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Big Rocks, Small Peeps, and What ATS Systems Really Do to Teacher Resumes

In this episode, Vanessa talks about the physics of “yes” and “no,” how scope creep quietly expands your workload, a Peeps-inspired morale hack, and a deep dive into how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) actually interpret teacher resumes outside the classroom.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but nothing is landing… roll your chair up and have a listen!

The Power of Yes & No

When you say yes to something, you’re automatically saying no to something else — even if you don’t see it immediately.

In this segment we explore:

• Why teachers are conditioned to say yes
• How scope creep grows one tiny task at a time
• The Big Rocks analogy and protecting what matters most
• Recognizing gaslighting in professional environments
• Asking: Does this enhance your Big Three — or take away from them?

Sometimes the most powerful boundary is a quiet, thoughtful no.

 Peeps: The Hack 

A lighthearted reset designed to support emotional regulation and morale — for students and staff.

Ideas from today’s episode:

• Peeps coloring for low-pressure brain breaks
• Turning small moments of joy into connection
• Why “sharpening the saw” often gives you time back later

ATS Terrain: Naming Names!

Last week we talked about terrain — this week we name names.

You’ll learn a little about United Talent, Workday, Taleo, and USAJobs

Key takeaway:

 Your skills didn’t change. The terrain did.

It’s isn’t that you have to reinvent yourself. You just have to learn how the different systems listen.

🎯 Need a guide?

If this episode resonated with you, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

I offer free Discovery Sessions where we look at:

• where you are right now
• where you want to go
• and what terrain you’re actually walking into

🌐 Schedule directly at https://www.teachersintransition.com/calendar

🎬 Links! 

Fabergé Organics Shampoo — “Tell Two Friends” Commercial
 https://dallasregionalchamber.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/they-told-two-friends-and-they-told-two-friends-and-so-on/

And if today’s episode made you feel a little less crazy, go ahead and tell two friends about the podcast… and they’ll tell two friends… and so on, and so on.

CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

 Catch you peeps later.

 The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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