Tech Journey Insights Season 3 Episode 3 podcast graphic with Beverly Clarke MBE, Rebecca Franks and special guest Katie Stickley.

Leaving Teaching, Career Change and AI: How Teachers Can Build Flexible Careers with Katie Stickley

ByRebecca Franks

Season 3 • Episode 3
39 min
Published July 2025
Teaching Careers • AI • Flexible Working

Episode summary

Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE welcome Katie Stickley, co-founder of Those Who Can, to discuss how teachers can build rewarding careers both inside and outside the classroom. Drawing on nearly two decades in education, Katie explains how concerns over redundancies and changing working patterns inspired the creation of a platform dedicated to helping educators recognise the value of their skills and explore new career opportunities.

The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is transforming career development, with Katie sharing practical ways teachers can use AI tools to identify organisations, explore career pathways and find roles that align with their values rather than simply searching for job titles. Rebecca and Beverly also reflect on portfolio careers, entrepreneurship and why flexible working could play an important role in retaining talented educators.

The episode concludes with practical advice on recognising transferable skills, celebrating achievements and embracing lifelong learning. Together, they encourage teachers to value their experience, remain open to new opportunities and build careers that allow them to continue making a meaningful impact.

Journey insights

  • Teachers possess highly transferable skills that are valuable across many industries.
  • AI can help uncover career opportunities by matching your skills, interests and values.
  • Portfolio careers can provide greater flexibility and professional fulfilment.
  • Regularly reflect on and celebrate your achievements to recognise your own growth.
  • Lifelong learning is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your career.

Is this episode for you?

This episode is for you if you are:

  • Teachers considering new career opportunities.
  • Education professionals interested in flexible working.
  • Entrepreneurs building careers around education and technology.
  • Anyone exploring career change using AI tools.
  • School leaders interested in supporting and retaining talented staff.

About this episode

Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE are joined by Katie Stickley, co-founder of Those Who Can, to explore career development, flexible working and the future of teaching. Together they discuss AI-powered career planning, portfolio careers, transferable skills and how educators can build fulfilling careers while continuing to make a positive impact.

About the speakers

Katie Stickley

Katie Stickley is the co-founder of Those Who Can, a community supporting teachers at every stage of their career. A former secondary school teacher, Katie is passionate about helping educators recognise their transferable skills, explore flexible career pathways and celebrate the impact they make both inside and beyond the classroom.

Rebecca Franks

Rebecca Franks is an award-winning technology educator, entrepreneur and Co-founder of Flip Computing. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has authored national computing curricula, developed AI education programmes and speaks internationally about technology, inclusion and innovation. Rebecca is passionate about helping people build confidence, develop digital skills and discover rewarding careers in technology.

Beverly Clarke MBE

Beverly Clarke MBE is a technology leader, educator, coach and author with over 20 years of experience in education and digital skills. She is the author of the Ava and Chip children’s book series and is passionate about digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, coaching and empowering people to achieve their potential. Beverly was awarded an MBE for services to computing and digital education.

Together, Rebecca and Beverly share honest conversations about technology, careers, entrepreneurship and the lessons they are learning along the way.

Resources mentioned

  • Those Who Can
  • Creative UK Investment Readiness Programme
  • AI for K-12 Initiative
  • CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association)
  • ChatGPT
  • Canva
  • Google Education
  • ClassDojo
  • FutureLearn
  • Open University

Similar Posts