Teachers Make the Leap

Kristin and Hillary

Teachers Make the Leap is a show that empowers educators to embrace the possibilities of online business. Kristin and Hillary are two former teachers turned online business owners who have created flexible work schedules, exceeded their teaching incomes, and built thriving businesses that keep them fulfilled and excited to show up for their clients. If you dream of finally leaving teaching to be able to make your own schedule and increase your earning potential, join us each week as we explore real ways to get there through online business.

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Episodes

The Winding (And Unexpected) Path from Classroom to Business Owner with Sara Torpey
May 20 2024
The Winding (And Unexpected) Path from Classroom to Business Owner with Sara Torpey
In this episode of Teachers Make the Leap, Hillary sits down with Sara Torpey, a former middle school math teacher turned thriving business coach for teachers, helpers, and givers. Sara helps business owners create thriving, profitable businesses by employing simplicity and smart systems. As a multiple business owner, teacher, mom, and wife, Sarah expertly balances various roles while guiding others in the business world, aiming to empower teachers and givers to build businesses they love.In this conversation, Sarah shares valuable insights about embracing and learning from the unexpected roles we often find ourselves in over the course of our careers, and she emphasizes how skills developed in teaching are not only relevant but highly beneficial in the business realm, preparing teachers for a smoother transition into entrepreneurship.Connect with Sara:Website: TorpeyCoaching.comFacebook Group: UNcomplicating Business for Teachers, Helpers, and GiversInstagram: @torpeycoachingLinkedIn: Sara TorpeyWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
Practicing Radical Self Belief With Tiffany Han
Mar 25 2024
Practicing Radical Self Belief With Tiffany Han
In this episode of Teachers Make the Leap, Kristin chats with Tiffany Han, a life coach dedicated to empowering high achievers to experience personal fulfillment. Tiffany provides invaluable insights into the struggle teachers face as they aim to maintain their high-achiever standards while combating burnout in the teaching profession. This conversation explores the intricacies of radical self-belief and offers a framework that can guide listeners through self-discovery and change.Key Takeaways:High achievers often struggle to recognize when enough is enough, which can lead to burnout, but there is a path to establishing a healthier balance.Radical self-belief is not about bombastic confidence; it's about trusting in your ability to figure things out, regardless of uncertainty.The five pillars of radical self-belief are Discernment, Faith, Spirit Tending, Acceptance, and Grace.Engaging in activities that feel nourishing and intentional is a vital component of spirit tending, which is fundamental to cultivating inner wisdom.Viewing life's struggles and opportunities as a hike can provide a useful metaphor for understanding actionable steps.Resources:Website: TiffanyHan.comInstagram: @thetiffanyhanPodcast: The Tiffany Han ShowWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
"Who am I if I'm not a teacher?" Exploring New Careers with Former Teachers and Podcast Hosts Ali and JoDee
Mar 18 2024
"Who am I if I'm not a teacher?" Exploring New Careers with Former Teachers and Podcast Hosts Ali and JoDee
In this episode, join Kristin as she sits down with Ali Simon and JoDee Scissors, former educators who loved their respective teaching jobs, but ultimately made the decision to shift into new careers.Together, we'll explore the joys of teaching, the tough emotional transition from the classroom and finding fulfilling work outside of education, and how to think through the question "Who am I if I'm not a teacher?" Key Takeaways:Teachers considering a career shift face emotional and practical challenges, including how to redefine their professional identity and manage their finances.The transition from teaching to a new career can involve updating resumes and professional profiles to better reflect the language and requirements of the new industry.Ali and Jodie both emphasize the importance of self-investment through professional help, be it for mental health or financial advice, as a part of the shift from teaching.Teaching skills are transferable and valuable in various fields, and the experience as a teacher equips individuals to adapt to new roles effectively.Moving away from teaching allows for personal growth and the exploration of multiple facets of one's identity, reaffirming that a job does not solely define an individual.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Teacher Shift Podcast: teachershiftpodcast.comWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
From High School Math Teacher to Serial Entrepreneur: How Andrea Hanson Empowers Women to Start Businesses
Mar 11 2024
From High School Math Teacher to Serial Entrepreneur: How Andrea Hanson Empowers Women to Start Businesses
In this episode, Kristin and Hilary talk with Andrea Hanson, a former high school math teacher who spent 12 years in the classroom before saying yes to starting her first business.Over the last nine years, Andrea has opened and grown multiple businesses including a retail boutique, online coaching business, and podcast to empower women to follow their nudges. Listen to the full episode to hear how Andrea took a leap of faith that catapulted her into the world of business where she's found personal fulfillment, time flexibility, and a sense of purpose beyond her wildest dreams.Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurship can be a journey of personal growth and development, requiring you to constantly adapt and reflect inwardly.Following your "nudges" or intuitions can lead to unexpected and fulfilling business ventures, even if they challenge the norms of career stability.Challenges in transitioning from education to business include managing mindset shifts and adapting to new roles beyond just being an employee.Creating a vision and making decisions as if your business goals are already achieved can be a powerful strategy to move forward purposefully.Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded individuals can significantly enhance and impact your entrepreneurial journey.Follow Andrea on Instagram @andrea.hanson.82 or check our her coaching membership @aligned.business.collectiveWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
The Realities of Freelancing with Philosophy Adjunct Turned Copywriter Chris Collins
Mar 4 2024
The Realities of Freelancing with Philosophy Adjunct Turned Copywriter Chris Collins
In this episode of Teachers make the Leap, hosts Kristin and Hillary talk with with Chris Collins, a philosophy PhD and former adjunct instructor turned freelance copywriter.  Together, Chris, Kristin, and Hillary explore the realities of going freelance after working in the traditional academia and secondary education setting. Key Takeaways:Transitioning Skills: Chris’s background in philosophy and his love for writing helped him carve a niche in copywriting for B2B SaaS brands.Mindset Shift: Teachers often need a significant shift in mindset about the value of their time and work when transitioning to freelancing.Money Mindset: Chris acknowledges the importance of overcoming preconceived notions of what clients will pay, an extension of valuing one’s time.Sales Skills: A key skill gap for many teachers moving into freelancing is sales, a necessity for business success.Personal Management: Self-care, mental and physical health, and personal development are foundational for business success and cannot be overlooked.Resources:Chris Collins LinkedIn Profile: [Search for Chris Collins on LinkedIn]Chris Collins Website: ChristopherCollins CoWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
How Non-Techie Teachers Can Use ChatGPT to Jumpstart Their Businesses with Megan Coulter
Feb 26 2024
How Non-Techie Teachers Can Use ChatGPT to Jumpstart Their Businesses with Megan Coulter
In this episode of Teachers Make the Leap, Kristin and Hillary chat with guest expert Megan Coulter, a former nurse and educator turned AI mentor to entrepreneurs. Megan shares her insights on the burgeoning realm of AI and how new entrepreneurs can use AI as a powerful tool to grow their businesses.Key Takeaways:Megan's transition from nursing to entrepreneurship illustrates the transformative potential of AI in creating and scaling an online business.AI can be an effective tool for generating initial drafts, conducting market research, and exploring creative ideas, saving substantial time for entrepreneurs.Teachers possess unique skills that make them particularly adept at utilizing AI to its full potential, including providing feedback and assessing written works.Megan's CARE system acts as a comprehensive guide to integrating AI into various business processes.The discussion also emphasizes the ethical use of AI and the importance of maintaining human integrity within technological advancements.Resources:Free Quickstart Guide: The 6 prompts you need to craft content that connectsMegan's website: www.megancoulteragency.comInstagram: @itsmegancoulterWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
Discover Your Financial Superpowers with "Teacher Money Coach" Podcast Host Shaun Morgan
Feb 19 2024
Discover Your Financial Superpowers with "Teacher Money Coach" Podcast Host Shaun Morgan
In this episode, Kristin and Hillary chat with Shaun Morgan, a teacher and podcaster dedicated to helping teachers identify their financial superpowers so they can have healthy wallets and financial futures. Sean shares his insights and strategies for teachers to navigate their financial journeys while still fulfilling their passion for teaching.Key Takeaways:Teachers can gain financial control by tracking their spending, avoiding overtime work beyond contract hours, and investing in the retirement options most teachers have.Entrepreneurship offers incredible financial growth potential for teachers, especially with flexible summer schedules.Educators possess money-saving superpowers like access to multiple pre-tax retirement accounts and the ability to put away significant sums for future financial stability.Developing a side business can serve as not only a supplementary income stream but also a refreshing change that helps prevent burnout.Resources:Shaun Morgan's podcast: "Teacher Money Show" (teachermoneyshow.com)Sign up for free financial coaching with Sean: teachermoneyshow.com/guestWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
Lauren's Leap from Special Education Teacher to Orton Gillingham Tutor
Feb 12 2024
Lauren's Leap from Special Education Teacher to Orton Gillingham Tutor
In this episode, educators-turned-entrepreneurs Kristin and Hillary sit down with Lauren Bell, who shares her journey from the classroom to launching and running her own online tutoring business. Lauren delves into her extensive experience in special education and her pivotal shift towards helping students with dyslexia through Orton-Gillingham programs. Lauren also offers practical insights on building a tutoring business from scratch, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and leveraging relationships with other professionals to find clients.Key Takeaways:Starting an online tutoring business allowed Lauren Bell to leverage her specialty in Orton-Gillingham programs, addressing a critical need for dyslexia and language-based disability education outside the traditional school environment.Teachers possess a wealth of transferable skills, including multitasking, creativity, and data-driven decision-making, that can lead to entrepreneurial success.Online business operations and marketing can be intimidating but are learnable and essential skills for growing a tutoring business.Establishing a virtual tutoring company has advantages in convenience, flexibility, and access to online resources, while maintaining the need for engaging and effective teaching techniques.Adaptation and strategic planning are crucial for business continuity and growth, especially when anticipating personal changes, such as Lauren Bell's experience adjusting her role in her business due to her pregnancy.Resources:Instagram: @hammond_bellFacebook: Hammond Bell Educational ServicesWebsite: www.hammondbell.comWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
Tax Tips for Teachers Turned Entrepreneurs From "The Least Boring CPA" Steven Jarvis
Feb 5 2024
Tax Tips for Teachers Turned Entrepreneurs From "The Least Boring CPA" Steven Jarvis
In this episode of "Teachers Make the Leap," Hillary and Kristin welcome special guest Steven Jarvis, a seasoned CPA and tax planner. The conversation dives into the critical transition from W-2 employment to entrepreneurship and the consequent tax implications that educators need to be aware of. You'll hear actionable advice and insightful knowledge to prepare for and manage taxes as you venture into the world of online business.Key Takeaways:Transitioning from W-2 employment to self-employment drastically changes one's tax situation, moving from an almost automatic process to a more manual one.New entrepreneurs should set aside a substantial percentage of their income for taxes, potentially upwards of 40%, into a separate savings account.Keeping business expenses distinct and well-documented is critical, ensuring that every legitimate business deduction is identified and utilized.Making quarterly estimated tax payments is non-negotiable for business owners, and Steven advises a proactive and conservative approach to these payments.Despite the daunting nature of tax planning in entrepreneurship, Steven encourages teachers not to allow tax fears to deter them from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.About the Guest:Steven Jarvis is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a tax planner, who co-founded Retirement Tax Services—a firm specializing in integrating tax planning with financial and retirement planning for financial advisors. With over a decade of expertise as a CPA, Steven is known for his personable approach in the industry, proudly holding the title of "The Least Boring CPA" on LinkedIn. His experience extends to teaching in a master's program and engaging in discussions on tax strategies that are both impactful and informed.Resources:LinkedIn Profile: Steven A. (The Least Boring CPA) Jarvis, CPA 🧩Website: Retirement Tax ServicesPodcasts: The Retirement Tax Podcast (consumer-facing), The Retirement Tax Services Podcast (advisor-facing)IRS Website: For making online estimated tax paymentsWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.
Top 4 Hurdles Encountered by New Business Owners (and How to Overcome Them!)
Jan 29 2024
Top 4 Hurdles Encountered by New Business Owners (and How to Overcome Them!)
In this episode of Teachers Make the Leap, Kristin and Hillary delve into the common hurdles that aspiring entrepreneurs encounter when starting their online businesses. They each draw from their personal experiences and interactions with other teachers to identify and break down the barriers to making meaningful progress toward launching a business.From grappling with decision-making to gaining clarity on the next steps, Kristen and Hillary articulate the challenges many face on their entrepreneurial journey. They emphasize the importance of taking incremental actions, avoiding the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the transformative power inherent in making a series of small yet strategic moves. This discussion covers actionable strategies and the encouragement needed to tackle the often-intimidating task of building a business from scratch.Key Takeaways:New business owners often struggle with committing to key decisions in the beginning due to fear of making the wrong choice.Focusing on small, actionable steps, rather than being overwhelmed by the larger vision, can lead to more significant progress over time.Overcoming perfectionism is essential; it's better to create a "shitty first draft" and refine later than not to start at all.Resources:The Slight Edge by Jeff OlsonShitty First Drafts by Anne LamottWant to ask Kristin and Hillary a question? Click here to submit your question to the podcast. We'll answer it on an upcoming episode of Teachers Make the Leap! To make sure you never miss an episode of Teachers Make the Leap, subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. And to stay in the know about all the exciting things we’re doing to help more teachers leave the classroom to become their own bosses, follow us on Instagram at @teachersmaketheleap or join our online newsletter by visiting www.teachersmaketheleap.com.