Welcome Session with Prizes, Prep, and What to Expect.

If you’ve been thinking, “I can’t do this another year…” but don’t know where to begin—you’re not alone.

And if you’ve already started exploring new paths but aren’t seeing traction—you’re not alone either.

Most teachers don’t struggle because they lack skill. They struggle because they don’t fully understand how the hiring process works—or how to position themselves strategically inside it.

“Recruiter-ready” isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about understanding the system and knowing how to show up confidently at whatever stage you’re in.

In this keynote session, Lisa Harding—former hiring manager and certified career coach—will walk you through what it really takes to position yourself so hiring teams move you forward. You’ll learn how recruiters evaluate candidates from first impression to final offer, and how to align your mindset, clarity, and messaging with the way decisions are actually made.

Whether you’re just beginning or preparing for interviews, you’ll leave with a clear framework to stop guessing—and start moving forward strategically.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• What “recruiter-ready” really means—and why it matters
• How hiring managers and recruiters evaluate candidates
• The 4 stages of a strategic career transition
• How to position your experience clearly and confidently
• A mindset shift that builds momentum from day one

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a recruiter actually think about when reviewing candidates?”—this session pulls back the curtain.

In this candid conversation, you’ll hear from Ashley Kurek, a former kindergarten teacher who made the leap into corporate recruiting. She’ll share what her transition really looked like—the doubts, the pivots, and the practical steps that helped her move forward.

But this isn’t just a career story.

As someone who now works inside the hiring process, Ashley brings a unique perspective on what recruiters actually notice, what makes candidates stand out, and what quietly holds strong educators back. Through her journey, you’ll gain insight into how hiring decisions are made—and how to position yourself more strategically as you navigate your own transition.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore new possibilities or preparing to apply, this session will give you relatable encouragement and insider clarity.

💡 Key Takeaways:
• What it really looks like to transition from teaching into a corporate role
• How a recruiter evaluates candidates behind the scenes
• Common misconceptions teachers have about recruiters
• Small shifts that can make a big difference in how you’re perceived
• Encouragement and perspective from someone who’s been where you are

If writing your resume feels overwhelming—or you’ve heard conflicting advice about what “corporate” resumes should look like—you’re not alone.

Many teachers are incredibly accomplished but struggle to communicate their experience in a way recruiters and hiring managers immediately understand. It’s not about working harder on your resume. It’s about translating your value strategically.

In this practical coaching session, Academy coach Reba Gordon Matthews will break down what makes a resume effective in the corporate world—and how to shift from listing responsibilities to demonstrating impact in language recruiters recognize.

You’ll learn how recruiters scan resumes in the first few seconds, what signals credibility, and how small wording changes can dramatically improve how you’re perceived. Instead of guessing what to include, you’ll begin thinking like a recruiter when reviewing your own materials.

Whether you’re building your resume from scratch or refining what you already have, you’ll leave with clearer direction and concrete next steps you can apply immediately.

Wrap up your day with this high-energy closing session! We’ll celebrate your progress, announce the winner of the 1:1 resume review (a $350 value!), and share practical tips to help you keep moving forward in your career transition.

💡 Key Takeaways:
• The difference between a teaching resume and a recruiter-ready resume
• How to translate classroom experience into impact-driven language recruiters understand
• What recruiters scan for in the first few seconds
• Common resume mistakes that quietly stall strong candidates
• Practical shifts you can make right away to strengthen your positioning