The UX Teacher Prep Podcast

Hosted by Zee Arnold

Business Technology Education

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Latest episode

Jul 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

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!

Listen to episodes

39 recent

July 22, 20258 min

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 that combines my teaching background with my UXR skills in a new context. THANK YOU for sticking with me through this incredible journey!Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

July 8, 202515 min

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 specifically for educators making the career change.• Common hiring manager questions focus on research methodologies and staying current with UX trends• New AI-specific questions include how you use AI in your research process and understanding user challenges with AI interfaces• Senior UX researchers want to hear about your process for conducting usability tests and handling conflicting user feedback• UX designers need researchers who provide actionable insights and can balance thorough research with tight deadlines• Product managers ask about aligning research with business objectives and measuring research impact• Having specific project examples ready demonstrates how you handle conflict and advocate for researchNote: The original episode was first published on June 11, 2024.Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

June 24, 2025Episode 146 min

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 uncovering patterns in human behavior and advocating for users.• The visible nature of teaching versus the invisible complexity of UX work• What my family sees vs what they don't see• Family members' amusing interpretations of my job • Finding meaning in work that appears mysterious from the outside• Teaching children about UX careers through school career days• Discovering new passion after leaving the classroomText Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

June 10, 2025Episode 136 min

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 almost stretching the truth on a job application and how choosing authenticity led to an interview anyway.• Creative and crazy job application tactics that folks have used• My experience finding a perfect-match company but facing discouraging requirements • The temptation to embellish my background versus the strategy I chose instead• The interview success that came from honest but strategic positioning• Why connecting your real story to their pain point is more powerful than fabrication• The importance of studying companies thoroughly and believing your experience is enough when framed correctlyShare this episode with someone who's job hunting and needs encouragement to stand tall in their truth. If you've been tempted to jazz up your resume, let me know what you did instead!Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

May 27, 2025Episode 1211 min

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 remotely, I'm experiencing unexpected challenges that have me considering a hybrid approach.• Communication has transformed from reading a room to deciphering slack messages and emojis• Brainstorming has lost its spontaneity, becoming scheduled rather than organic• The isolation of remote work creates a void after years in the socially rich teaching environment• Professional visibility requires intentional effort rather than natural presence• The sense of belonging and community is harder to maintain in virtual environments• Experimenting with hybrid work may provide the perfect balance of structure without suffocation• In-person UX research sessions have reignited creative energy that was missingI'd love to hear from fellow teachers who've transitioned to tech roles - is remote still working for you? Are you thriving in the quiet or craving connection? Would you consider hybrid work? Text me through the link under the podcast, DM me on Instagram, or send me an email with your thoughts.Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

April 29, 2025Episode 118 min

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 classroom AI experiences to develop a compelling UX portfolio while still teaching.Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

April 1, 2025Episode 1031 min

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 pivoted to UX design at major tech companies like IBM and Google• Created She Designs as a mentorship platform for women of color in tech• Describes Interaction Design as understanding user journeys and touch points to help people achieve goals• Discusses the value of having representation and community as a Black woman in tech• Explains how the She Designs UX course evolved to be more flexible and comprehensive• Shares tools like Otter AI, Gemini, and ChatGPT that help maintain work-life balance• Provides perspective on how AI is changing UX, but can't replace human empathy and cultural understandingTeachers already have core UX skills - empathy, communication, problem-solving, and experience designing for different learners. Reframe your classroom experience in UX terminology: lesson planning is experience design, supporting diverse learners is accessibility work, and curriculum adjustments are usability testing and iteration.____Bio: Sharae Gibbs is the Founder of She Designs, and an Interaction Designer with over 12 years of experience in User Experience (UX) Design. She’s worked at companies like IBM and Google, and her goal is to empower the next generation of women of color in tech. Contact Share at: sharae@shedesigns.orgCheck out her courses at www.shedesigns.orgUse my discount code ZEEUXPREP for 15% off the course. Text Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

March 18, 2025Episode 923 min

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 more accessible digital products.• Accessibility in design helps not just people with disabilities but benefits all users• Simple additions like subtitles in videos make content more accessible while improving overall user experience• Special education techniques translate directly to UX—meeting users where they are and adapting content to their needs• Teachers already have experience running meetings with stakeholders (IEP meetings) that mirror UX research presentations• Less is more when implementing accessibility features—targeted improvements often have bigger impact than complete overhauls• The future of accessibility in UX must balance AI advancements with human understanding of nuance around disability and diversityFollow Shane on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more about his journey from education to UX research. Instagram: s.d.fraizer LI: at Shaine Frazier ___________________________________ Bio: Shaine Fraizer was born and raised in the Bronx. He is former Special Education Teacher with a unique journey from education to web design, to user experience design, cumulating in his current role as a Digital Customer Experience (CX) Manager.Shaine studied psychology at New York Tech, where he gained early teaching experience as a program facilitator with Changing the Odds, mentoring teens on mental health and positive sexual behavior. This sparked his passion for education.After earning his degree, Shaine pursued Educational Psychology at Columbia University's Teachers College but soon joined the NYC Teaching Fellows, serving Bronx students for five years. During this time, he ventured into web design, creating platforms for his own short-term rental business and an e-commerce company, Science.Teacher.Mom.His growing interest in UX design led him to complete Google’s Professional UX Design Certification on Coursera. Combining this knowledge with his web design experienText Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

March 4, 202512 min

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 into UX or just trying to stand out in this competitive job market, how you articulate your purpose and motivation can make all the difference. Today's episode dives into the significance of effectively communicating your ‘why’ in job interviews, specifically for teachers transitioning to new careers. We discuss how understanding and expressing your motivation can set you apart in a competitive job market.• Importance of articulating your "why" during job interviews• Steps to craft a compelling personal story• Tips for demonstrating confidence and enthusiasm during the interviewText Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

February 18, 2025Episode 814 min

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, policy-making, and more. • Exploring the adaptability of teaching skills • Importance of communication and collaboration • Leadership experiences gained in the classroom • Career transition opportunities for teachers • Emphasizing the value of networking and mentorship • Strategies for leveraging teaching skills in new areas • Defining actionable steps for career transition • Encouragement to embrace new possibilities and futuresEpisodes mentioned in this one:S1 E10. Communicating Your Why in Job InterviewsS1 E5. The Art of Networking When Changing CareersText Me! 📱I’d love to hear from you! Click here to send me a message.Support the show*Click the Support the Show link above to become a UXTP Premium Member and join the monthly Q & A for members only! Thanks for the love!Resources:Follow us on Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates and tips. Grab your free UX transferable skills cheat sheet to get started on your transition journey to UX.Ready to find balance and unleash your creativity? Explore uxteacherprep.com to see how we can support you.Subscribe to our email list to be the first to receive updates about workshops and networking events.Want to be a guest on the show or know someone who’d be a great guest? Sign up here. Have ideas for a podcast topic you want to hear next? Email us at hello@uxeacherprep.com.Don’t forget to scroll down and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review. Thanks for listening!

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