One of the biggest challenges of working as a professional learning specialist or trainer for educational companies is learning to navigate the ebb and flow of the school calendar. And let me tell you—April, May, and July can be tough. In those months, professional development work often slows down a lot. Schools are in testingContinue reading “Planning for the Slow Months: What I’ve Learned as a PD Consultant/Contractor”
Author Archives: K. Weisenbeck
I Was Just a Teacher… and I Thought I Had No Way Out
I remember the day in December of 2015 when I downloaded a countdown app and plugged in my retirement date: June 30, 2021. I wasn’t sure I could make it. There were still more than six years to go, and I was barely holding on. That school year had brought new administration to our campus,Continue reading “I Was Just a Teacher… and I Thought I Had No Way Out”
Real Talk: The Highs and Lows of Being a Contractor in the EdTech World
I’ve been an educational contractor for over three and a half years now, and I absolutely love it! I’ve had the privilege of working as an independent educational contractor for exceptional companies, including Defined Learning, PowerSchool, and Amplify. My role as a contractor involves taking on various responsibilities: I’m a trainer, a coach, a mentor,Continue reading “Real Talk: The Highs and Lows of Being a Contractor in the EdTech World”
Freelancer Life in EdTech: Caffeine, Deadlines, and the Occasional Panic Attack
I absolutely love my life as a freelance contractor! Working with some of the top edtech companies allows me to travel across the country, meet incredibly dedicated educators, and continue contributing to the educational system that has been a significant part of my life. However, while I thoroughly enjoy my chosen path as a self-employedContinue reading “Freelancer Life in EdTech: Caffeine, Deadlines, and the Occasional Panic Attack”
Confessions of a Serial Multitasker: Getting It Done!
I admit it: I’m a serial multitasker! My work life is a whirlwind of activities and responsibilities. Currently, I’m juggling roles with PowerSchool, Amplify Reading, and Defined Learning, along with some exciting freelance projects for Teacher Transition (check them out here!). My credentials span a wide range of educational products, and I’m constantly on theContinue reading “Confessions of a Serial Multitasker: Getting It Done!”
Three Lessons I Learned the Hard Way: Contracting for Multiple EdTech Companies
I absolutely love being a contractor for some of the best EdTech companies out there! I’ve had the opportunity to travel across the USA, exploring cities and towns I’d never visited before, and I’ve met educators from various school systems, both large and small. Making an impact on students’ lives has been incredibly rewarding. However,Continue reading “Three Lessons I Learned the Hard Way: Contracting for Multiple EdTech Companies”
My Biggest “Oops” Moment as a Self-Employed Educational Contractor (And What I Learned!)
When I started my journey as a self-employed educational consultant and contractor, I had no idea what I was doing! I knew I wanted the freedom to create my own schedule and avoid working full-time for any one company that would require 40 hours a week. I was aiming for the retired (or semi-retired) life!Continue reading “My Biggest “Oops” Moment as a Self-Employed Educational Contractor (And What I Learned!)”
I Hung On Until Retirement! But Was It the Right Decision?
30 years at one job is a LONG time! I never really wanted to do anything else for much of that time. I loved being a teacher, and found the daily challenges enough to keep my interest and enthusiasm! My WHY, my reasons were so clear to me: Watching others, both students and fellow educators,Continue reading “I Hung On Until Retirement! But Was It the Right Decision?”
The Final Chapter of One Teaching Story — Now a Sequel!
I…AM…A…RETIRED EDUCATOR! Those are very liberating words for me. My teaching story began a lifetime ago in a 2nd grade classroom and over the last few decades many interesting chapters have been written in that story. My teaching tale has featured a incredible cast of characters, and some interesting plot twists. However, the final chapterContinue reading “The Final Chapter of One Teaching Story — Now a Sequel!”
Having a Growth Mindset is Vital!
If you’ve followed my journey over the past year at all, you may remember that I have struggled with what to do with myself after retirement. I battled with the idea that because I was “just a teacher,” I wasn’t qualified to do anything else! It took a lot of soul searching and conversations with others before I pulled myself out of that fixed mindset of “just a teacher.”
More than a Teacher 