Teachers in Transition – Ep 228 – Silent Strengths and Goal Setting for 2025 for a Career Transition

In this episode, Vanessa explores the challenges introverted teachers face in extroverted environments and provides actionable advice for achieving personal and professional goals in the new year.

Vanessa begins by celebrating the strengths of both introverts and extroverts, emphasizing the value each brings to education. She highlights the unique struggles introverted teachers face, from professional development sessions that cater to extroverted behaviors to classroom observations that prioritize group engagement over quiet, reflective learning. 

Vanessa advocates for creating spaces that respect the needs of introverts and extroverts alike. She stresses the importance of fostering understanding and balance, urging us to embrace diverse environments that allow everyone to thrive.

The episode transitions into practical tips for the new year, goal-setting using a bingo card. She shares her own experiences with incremental progress and encourages teachers to set meaningful goals that align with their personal and career aspirations.

For teachers considering a career change, Vanessa outlines an eight-step roadmap, covering everything from crafting personal branding statements to leveraging AI tools for job searches. She highlights the importance of exploration and adaptability during transitions and offers personalized coaching for those needing extra support.

Vanessa closes with an empowering message: whether reducing stress, pursuing new opportunities, or transitioning careers, incremental progress is a victory worth celebrating.

Suggested Links for Show Notes

1.    Rebecca Branstetter, PhD – Small Habits Create Big Change

• Book on Amazon
• Publisher’s Website

2.    Resources for Gaining missing skills

• LinkedIn Learning
• Coursera
• Udemy
• Microsoft Learn
• Grow with Google

3.    Recommended Reads for Stress Management

• Rebecca Branstetter's Thriving Students Collective

1. Make your own Bingo Card for the new year at Bingo Baker!

Are you ready to schedule that discovery session to see if you are ready to make the leap?  Head over to the calendar and schedule a time for you to talk one on one with Vanessa 

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook to stay in the know of all the latest information along with doses of inspiration. Want more?  You can join in the discussion on our podcast’s Facebook page!

Come and see! www.teachersintransition.com

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com!  I look forward to reading them.  Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod?  Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout. 

Transcript

Are you a teacher who is feeling stressed out and overwhelmed? do you worry that you're feeling symptoms of burnout - or are you sure you've already gotten there? Have you started to dream of doing something different or a new job or perhaps pursuing an entirely different career - but you don't know what else you're qualified to do? You don't know how to start a job search and you just feel stuck. If that sounds like you, I promise you are not alone. my name is Vanessa Jackson; and I am a career transition and job search coach and I specialize in helping burnt out teachers just like you deal with the overwhelmingly stressful nature of your day-to-day job and to consider what other careers might be out there waiting for you. You might ask yourself, What tools do I need to find a new career?  Are my skills valuable outside the classroom?  How and where do I even get started?  These are all questions you deserve answers to, and I can help you find them.  I’m Vanessa Jackson. Come and join me for Teachers in Transition.  

***Hi!  And Welcome back to another episode of Teachers in Transition. I am your host, Vanessa Jackson –a career transition and job search coach specializing in educators just like you. I am here to help you reach your goals and figure out how to navigate the journey from overwhelmed, stressed out and burnt-out teacher to a new job or career that allows you to find what you want in your life. I provide tips and suggestions to help with stress and mental health, hacks to help your day, and tips for career transition and  job-hunting  I am so happy you are here!  Today on the pod, we are  going to chat about the introverts in an extroverted world, a reading recommendation for the upcoming holiday and goal setting in the New Year for your career transition 

Today, I want to start by talking about introverts and extroverts—two fundamental personality types that coexist in this world. First, let me make one thing abundantly clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with being either an introvert or an extrovert. Both are incredible, and we need them both in the world.

If you are an introvert, you bring a unique depth, introspection, and calmness that our chaotic world desperately needs. If you are an extrovert, your energy, enthusiasm, and ability to connect inspire us all. But here’s the thing: too often, society tries to push introverts to become extroverts, as if one is  better or more desirable than the other. And let me tell you, I will go down swinging against that narrative.

Teaching, as a profession, often demands that introverts act as extroverts – ‘on-demand extroverts’ if you will. For many introverted teachers, myself included, this can be draining. We can absolutely perform when needed—facilitating lessons, engaging with students, parents, or colleagues , and presenting with enthusiasm—but it comes at a cost. It’s emotionally and physically exhausting.

I read something recently that resonated deeply: most professional development sessions and classroom observations are structured around extroverted behaviors. These sessions often prioritize interactive, group-based activities and loud, extroverted energy. That’s not inherently bad, but it leaves little room for those of us who need introverted spaces to recharge and do our best work.

An observation rubric often rewards the teachers who gets students talking and engaging in group discussions. But what about creating a quiet, reflective environment? Shouldn’t that be just as valuable? As introverted teachers, we recognize that not all children thrive in a high-energy, extroverted environment. Many students  - I might rgue ALL students - need moments of stillness to focus and process their thoughts.

Professional Development: A Space for Extroverts?

One educator shared their discomfort with professional development sessions run by extroverts. They noticed that these sessions often lacked what I will call "introversion breaks"—time for quiet reflection amidst the high-energy or noisy group activities. They made an important point: being introverted is not a flaw. It’s simply a different way of interacting with the world.

Their suggestion? Create more spaces within schools where quiet, independent work is valued. Not everything has to be collaborative or interactive.  I agree. The challenge, of course, is whether the "powers that be" - administrators and decision-makers - agree.

In the classroom, observations often evaluate how effectively teachers are engaging students in extroverted ways. But not all learning happens in loud, collaborative settings. Some of my most rewarding teaching moments have come from quiet interactions that would never be highlighted in an observation.  One of my lessons with high engagement was silent. It was all online. We were listening to a podcast talking about the subject of the day, but the chat was hopping!  Kids were asking questions, having commentary… it was GREAT!.  Too bad the administrator in the room only brought a pad and pencil with no thought of accessing the digital options the school was pushing. 

Having the ability to communicate in quiet ways can be powerful. I once taught a child who was an elective mute. This meant there was no medical reason for her silence; she simply chose not to speak. When I realized this, I didn’t push her. Instead, I asked her directly, “Would it work for you if I asked yes-or-no questions so we can communicate?” She nodded, and that’s how we began our work together.

We developed a rhythm, and over time, she became comfortable in my class.  I want to say she really enjoyed it.  One day I asked her a direct question and she answered before she remember that she didn’t want to talk.  I merely winked and kept going, but she was more surprised than I was! For that brief moment, she’d let her guard down and spoke. It was one of the most rewarding moments of my teaching career—something small, personal, and deeply meaningful.

But here’s the thing: moments like these don’t mean much in a formal observation. They don’t fit the mold of what is often valued in the evaluation process. And yet, these quiet victories are the heart of teaching for many of us. If you’re an introverted teacher, know this: it’s okay to feel drained by the demands of the job. Teaching is an energy-intensive profession, especially for those of us who need quiet time to recharge. It’s also okay to carve out quiet spaces in your classroom—for your students and for yourself.

In fact, I believe it’s time to start teaching extroverts how to function in introverted spaces. Embrace the quiet!! Why? Because learning to navigate different environments and perspectives is essential for empathy and understanding. Introverted students and teachers have long been asked to adapt to extroverted norms. It’s time for the necessary shift for extroverts to step into our world and experience the beauty of calm, quiet reflection.

This brings me to a story of the Accidental Book Club that perfectly illustrates the beauty of introverted spaces. A woman was sitting in her favorite coffee shop, deeply engrossed in a book, when an older gentleman approached and asked what she was reading. They had a brief but pleasant conversation about books, and that was that.

The next week, she returned with a different book. The same man was there, also reading. They exchanged smiles and continued reading silently - which is probably what kept it from being creepy. By the third week, the man brought a friend. By the fourth week, the woman walked into the coffee shop to find a small group of people scattered around, all quietly reading.

What started as a chance encounter blossomed into this accidental book club - the most introvert-friendly gathering imaginable. No formal invitations, no forced interaction. Just people coming together to enjoy their own quiet pursuits in a shared space.

Eventually, the barista commented on how popular their "club" had become. Word had spread, and more people started showing up to read silently, occasionally chatting during coffee breaks. It was a simple, organic creation of an introverted space — a rare gem in a world that often prioritizes extroverted behaviors.

In  the spaces we create in our classrooms, workplaces, and communities, In a world that prizes extroversion—collaboration, public speaking, constant interaction—how do we make room for introverts?

More importantly, how do we teach people to value introverted spaces? It’s not about creating division but about fostering understanding and balance. Just as introverts can learn to navigate extroverted environments, extroverts can learn to appreciate the power of quiet.

So my message here is: don’t beat yourself up if you’re an introvert who needs quiet time to recharge. And don’t feel guilty if you’re an extrovert who thrives on connection and interaction. Both are valid, and both are necessary.

Let’s stop trying to force introverts to “extrovert” and start valuing the strengths each personality type brings to the table. Let’s create environments where everyone—introverts and extroverts alike—can thrive. Because at the end of the day, the world needs both. And when we learn to appreciate each other’s differences, we all grow stronger together.

And moving on to our teacher hack – our hacks are designed to help you save time, save brain space, or otherwise help you out.  Today’s hack is a book recommendation. “Small Habits Create Big Change” is a new book out by Rebecca Branstetter, PhD.  This book specifically speaks to the stress you encounter as a teacher in the classroom.  This book doesn’t pander to a lot of old tropes.  She had me when she took aim at a jeans pass in the introduction.  This book is available in paperback, Kindle and Audible versions on Amazon and also available at the publisher’s website. I’ll have a link to her website where see all her collected works.  I recommend listening on the way to/from school. Or while doing other things like housework or wandering around the neighborhood

In a couple of weeks, Dr Branstetter will be on this podcast talking about her book and her website, The Thriving Students Collective.  You will not want to miss that!

And moving on to our career transition and job search segment, we are going to talk about goals in the new year. The New Year is synonymous with a fresh start. 

As we approach the end of the year, I find myself looking forward to the possibilities of the next. There’s something magical about the calendar flipping over to a new year—it feels like a clean slate, a fresh opportunity to reset and refocus. An opportunity to kick a bad year goodbye -  Perhaps it’s just because my birthday falls in January, but either way, it amplifies that whole sense of renewal.

But here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. They feel too rigid, too prone to failure. The moment  you break one, it’s all too easy to throw in the towel and abandon the goal entirely. Instead, I embrace a more flexible and fun approach to self-improvement, inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s concept of setting a specific number of goals for the year. For 2025, I’m going to find 25 things I want to accomplish that improve my life somehow.

This year, that all fits on a bingo card!. That’s right – a bingo card with 25 spaces, each representing a goal. No free space here—although, if you want, you could make the center square something super easy, like “drink a glass of water.” or leave it for a room-to-grow goal  one you come up with later in the year. The goal isn’t just to achieve everything on the card but to create accountability and celebrate progress, even if you don’t hit every single target.  In an upcoming episode, perhaps I’ll share the items on my Bingo Card.  I would love to hear some of the items you put on YOURS.

When setting goals, it’s important to acknowledge that not every goal will be fully achieved—and that’s okay. Let me share a few examples from my own experience.

Last year, one of my more goals was to wear earrings every day. I have an extensive collection of costume jewelry acquired from working at costume jewelry store and a fair amount of it  inherited or gifted to me through the years, and I wanted to actually enjoy and use it. Did I wear earrings every single day in 2024? No, not every single day. But I did wear them far more often than I used to, and I got little giggles in rediscovering pieces I’d forgotten about. That’s a win in my book.

Another goal was to tackle the mountain of emails cluttering my inbox. Specifically, I aimed to cut the number in half. At the time, my inbox was a chaotic mess with thousands upon thousands of unread and emails rendered unnecessary by the passage of time. So, of course, I made this task harder by creating these new email addresses to deal with my business.  I haven’t done the math to see if I technically met the goal, but I know I’ve made significant progress. I’ve unsubscribed from countless mailing lists, deleted old emails, and even better, I have worked on developing better habits for managing new ones. Even though I didn’t completely achieve my original target, my inbox is in far better shape than it was a year ago.  It is because I had this target that I was mindful of dealing with the emails in a timely manner. 

These experiences taught me three important lessons about goal-setting:

1. You need goals to give yourself direction.
2. It’s okay to aim big—even if you don’t fully succeed. Which brings me to: 
3. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall short, because incremental progress still counts as a win. It’s still progress. 

If you’re a teacher, I encourage you to think about setting goals for 2025 that extend beyond the classroom. Your goals might fall into one of two categories:

1. Making teaching less stressful. Maybe you love your job but find the demands overwhelming. Your goals could focus on improving life outside of work, like setting boundaries around grading time or carving out time for hobbies.
2. Preparing to transition out of teaching. If you’re actively planning to leave the classroom, your goals should align with the steps needed to make that move.

So,For those considering a career change, here’s a roadmap to actionable steps:

Steps to Transition Out of Teaching

To start with: 

1. Craft a Personal Branding Statement through a personal inventory
   Personal branding is key to standing out in a competitive job market. Think of it as a Venn diagram where one circle represents how you see yourself, and the other represents how others perceive you. That overlap is your personal brand. Take time to reflect on your strengths and  values, and what makes you unique outside of teaching.  The point in doing a personal inventory is to get to know yourself as something BEYOND a teacher. 
2. Research Potential Careers
   Explore industries and roles that interest you. Look into salaries, job requirements, and the skills needed to break into those fields. Teaching equips you with a wide range of transferable skills, so don’t limit yourself to education-adjacent roles like curriculum design or instructional coaching. You might discover talents or interests that lead you in a completely different direction.
3. Write a Strong Resume
   Your resume should be more than a list of your duties and accomplishments; it should tell a compelling story about how your experience aligns with the needs of potential employers. Treat your resume like a set of Legos—you can customize it for each job by swapping in the most relevant skills and accomplishments.
4. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
   Think of LinkedIn as an extension of your resume. Employers often look you up after reading your application, so make sure your profile highlights your skills, achievements, and personality. Use it to showcase projects, articles, or other work that demonstrates your expertise.
5. Learn to Network
   Networking is essential because most jobs are filled through personal connections. Start expanding your network beyond the school system by joining professional groups, attending events, or even reconnecting with old friends and colleagues. Maybe even ask a friend to connect you to someone you are interested in learning from. Networking can feel daunting at first, but it’s really about building relationships and making a new friend. 
6. Learn to make AI tools work for you!
   Artificial intelligence can be a game-changer in your job search. Use AI to research companies, tailor your applications, and prepare for interviews. Tools like ChatGPT can suggest cover letter drafts, while platforms like LinkedIn’s AI features can suggest ways to improve your profile there. 
7. Create your learning path
   what skills or certifications are you missing for that next career?  How can you plot out what you need in the least expensive way possible?  Several places like LinkedIn Learning, CodeAcademy, Udemy, and Coursera are more cost-effective ways to gain digital badging and certificates that a whole college degree. Google and Microsoft offer free learning in some digital skills. 
8. Interview Prep
   An interview is your chance to shine, but it’s also where many people stumble. Practice common interview questions, learn to tell your story confidently, and avoid common pitfalls like over-explaining or underselling yourself.

If you’re feeling unsure about what’s next, don’t worry. Career transitions often involve a period of exploration, and that’s a good thing. Take time to try new things, learn new skills, and reflect on what truly interests you. Remember, it’s okay to change your mind. The goal isn’t to have everything figured out overnight—it’s to take meaningful steps forward to ae progress

For example, if you think you might enjoy working in instructional design, take a short online course to see if it resonates with you. If it doesn’t, that’s valuable information too. The more you explore, the clearer your path will become.

If you need more help or accountability with the process, that’s exactly what I provide.   In my coaching here at Teachers in Transition, I provide individualized services in a 1:1 setting to help you leave the classroom.  

In my coaching program, I work one-on-one with clients to help them navigate these steps. Together, we dive deep into each area, and I  provide ongoing support and accountability, ensuring my clients stay on track.

Closing Thoughts

As you start to look ahead to 2025, I encourage you to create a list of goals that inspire you, challenge you, and improve your life in meaningful ways. A lot of people in education don’t care very much about goals in January since it is in the middle of the school year, but consider this one of your first steps towards a life outside of education. But, whether you’re focusing on reducing stress, exploring new opportunities, or making a major career change, remember that progress towards any goal is a win.  

And don’t forget to have fun with it! Maybe create your own bingo card (I have a link in the show notes) or come up with a creative way to track your progress. Celebrate those wins, no matter how small.  When something doesn’t go the way you thought and a challenge plops in your path, it’s a great time to figure a way around it. 

There is an expression that was on a lot of classroom education posters that said “Shoot for the moon – if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”  I never liked that saying because it was scientifically unsound.  There are no stars near the moon!  Instead, I prefer the saying about aiming an arrow for the target.  If you aim directly at the center, you miss.  If you want to hit your intended target, you aim the arrow a little bit higher. 

 
That’s the podcast for today! If you liked this podcast, tell a friend, and don’t forget to rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Tune in weekly to Teachers in Transition where we discuss Job Search strategies as well as stress management techniques.  And I want to hear from you!  Please reach out and leave me a message at Teacher in transition coaching at gmail dot com.  You can also leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099. 

I’ll see you here again next week and remember – YOU are amazing!