What We’ve Learned from Social Media as a Small Business
Let’s have a candid chat about social media for small businesses. It’s no secret that it’s only gotten harder to grow on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, but what else is happening in this online space?
I brought my Marketing Manager, Taylor, on to chat with me about everything we’ve learned firsthand. We share our highs and lows as well as our insights into what’s working for us on the platforms. If you’re a small business owner struggling with social media - here’s what you need to know about the marketing strategy that truly lifted my business off the ground a few years ago.
5 Tools I Use to Run My Own Business
There are five tools that I couldn’t run my business without and they’re all very user-friendly.
These tools support me everyday in creating, maintaining, organizing, designing, and marketing my small businesses. With these online tools, it’s like I have an entire in-house team helping me out. They help me do what I need to do and they keep me organized when working with my marketing manager, sponsors, and guests.
If you’re a small business owner or just looking for new tools to support your EdTech team, these are the ones you need to try.
Leaving a Job with Integrity: Why It Matters More Than How You Enter
Today, we're diving into a crucial topic that often doesn't get the attention it deserves: leaving a job with integrity.
While much emphasis is placed on making a great first impression when starting a new job, the way you exit a role can have an even more lasting impact on your career and relationships.
The EdTech industry is a very, very, very small space. You want to do the best you possible can to keep your reputation in tact. I still do business with both EdTech companies I worked with ten years ago. I also work closely in a recruiting aspect with many individuals I worked with at my second EdTech job.
Why? Because I left both roles with total class and my relationships in tact.
The Goal of EdTech Operations
Every job description for an operations role in EdTech looks different. That’s because operations looks different for every EdTech company and might require different skill sets.
In this episode of the EdTech Connect podcast, we’ll explore what’s being said about education requirements in job searches, why you need a better resume for recruiters, and finally, what operations roles can look like across EdTech. I’ll share why operations looks different for every company and how you can know if it’s the right fit for you.
This episode is packed with information for the EdTech professional and the transitioning educator alike.
5 Resume Mistakes you’re Making as a Transitioning Educator
I caught up with my good friend and resume specialist Jessica Seiler to talk about the five mistakes educators make on their resumes when they’re ready to leave the classroom.
Why I’m Leaving Teaching & Why It’s Ok to Want More
Tell me why you want to leave teaching. This question is a part of every interview, informational chat, or discussion I’ve had since starting my career transition.
I know the question is coming, yet every time I struggle to convey my reason. All the emotions that went into my decision, all the time and reflection that was part of the thought process. It’s a challenge to condense my answer into the short response format the interviewer desires when they pose that question.
How to NOT Interact With Recruiters
When interacting with recruiters, it’s not about just reaching out - it’s about being polite, not expecting free help, and not overstepping boundaries.
A good recruiter is well connected in the industry. If they know everyone, they’re talking to everyone. They’re happy to share names and connections, but not if you’re making a bad impression.
I get some surprising messages on LinkedIn from those expecting my support.
How to Build a Stand-Out LinkedIn Profile For Transitioning Educators
More than 14 million educators are currently on LinkedIn, because it is the best platform for leveraging your network, identifying opportunities in the industry, and getting connected to the kind of EdTech jobs you are dreaming of.
The key to getting started on LinkedIn is not to be intimidated - by the sheer number of educators on the platform, or by the process of building your profile. Here are few considerations as you build your profile.
Former Teacher turned #1 Sales Rep in EdTech
Like most who enter the profession, Stephanie Johnson loved teaching. She worked in education for over 18 years, spending most of her time working with special needs students from birth to age 22.
Then in May 2022, Stephanie decided it was time for a career change. “I loved being in the classroom, but I knew deep down I was meant for more. This realization, coupled with a desire for financial stability and flexibility to spend quality time with my family, propelled me towards the decision to transition,” Stephanie said.
Different Marketing Roles at EdTech Companies
Marketing is so much more than posting on Instagram and sending out a couple emails.
Marketing teams at EdTech companies can be large, and these roles often require you to wear many different hats at the same time. There are tons of marketing tools you’ll need to learn and many skills you’ll need to develop and hone. You’ll also work closely with the other teams in your company, such as the operations team and product team, to make sure your product is being marketed to the right audience with the right messaging.
Let’s take a look at the different roles you might find on an EdTech marketing team.
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What to Highlight as a Former Educator
When it comes to employability, there are two types of skills that employers generally look for - hard skills and soft skills.
When building a resume, performing an interview, or even building a LinkedIn profile, you want to hone in on which skills you actually need to highlight and which skills are just taking up precious space.
Behind the Scenes Working at an EdTech Convention
When leaving teaching to work in EdTech, there’s a lot you might not realize is part of the job. If you’re looking for a role in EdTech sales, marketing, or even tech and leadership, you might find yourself behind a booth at an EdTech convention.
That sounds fun, right? Talking with teachers, administrators, and others passionate about making a difference in education. Learning about new EdTech tools. Traveling to exciting locations like Boulder or Orlando. But this also comes with 10-12+ hour days spent almost completely on your feet and talking all day. This is why it’s so important to love what you do and work for a company you care about.
I Quit Teaching, Here’s What Happened 10 Years Later
It was a tough decision when I knew that it was time for me to leave teaching.
It probably took me a little longer than it should have. I wanted a career. One that would allow me to make a difference in the world and within education, but I also wanted growth. I wanted to make more money. I wanted to have goals and aspirations.
And I knew I didn't just want to be a principal one day. That just wasn't what I wanted to do.
It wasn't easy. That's the truth. But it did open doors to crazy, exciting opportunities that I never imagined. I got to travel to places I never imagined. And I got to work at education companies like eSpark Learning and Discovery Education, and now I’m seven years in as a business owner and entrepreneur.
Types of Operation Jobs at EdTech Companies
An operations team is essential to any organization, especially for EdTech companies. The operations team ensures that the company's products and services run smoothly and are responsible for a wide range of tasks.
These roles tend to work behind the scenes to better the product and its marketability. They require a variety of skills, a number of which are highly transferable from teaching. If you’re looking for a job outside of the classroom and beginning your former teacher life at an EdTech company, jobs in operations might be best for you.
What is the STAR Method in an EdTech Interview?
Behavioral interview questions have become increasingly popular in job interviews. They are designed to assess a candidate's past behavior and performance in order to predict their future success in a particular role. It involves asking questions that require specific examples of past experiences, rather than hypothetical situations.
“Tell me about a time you worked well under pressure.”
That’s a behavioral interview question and as a former teacher, you have that one nailed.
You can practice behavioral interview questions by researching common questions and preparing thoughtful responses using the STAR method.
I Quit Teaching After 10 Years: My Journey as a Former Teacher
I quit teaching after ten years in the classroom, and today, I will share the good, the bad, and the ugly from my journey as a transitioning teacher and former teacher life.
Leaving teaching is a roller coaster ride; not only have I left myself, but I’ve coached hundreds of teachers on how to make the transition. At this point, I’ve seen just about everything.
What Are Product Roles at EdTech Companies?
Education companies offer a wide range of products and services to their customers, including online courses, tutoring services, educational software, and more. To develop, launch, and improve these products, education companies rely on a team of professionals that work in various roles.
Teachers are perfect fits for many product roles because you have the exact skills and insider knowledge these positions require.
5 Reasons Teachers are the Perfect Fit for Corporate Jobs in Education Companies
Teachers are the perfect fit for many roles at education companies. There are so many EdTech companies eager to hire former teachers, you just need to put yourself out there (the right way).
The reasons below transfer to pretty much any EdTech company looking to hire former teachers - they’re completely universal, and for good reason. Once you understand these reasons and take time to reflect on your unique experiences and skill set, you can better understand how you need to present yourself on your resume, in your interviews, and even on the job.
Success Story: Marjorie Stahl, Teacher to Customer Success Manager
As Customer Success Manager for Skill Struck, Marjorie Stahl is living out her dream of impacting schools across the country. As a Classroom to Boardroom graduate, she embodies the successful transition that our course prepares its students to achieve.
Stahl's current position assisting schools in implementing Skill Struck's comprehensive K-12 coding curriculum is the culmination of 10 years of teaching and a year and a half of intentionally moving away from the classroom and into an EdTech career.
4 Ways You Can Support Your Teacher Transition This Winter Break - Prep Now!
While I want you all to be resting this winter break - I also need to be real. You need to kickstart your teacher transition now so you’re ready to leave teaching by summer. And there are 5 things you can do over winter break to support your transition.
Don’t push yourself too hard, don’t set unattainable expectations, and don’t miss out on being present with loved ones. You do need and deserve this break period so you’re refreshed for your students and your transition.