Always A Teacher Podcast
What happens when you decide to leave teaching and pursue the next chapter in your career? The Always A Teacher podcast provides teachers with insights and advice for breaking into the EdTech space. Hosted by Matt Gambino, the nation's top trainer of EdTech industry professionals, Always a Teacher features wide-ranging interviews with former teachers and administrators who share their stories about transitioning from the classroom to EdTech, and how they apply their unique skills and passion for students to a business setting.
Always A Teacher Podcast
#019 Janna Tolleson: High School Sales Rep
What does it really take to make a strategic move from the classroom to a rewarding EdTech sales career?
Matt Gambino sits down with Janna Tolleson, a former teacher with 30 years in education who successfully transitioned into a high-achieving sales representative role at Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Janna shares her honest insights, from the deliberate process of finding the right fit to mastering the art of consultative selling in the education market.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to conduct deep introspection and research to discover the EdTech roles that truly align with your strengths and passions.
- Why your classroom "situational acuity" is your ultimate superpower in understanding customer needs and building authentic relationships.
- The critical differences between education and corporate hiring timelines and sales cycles, and how to navigate them patiently.
- How to leverage your natural communication and problem-solving skills to become a trusted advisor, not just a salesperson.
This is a must-listen for any educator considering a career pivot, offering actionable advice on preparing for and excelling in the EdTech industry.
Thinking about transitioning? Explore your path with our EdTech Transition Checklist to get started!
