The UX Teacher Prep Podcast
Zee Arnold, founder of UX Teacher Prep, spills the tea on her incredible journey from a 15-year teaching career to becoming a remote UX Researcher in just 5 months. Join Zee as she shares strategies, tips, and tricks to help you land your first tech role outside of the classroom. Discover how to showcase your transferable skills and escape burnout while finding the balance to unleash your creativity. Since her transition in 2022, Zee has been supporting other teachers in their career pivots by sharing her story, roadblocks, and valuable lessons learned along the way. You’ll also hear inspiring stories from other teachers who have successfully transitioned to creative tech careers such as UX Researcher, UX Writer, UX Designer, and Product Manager. Gain insights into the job search process and learn what to expect beyond the first 90 days in your new role. If you're ready to break into the tech industry and regain time for your health, family, travel, and all the things you deserve in life, hit subscribe and prepare to transform your future. Don't forget to share this podcast with a teacher friend who's ready to make their next move!
Episodes
39 episodes
S2 Ep 16. New Mission: Using Teaching & UXR for a Higher Purpose
In today's episode I share a personal update about answering a spiritual call to mentor youth in my local community while continuing my UX research career. This unexpected opportunity represents not a step backward but a meaningful expansion th...
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8:22
S2 Ep 15. Summer Throwback: Top UXR Job Interview Questions
Coach Zee shares essential UX research interview questions and expert advice for teachers transitioning to tech careers. This updated summer episode includes new AI-related interview questions for 2025, along with sample answers tailored specif...
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15:41
S2 Ep 14. Finding New Passion After Teaching: My Mystery Tech Job
A brief reflection on how children and family members perceive the shift from dynamic classroom teaching to the seemingly static world of UX research. What looks like "just clicking all day" to a 13-year-old is actually detective work uncoverin...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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6:05
S2 Ep 13. Standing Out Without Selling Out: UX Job Applications
Navigating the pressures of job hunting while transitioning into UX can tempt anyone to embellish their experience, but authentic storytelling and strategic positioning of real skills prove more effective. I share my personal experience of almo...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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6:57
S2 Ep 12. Confessions of a Remote Worker & Former Teacher
Three years into my career as a UX researcher after leaving the classroom, I'm reflecting on the realities of remote work and what I miss about in-person connection. While I don't regret my career change and appreciate the freedom of working re...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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11:02
S2 Ep 11. AI in Education: Your Secret Weapon for Breaking into UX
In today's short and sweet episode, I explore how teachers can leverage AI (artificial intelligence) tools in education to build valuable skills for transitioning to UX research and design careers. I share practical strategies for using classro...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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8:04
S2 Ep 10. Navigating Tech as a Black Woman: Sharae Gibbs on Her Path to Design Leadership at Google and She Designs
In today's episode, Sharae Gibbs, founder of She Designs and Google Interaction Designer, shares her 12-year journey in UX and her mission to empower women of color in tech through mentorship and training.• Former Graphic Designer who p...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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31:13
S2 Ep 9. From Classroom to UX: Making Tech Accessible for All with Shaine Frazier
In today's episode, I explore accessibility in UX design with Shaine Frazier, a former special education teacher who now works as a UX insights professional in the insurance industry, discussing how teaching experience translates into building ...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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23:41
Best of The UX Teacher Prep Podcast: Nail Your “Why” In Job Interviews
This is a replay episode (S1. Ep. 10)- while I'm out sick. I'll be back with fresh content as soon as my voice returns! Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy this throwback gem! Whether you’re pivoting careers, breaking in...
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Season 2
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12:10
S2 Ep 8. Beyond UX: Teacher Skills That Translate to Other Careers
The episode highlights the transferable skills educators possess that can open new career pathways outside teaching. I discuss how teacher skills can pave the way for successful careers in areas like curriculum design, project management, polic...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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14:57
S2 Ep 7. Embracing Rejection on the UX Career Path
As educators transitioning into UX and product design, the sting of rejection can feel overwhelming. But remember, you're not alone in this. Every "no" you encounter is an opportunity to adapt and grow. In today's episode, I share a personal st...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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11:11
S2 Ep 6. Navigating Post-Election Stress: A Word of Encouragement
A moment of rest and reflection.
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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7:09
S2 Ep 5. My First Case Study: Crafting A UX Portfolio from Classroom Experience
Ready to transform your teaching skills into a thriving UX career? Join me, Coach Zee, as I share my personal journey from a 15-year teaching tenure to becoming a Senior UX Researcher in EdTech. This episode will equip educators with the tools ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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11:14
S2 Ep 4. Lessons in UX Success with Joe Natoli
Meet Joe Natoli, a seasoned UX expert whose career trajectory offers invaluable insights for both aspiring and experienced UX professionals. Join us as we uncover the wisdom Joe has amassed over three decades, from overcoming imposter syndrome ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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32:45
S2 Ep 3. Is Remote Work Over? Tips for Teachers Transitioning to UX in a Hybrid World
Is the era of remote work really over? Are we officially seeing the end of remote work? Is all hope lost for transitioning teachers who want to work from home? Tune in as we unpack the latest buzz around major companies like Amazon, Boeing, UPS...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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8:54
S2 Ep 2. From Special Ed Teacher to Customer Experience Manager with Shaine Frazier
Learn about the secrets of a successful career transition as I chat with Shaine Frazier, a former New York City Special Education Teacher turned UX and Customer Experience Design expert. Shane shares his journey from classroom discontent to his...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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32:22
S2 Ep 1. From Big Tech to Startup with Sr. UX Researcher Hilda Nalwanga
Unlock the secrets to a successful career transition with Hilda Naluanga, a senior UX researcher at Xsolla, in our latest episode. Discover how Hilda navigated the fascinating shift from a career development coach in South Africa to becoming a ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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37:12
Ep 21. Season Finale: Bridging the Gap Between Teaching and UX Research
What if your teaching skills could help you land an exciting career in User Experience Research? This season finale will guide educators through the essential skills and methodologies that make them uniquely qualified for a transition int...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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12:48
Ep 20. AI Tools to Boost Your UX Job Hunt
If you want to transition to a career in tech, you have to use tech! Ever wondered how AI can transform your career transition from teaching to UX design? I'm Coach Zee, a 15-year teacher turned UX Researcher and in this episode, I uncove...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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10:53
Ep 19. Pros and Cons of Remote Work From a Former Teacher
What if you could skip the exhausting daily grind, commute less, and transform your work-life balance entirely? That's exactly what happened to me as I transitioned from a traditional teaching role to becoming a Senior UX Researcher working rem...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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11:01
Ep 18. UX Research Job Interviews: Top Questions and Answers for Aspiring UX Researchers
In this episode, I unpack the most commonly asked questions in UX Research interviews and offer invaluable insights to help you ace them. Drawing from personal experiences and research, I guide you through key methodologies, the importance of s...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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13:33
Ep 17. The Teacher Shortage and Why Teachers are Not Ok
In today's episode, I discuss the teacher shortage and recent teacher stories in the news. The first step to overcoming an obstacle is admitting there is a problem. There is a huge problem with the state of teaching and although it will t...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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12:29
Ep 16. From Classroom to UX: Five Things I Wish I Knew Before My Career Transition
In today’s episode, I share the 5 things I wish I knew before transitioning out of the classroom. Knowing these 5 things would’ve eased my anxiety and helped me mentally and logistically prepare for my corporate role in tech. If you're co...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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13:36
Ep 15. How Transitioning Teachers Can Build a UX Portfolio
Are you a teacher interested in a creative career in UX (User Experience) Design? Let's unwrap the essentials of a portfolio that stands out, not just as a showcase, but as a narrative of your professional journey. In this episode, I of...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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15:17