck three years into teaching in a pandemic environment. She had severe burnout, f...

147 - Leaving Teaching: Elizabeth's Story

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth kicks off her first episode with the Teacher Career Coach Podcast by sharing her teaching transition story. Free Quiz: What career outside o...

146 - Teacher Career Coach is now part of Aspireship!

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Daphne talks with Aspireship CEO Corey Kossack about the acquisition of Teacher Career Coach and what is next for the podcast. Learn more about your a...

145 - Goodbye for Now

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Daphne shares that this will be the last episode of the podcast for now and what led up to that decision. Our new mini course "Off the Fence" goes liv...

144 - Melissa Nedved: Finding New Employment as a Military Spouse

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Free Quiz: What career outside of the classroom is right for you? Explore the course that has helped thousands of teachers successfully transition out...

143 - Jane Doe: From Teaching Middle School to Inside of a Prison

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Daphne talks to a former teacher who we will refer to as Jane Doe. We talk all about how Jane went from teaching in a middle school t...

142 - Allison Baggerly: How This Former Teacher Got Out of 100K in Debt

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Allison Baggerly shares how she paid off over $100,000 of debt on two teachers' salaries, and how her company Inspired Budget helps others do the same...

141 - Donald Kiolbassa: Growing Your Side-Hustle

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Don, an experienced attorney and CPA with over 17 years and 8,000 clients on the books, shares how you can grow your side-hustle into...

140 - Rebecca Wheeler: From Teacher to Product Listing Specialist

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rebecca Lonen Wheeler is a former middle and high school English teacher who left to pursue less stress and more work-life balance. She talks about he...

139 - Mackenzie Winkelmaier: Project Coordinator at a National Nonprofit

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mackenzie Winkelmeyer how she got a job as a project coordinator at a national nonprofit after years of working in the classroom. Fre...

138 - Setting Your New Year "North Star" Goal

28 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Daphne shares how setting a New Year "North Star" goal is a way to reset and reflect on what is really important to you. Free Quiz: W...

137 - Jeff Gargas: Tips to Becoming an Educational Consultant

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeff Gargas talks about how he cofounded Teach Better Teambuilding and how to build your business as an educational consultant. Free ...

136 - Becca Swain: From Teacher to Theater Education Coordinator

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview former teacher Becca Swain. Becca spent 10 years in the classroom and ended up landing a dream role that combines her lov...

135 - Brittani Wright: Leveraging Part-Time Work To Full-Time Employment

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk to former teacher Brittani Wright. She left the classroom by transitioning to part-time roles in consulting and curriculum dev...

134 - Jessica Garthwait: Her Path to Landing a Role in EdTech

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jessica Garthwait shares how she went from teacher to a Business Development Representative at an EdTech company. Free Quiz: What career outside of th...

133 - Emily Shultz: Behind the Scenes With Our Career Coach

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, our Career Coach, Emily Schultz, is back! We talk about what it is like for her as a recruiter, trends we're seeing with transitionin...

132 - Five Mistakes to Avoid in Your New Role

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Daphne shares the most common mistakes former teachers make in their new roles outside of the classroom and why you should avoid thes...

131 - Sarah Sterner: Climbing the Corporate Ladder in ID

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Sterner is a science teacher turned instructional designer and learning experience designer. In this episode, we talk all about why she left tea...

130 - Katie Geiger: From Middle School Choir Director to Skills Consultant

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview former high school and middle school Choir Director Katie Geiger, who now works as a skills consultant. Free Quiz: What c...

129 - Laura Zimmerman: From Teacher To Recruiter

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Laura Zimmerman, former early childhood teacher now working as a recruiter, shares how she's able to still help people and gives her ...

128 - Claire Bartholic: Tips on How to Recharge and Refresh Through Running

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Claire Bartholic shares how running as part of a self-care routine can ultimately help feelings of burn-out and overwhelm. Free Quiz:...

127 - Gaspare Randazzo: Teaching and Stand-Up

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Gaspare Randazzo, NYC high school teacher and standup comedian, shares how he uses humor on stage and in his classroom to engage stud...

126 - Marissa Goldberg: Communicating in a Remote Environment

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Daphne interviews remote work expert Marissa Goldberg. Marissa has been working remotely since 2015 and has managed remote team membe...

125 - Jacqueline Martinez: Running for School Board

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jacqueline Martinez, teacher of 13 years and advocate for education, shares her experience running for school board and how you can b...

124 - Katie Stoddard: Why This CEO Wants Teachers for Marketing Roles

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Katie Stoddard, owner of Ed2Market and a seasoned marketing expert in K-12 education, shares all of her wisdom on hiring teachers out...

123 - Jess Lighthall: Adjusting to Corporate Life as an ID

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jess Lighthall, former high school and college English instructor of 13 years, talks about about corporate life and how it was an adj...

122 - Mark Doctor: From Teaching to Scrum Master

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Teacher Career Coach Course graduate, Mark Doctor, shares how he went from being a burned out music teacher to a thriving Scrum Maste...

121 - Surprise! I'm pregnant—with twins!

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Daphne shares a very exciting personal update and what she has learned along the way. Free Quiz: What career outside of the classroom...

120 - Dave Byma: From Teacher to Onboarding Manager

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I interview former elementary school teacher Dave Byma. After being in the classroom for 10 years, he turned his passion for helping o...

119 - Dr. Christie McMullen: Improving the Onboarding Process

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Dr. Christie McMullen, a former educator of 24 years, shares her thoughts on onboarding best practices based on her experience as an ...

118 - Battling Impostor Syndrome In Your New Role

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Daphne explains how Impostor Syndrome has affected her career, how it might affect a transitioning teacher, and the many forms it tak...