ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What looks like “fine” may actually be a carefully engineered workaround.
In this episode, Vanessa explores the hidden value of adaptability through a misbehaving knee, a broken keyboard, and one spectacularly orange 1974 Lincoln Continental.
Teachers are experts at adapting. They anticipate problems, build missing systems, create backup plans, translate confusing information, and keep people moving—even when the systems around them are not working. When those adaptations succeed, however, they can conceal both the original problem and the cost of compensating for it.
You’ll hear:
• Why functioning is not the same as being fine
• How teacher workarounds can hide institutional problems
• The Adaptation Audit: Rebuild, Revise, or Refuse
• How adaptability translates into marketable career skills
• Two paths to explore: finding a job or creating one
• Why teacher adaptability may also be entrepreneurship
Before rebuilding an old workaround for the new school year, ask what it was doing—and what it was doing to you.
Vanessa also shares some big news: she is writing a book!
The working title is Invisible Excellence: The Hidden Value of Teachers Beyond the Classroom, with publication planned for spring 2027. The book will explore how teachers’ leadership, communication, strategic thinking, training, relationship-building, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities become hidden - and how educators can make that value visible beyond the classroom.
Vanessa is looking to speak with former educators who have transitioned into new careers and teachers who are beginning to wonder what else might be possible.
If that describes you- or someone you know - reach out using the contact information below.
Links and resources:
• See the spectacular orange Lincoln:
• Contact Vanessa about the book: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
(You can contact Vanessa about anything related to Teachers in Transition also at that email.
Support the Podcast!
If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider helping me keep this resource going so that it can help other teachers. You can:
- sharing the episode with a teacher friend
- leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition
Connect with Vanessa Jackson
- 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
- 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
- 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
- 🧭 LinkedIn:
- 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
- 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
- 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
- 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy
The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout
