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!

Kendal Askins—former middle school principal, Director of the DaVinci Science program for the Allentown School District, and CEO of Stemulating Minds—shares her experiences and leadership lessons. These lessons have guided her success both in the public school system and as the leader of a thriving tutoring company. Her insights offer valuable guidance for current and aspiring leaders.

In this inspiring episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with Erin Mote, CEO of Innovate EDU, to explore her incredible journey through education, technology, and leadership. Erin shares her story, from starting her career in higher education at Arizona State University, to working over a decade in national security and technology, to ultimately co-founding Brooklyn Lab Charter Schools and Innovate EDU.

Erin reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her career, emphasizing that life and careers are rarely linear. She talks about the importance of understanding your “currency”—what drives and motivates you personally—and why impact, not just financial gain or status, guided her decisions. She shares candid insights about embracing failure, taking risks, and the power of vulnerability in leadership.

Listeners will learn Erin’s strategies for navigating major career transitions, including the importance of mentorship, building strong professional networks, and advocating for oneself. She highlights how educators possess transferable skills highly valued outside the classroom and provides practical advice for teachers looking to transition into other sectors, emphasizing networking, resume framing, and preparing references effectively.

Erin also discusses her approach to scaling educational impact: instead of expanding Brooklyn Lab to dozens of schools, she focused on scaling innovative practices through Innovate EDU, fostering alliances, mentorships, and programs that influence schools nationwide. She underscores the importance of representation and supporting women in tech and education, sharing initiatives like fellowships, emerging leaders programs, and communities of practice.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiration, and encouragement for educators, leaders, and anyone navigating career transitions. Erin’s story is a testament to following your passion, leveraging your skills, and creating meaningful impact—while remembering to take risks, embrace failure, and reach out to others for guidance along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Life and careers are rarely linear; embrace pivots and failures as opportunities to learn.

• Understand your “currency”—what truly motivates you—and align your career decisions with it.

• Build strong networks and seek mentors for guidance, support, and advocacy.

• Educators possess highly transferable skills; learn to translate them for other sectors.

• Scaling impact doesn’t always mean expanding physically—focus on spreading effective practices.

• Leadership requires vulnerability, authenticity, and creating pathways for the next generation.

Join us a candid conversation with Oslyn Grant. Her journey includes being a middle school teacher, administrator, homeschool mom, microschool founder and founder of international non-profit.

In this heartfelt episode of Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alexander Kirton welcomes his longtime friend, colleague, and mentor Rick Magnani. With over 26 years of experience teaching music in Baldwin, NY—and an even longer career full of diverse jobs—Rick shares lessons learned about resilience, parent communication, and thriving in education despite challenges.

From his early days at Berklee College of Music and Stony Brook University to his transition into teaching at age 36, Rick’s journey underscores the power of versatility, grit, and lifelong learning. Now retired from the classroom but still performing music weekly, Rick reflects on building strong programs, mentoring younger teachers, and cultivating parent partnerships that support students’ success.

Alexander and Rick also discuss:

• The importance of collaboration between teachers and colleagues.

• Strategies for navigating unsupportive administrators.

• Building a “parent base” that champions your program.

• How music education fosters discipline, resilience, and academic success in students.

• Lessons on saving, investing, and planning for the future as an educator.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom and warm memories—from concerts at Meadow Elementary School to seeing former students succeed on Broadway or in medicine. Rick’s insights remind teachers that while the work can be demanding, it’s also deeply rewarding—and that strong relationships, adaptability, and perseverance are key to long-term success.

In this episode of the Teachers Transition Podcast, host Alex Kirton sits down with Andy Rettke to explore his unique journey from being a high school teacher and wrestling coach in Plano, Texas, to running his own successful construction company, Sonova Construction.

Andy shares how his experiences as a teacher, coach, and athlete shaped his resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage people—skills that proved highly transferable to his career in construction. He reflects on the challenges of teaching during COVID, the personal sacrifices he made for his students, and the difficult decision to leave education to honor his commitments to his family and well-being.

Listeners will hear practical advice on transitioning careers, including how to leverage transferable skills, start small with side hustles, and gradually move toward a new professional path. Andy also provides insights for teachers on identifying trustworthy contractors, managing construction projects, and ensuring value in home improvement endeavors.

Throughout the conversation, Andy emphasizes the importance of self-care, support networks, and finding joy in both personal and professional life. He also encourages teachers to recognize that leaving the classroom doesn’t mean leaving education behind—there are many ways to positively impact kids and communities outside the traditional school system.

This episode is full of candid stories, actionable insights, and encouragement for teachers navigating transitions, whether moving up within education or pursuing entirely new career paths.

Resources & Contact:

• Sonova Construction:www.sonovaconstruction.com

• Connect with Andy for advice on teaching, coaching, or construction projects.