In this episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, Dr. Deborah Wortham shares her remarkable journey from a determined student in Chicago to a transformative leader in education. With heartfelt stories and powerful insights, Dr. Wortham discusses the importance of belief, resilience, and intentional leadership. Her experiences as a superintendent and educator highlight the impact of creating systems of belief and fostering a growth mindset.

Her STORY

Dr. Deborah L. Wortham is an educator, best-selling co-author, elder, professor, and nationally recognized lecture circuit presenter. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Wortham is prepared spiritually and educationally. She is the former Superintendent of the School District of the City of York in York, Pennsylvania, and the Steelton-Highspire School District in Steelton, Pennsylvania. She was the first locally elected Superintendent of the Roosevelt Union Free School District in eleven years. During her tenure, the District moved from "State Takeover" to "Good Standing." Dr. Wortham served as the First African-American Female Superintendent of the East Ramapo Central School District in Spring Valley, New York, where all 12 K-8 schools reached "Good Standing." Still fond of the Roosevelt Union Free School District; currently, Dr. Wortham serves as the Superintendent in charge of "Resetting Roosevelt!"

Her credentials include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a Master's Degree in Reading from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland; and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.Dr. Wortham has been married for 50 years to Rev. Chester H. Wortham, Jr. She and her husband work together in ministry locally and abroad. They have led marriage and leadership development seminars at various conferences. Dr. Wortham and her husband have two children, Dr. Shelley and Min. Chester, III; one son-in-law, Sheldon; one daughter-in-law, Marquita; one granddaughter, Jordynn Lynn; and four grandsons, Chester, IV, Sheldon, Jr., Zachary, and Ethan.

Dr. Wortham was licensed and certified as a Minister by the Board of Examiners, and in 2011 she was ordained as an Elder at the Higher Dimensions Christian Center in Baltimore, MD. "To God Be the Glory, for the Great things He has Done!" If you would like to contact Dr. Wortham, you can reach her through her website: www.drdeborahlwortham.com

🔥 Episode Summary

In this powerful and personal episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, Alex sits down with a very special guest—his wife and business partner, Keyla Kirton. With a unique journey spanning journalism, higher education, K-12 leadership, and HR consulting, Keyla offers an inside look at what it truly takes to pivot your career with confidence.

From producing with 60 Minutes to leading HR functions in large school districts, Keyla breaks down the mindset shifts, transferable skills, and resilience required to transition into new opportunities—especially for educators feeling stuck or uncertain about their next move.

This episode is both a masterclass and a motivation boost for teachers ready to reclaim control of their careers.

1. Your Skills Are More Transferable Than You Think
Teachers already possess high-value skills like organization, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving—core competencies for consulting, project management, and leadership roles.

2. Transition Starts Internally Before It Happens Externally
Before making a career move, you must first release old expectations and redefine your identity. Growth requires closure.

3. You May Need to “Rewire Your Brain”
Transitioning into new industries—especially tech—requires learning how to think differently, not just learning new tools.

4. Failure Is Part of the Process
Even high achievers struggle when entering new spaces. Growth comes with discomfort, humility, and persistence.

5. Consulting = Teaching Adults
At its core, consulting is about listening, guiding, and translating information—skills teachers already use daily.

6. Burnout Isn’t Just External—It’s Also Internal
Keyla shares how mindset, ownership, and perceived lack of options contribute heavily to burnout in education.

7. You Have More Control Than You Think
Teachers don’t have to feel stuck. With intentional planning, certifications, and strategic use of time (like summers), new career paths are possible.

• Keyla’s early start in media, including producing for 60 Minutes
• The pivotal conversation that shifted her from journalism to HR
• Leading HR operations for over 14,000 employees in a major school district
• The humbling experience of starting over in tech and failing forward
• Breaking down what consulting actually is (and why teachers are a natural fit)
• Her mission to help teachers transition into consulting careers

• Teachers considering a career transition
• Educators feeling burned out or stuck
• Professionals curious about consulting or HR tech
• Anyone navigating identity shifts in their career
• Aspiring leaders looking to expand their impact

“You were a rockstar in one space—but in a new space, you have to give yourself grace to grow into it.”

💡 Key Takeaways🚀 Standout Moments🎯 Who This Episode Is For🧠 Key Quote

In this episode I continue our conversation with Samantha Stanley. She navigates back to the classroom while keeping her ed-tech sales role. She shares her best practices and insights. She is enjoying the best of both worlds!