This episode is sponsored by Teq. One of the biggest challenges in schools right now is capacity. Educators are asked to do more, often with new tools, and very little support. Teq helps by combining classroom technology like SMART Boards and STEM resources with professional learning that respects educators’ time and reality. It’s support that makes technology usable, not overwhelming.
Learn more at Teq.com.
Career paths in education rarely follow a straight line.
Some educators spend decades in the classroom. Others move into instructional coaching, district leadership, or EdTech consulting roles. But occasionally, educators experience all of those roles before finding the work that truly fits.
In this episode, I sit down with Amy Storer, an innovative learning specialist who has experienced nearly every corner of the education ecosystem.
Her story offers valuable insight for teachers who are curious about the many professional pathways available beyond the classroom.
Starting in the Classroom
Like many educators, her journey began in the classroom teaching third and fourth grade math and science.
Early in her career, she discovered something that would eventually shape her path: she loved helping other teachers grow.
While still teaching, she began presenting at local conferences. Those first presentations sparked what many educators call “the presenter bug.”
Presenting allowed her to work with adult learners while still remaining connected to the classroom.
Soon after, her district launched an instructional coaching program, and she became one of the first coaches supporting teachers across elementary campuses.
Discovering a Passion for Professional Development
As an instructional coach, she realized how powerful professional learning could be when it was practical and teacher-focused.
She continued presenting at conferences and building connections with educators across the country.
Eventually, those connections led to an opportunity to work with an EdTech professional development company that partnered with major platforms like:
- Microsoft
- Canva
- Adobe
Her role involved traveling to schools nationwide, working with teachers, and helping them integrate technology intentionally into their classrooms.
What It’s Like Working in EdTech
For many educators, working for an EdTech company sounds exciting—and it can be.
The role allowed her to:
- Travel across the country
- Present at national conferences
- Work directly with teachers and students
- Build a large professional network
One of her favorite experiences involved working with a district in Georgia over an extended period, supporting the same teachers and students each month.
Those long-term relationships reminded her of what she loved most about education: community.
The Moment Everything Changed
Despite enjoying her work in EdTech, there was a moment that made her reconsider her path. While visiting her former school during the holidays, she spent time reconnecting with teachers and administrators. Driving home afterward, she realized how deeply she missed the day-to-day community of working within a school district. That realization sparked a difficult but important question: Was it time to return to public education?
After months of reflection, she decided that if the right opportunity appeared in the district she loved, she would take it. Eventually, that opportunity arrived.
Returning to a School District
Today, she serves as an Innovative Learning Specialist, supporting teachers across multiple campuses.
Her role combines everything she loved from her previous positions:
- Working with teachers
- Coaching instructional strategies
- Integrating technology intentionally
- Visiting classrooms and modeling lessons
She describes the work simply:
“I wake up happy, and I go to bed happy.”
Advice for Teachers Considering a Career Shift
For teachers thinking about becoming coaches, presenters, or consultants, she shared several key pieces of advice.
1. Say Yes to Opportunities
Many career shifts begin with a small opportunity—leading a training, presenting at a conference, or supporting colleagues.
Trying new experiences can help educators discover strengths they didn’t realize they had.
2. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Professional growth often requires stepping outside of familiar routines.
Presenting, coaching, or working with adult learners can feel intimidating at first, but those challenges can lead to new possibilities.
3. Find Strong Mentors
Mentors play a critical role in career growth.
Connecting with experienced educators at conferences or within your district can open doors and provide valuable guidance.
Final Thoughts
Education careers evolve in many different directions.
Some educators move into leadership roles. Others explore EdTech, consulting, or instructional coaching.
And sometimes, the journey comes full circle—back to the schools and communities that started it all.
What matters most is finding work that aligns with your purpose and passion for supporting teachers and students.
Connect With Gabriel Carrillo
- EdTech Bites Website: https://edtechbites.com
- EdTech Bites On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edtechbites.bsky.social
- EdTech Bites Instagram: https://instagram.com/edtechbites
- EdTech Bites X: https://twitter.com/edtechbites
- EdTech Bites Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/edtechbites
- EdTech Bites On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@edtechbites
- EdTech Bites YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@edtechbites
About Amy Storer
Amy Storer is an Innovative Learning Specialist and respected speaker in Montgomery ISD who is passionate about empowering educators through purposeful technology integration. She thrives on partnering with educators to enhance the great learning already happening in their classrooms and schools by leveraging powerful digital tools. Amy is a certified educator and trainer for Google, Microsoft, Adobe Express, and Canva, and she brings energy, expertise, and heart to every professional learning experience. Her work centers on meaningful PD, authentic classroom connections, and innovative strategies that make learning stick.
Connect With Amy Storer
- Amy On X: https://x.com/techamys
- Amy On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techamys/