Episode 1: Samantha Stanley -Classroom Teacher to Curriculum Sales -Part 1

In this episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with Samantha, a seasoned educator with 25 years of experience in elementary education, to discuss her journey transitioning from the classroom into the EdTech industry.Samantha shares candidly about her experiences teaching across multiple grade levels, from pre-K to upper elementary, and the challenges she faced balancing her career with raising three children. She details the pivotal moment that led her to leave the classroom: the need for more flexibility as a parent while still staying connected to education.Listeners will gain insight into the transition process, including:How to navigate leaving a teaching position professionally, including timing and communication with HR and administration.Tips for translating classroom experience into transferable skills for non-teaching roles, such as public speaking, coaching, and training.Strategies for preparing a resume, interviewing, and overcoming self-doubt when stepping into a completely new career path.The importance of networking and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to explore EdTech and remote opportunities.Lessons learned about handling rejection, building confidence, and finding fulfillment in roles outside of traditional teaching.Samantha also reflects on the flexibility, collaboration, and growth opportunities she’s found in her EdTech career—benefits that were not possible in her classroom role—and encourages teachers considering a transition to embrace the uncertainty and trust themselves.This episode is a must-listen for educators at any stage of their career who are contemplating a transition, whether it’s moving into leadership, administration, EdTech, or an entirely new industry. Samantha’s story is a testament to the value of transferable skills, perseverance, and taking courageous steps toward a career that aligns with both professional and personal life goals.