Retained, Unrestrained, and Slightly Unhinged

Meet the newest member of the team, Sarah McKenna! Sarah shares her journey from sales to the classroom, EdTech, and now recruiting, along with the experiences that shaped her people-first approach. We also talk career pivots, perfect timing, and what it’s like attending ISTE as a recruiter instead of a vendor. As it turns out, two Sarahs really are better than one!

You think you know what makes a great candidate interview — but do you? In this episode of Two for the Hire, Sarah and Jenna get into red flags and green flags when it comes to candidates, and some of the answers might surprise you. Spoiler: being too prepared is a thing. We wrap it up with a rapid fire round of real life scenarios that we've seen happen IRL.

Are you navigating your career, or is your career navigating you?In this episode, we sit down with Marnie Stockman, Ed.D. and Nick Coniglio, the minds behind the transformative book, The Business of You. Whether you are an educator eyeing a transition into EdTech or a seasoned professional trying to stand out in a tightening market, this conversation is your blueprint for treating your professional identity like a high-growth business.We dive deep into:The "You, Inc." Mindset: Why framing your career as a business unlocks opportunities that traditional advice misses.The Power of Storytelling: How to articulate your value in a competitive job market without feeling like you’re "selling out."The EdTech Pivot: The specific mindset shifts needed for those moving from the classroom to the tech world.Authentic Networking: How to build a professional "ecosystem" rather than just asking for favors.Defining Success: How to stop using someone else’s playbook and start writing your own.Marnie and Nick also share the one career belief you need to unlearn today and provide one actionable step you can take tomorrow to start running your career like a business.Connect with our guests:https://www.thebusinessofyou.ai/aboutMarnie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marniestockman/Nick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-coniglio-5b62153/

Ready to level up your career in K12 EdTech? In this episode of Two for the Hire, we’re joined by our friend Sarah Wheeler, who shares actionable advice on how to move up within your organization—whether you’re eyeing your first leadership role or plotting your next big leap. We talk strategy, mindset, and the little things that make a big difference (hint: they’re not always on your resume).You’ll walk away with real tips you can use today to stand out, speak up, and be the next logical conclusion when a leadership role opens up in your organization. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and stay tuned!

From teacher to recruiter to EdTech sales rep, Spencer Peters has done it all, and he’s here to dish. In this episode, we dive into what inspired his career pivots, how he helps other educators break into EdTech, and what he’s seeing in the market today when it comes to budgets, buying trends, and team building. Whether you’re hiring, job searching, or just EdTech curious, this episode's got tips, and a whole lot of insight.How to translate classroom skills for EdTech rolesSpencer’s best advice for teachers ready to pivotWhat’s happening in the EdTech sales landscape right now

In this episode, we’re recapping the magic of finally meeting long-time virtual friends, reconnecting with our EdTech faves, and forming new connections.We’re also diving into the recent SCOTUS decision that could pave the way for dismantling the Department of Education. What does this mean for the future of K12? Is there a silver lining for EdTech? Could this be a chance to rebuild something stronger, more human, and more connected?We don’t have all the answers, but we do have a mic, a lot of feelings, and some hope.So tune in as we talk innovation, community, and how to see the sun through the clouds (with a few laughs along the way, obviously).

Sarah and Jenna took Two for the Hire on the road to ISTE 2025—and wow, did it deliver. In this special on-location episode, we chatted with exhibitors, hiring managers, former educators, and both old and new friends to bring you a pulse check straight from the heart of the EdTech world.Whether you’re job hunting, hiring, or just love keeping up with where K–12 EdTech is headed, this episode gives you insider insights, hot takes, and hallway conversations you won’t want to miss.🎧 Plug in for the best of ISTE—no badge required.

In this episode of Two for the Hire, Sarah and Jenna dive into one of the trickiest parts of the hiring process: negotiating job offers. From counteroffers that rarely solve the real issue to the awkward tension that can follow a poorly handled negotiation, they’re breaking it all down. They explore why, if you’re truly valued, you shouldn’t have to threaten to leave to be paid fairly—and why 80% of people who accept counteroffers end up leaving anyway. Whether you’re a candidate weighing options or a company trying to land top talent, this conversation is full of honest insights and practical advice. Hit play, take a breath, and let’s make the offer process a whole lot less awkward.

In this episode, Sarah and Jenna sit down for a no-holds-barred Q&A. From candidate horror stories, to real talk about contingency chaos and recruiter icks.We swap stories, rant a little, laugh a lot, and get honest about what it’s like to work in the fast-paced world of EdTech recruiting

Your job title isn’t the whole story.In this episode, we break down why titles can be misleading, how to spot real career growth, and what to consider before turning down a role just because of the label. If you’re chasing impact, this one’s for you.