A Lifelong Learner: From Principal to EdTech Partnership Manager September 15, 2025 | 31 min | K12 Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow NotesMarybeth Schultz is a lifelong learner whose career has been a winding, inspiring journey. A former fourth-grade teacher and school principal, she never saw herself leaving the school building. But while pursuing her doctorate on how technology can …
From Murky Metrics to Clear-Cut Sales: A Principal’s EdTech Journey September 4, 2025 | 42 min | K12 Stories, Higher Ed Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow NotesTyler Post loved his career in education. As a former middle school teacher and principal, he was passionate about the work. But he also found the administrative side to be a constant grind of …
How a “School Improvement Plan” Lands a Teacher a Sales Job June 24, 2025 | 44 min | K12 Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow NotesAfter 30 years as an elementary school teacher and administrator, Janna Tolleson knew it was time to retire from the classroom, but not from education. She wanted her next chapter to be with a company that …
From “Problem-Solver” to “Problem-Finder”: A Principal’s Path to EdTech June 7, 2025 | 32 min | Higher Ed Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow NotesJonathan Strout truly loved his job as a high school principal. But after 24 years in education, the 24/7/365 stress, especially post-pandemic, led him to an inflection point. He was missing his kids’ lives and felt the …
From Medievalist to EdTech Founder: A Teacher’s Guide to the Job Market May 28, 2025 | 49 min | K12 Stories, Higher Ed Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow NotesChelsea Avirett has one of the most unique paths to edtech: she’s a former 7th-grade teacher and a trained medievalist. After seeing the job market for her academic field collapse, she eventually …
From Teacher’s Lounge Insight to EdTech Founder with Mike Cronley November 8, 2024 | 37 min | K12 Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow NotesWhat happens when a simple lunchroom conversation turns into a “eureka” moment? For Mike Cronley, a 12-year elementary school teacher, it sparked the idea for his company, ClassComposer. Mike wasn’t looking to leave the classroom; he was …
Beyond “Just a Teacher”: Lissa Johnson’s Journey to Founding Mosa Mack Science November 4, 2024 | 30 min | K12 Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow Notes In this episode, I talk with Lissa Johnson, a former middle and high school science teacher who followed her classroom insights all the way to the CEO’s office. Today, Lissa is the founder of …
Shoot Your Shot: A Teacher’s Guide to Solving Problems and Building a Career October 22, 2024 | 40 min | K12 Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow Notes In this episode, I sit down with Kiana Porter-Isom, a former middle school math teacher and curriculum developer who is now the Chief Improvement Officer at Reading Horizons. Kiana’s title is one of …
When You Love Teaching But Can’t Afford to Stay: Cris Slotoroff’s Story October 3, 2024 | 35 min | K12 Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow Notes In this episode, I talk with Dr. Cris Slotoroff, a former high school English teacher and administrator who found himself at a crossroads. He was at the apex of his teaching career: tenured, writing …
How to Find an EdTech Career That Aligns With Your Mission September 25, 2024 | 41 min | K12 Stories< Return to All EpisodesShow Notes In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Dr. Donna McConnell, a former first-grade teacher and reading specialist with over 20 years of experience in K-12 education. Today, she is an Account Executive at …
