Join host Cate Tolnai for an inspiring conversation with Jess Boyce, Partnerships and Operations Lead at Endless Access, who shares how saying yes to what scares you can transform your career and life. From launching a tech magnet program as a middle school math teacher to connecting educators worldwide with Flipgrid, Jess proves that growth begins on the other side of fear—and authentic community catches you when paths shift. 💚🎮
🎯 What You'll Discover:
Say Yes to What Scares You 🚀
• How one uncomfortable yes—launching a tech magnet program—changed the trajectory of Jess's entire career
• Why leaning into fear opens doors you didn't know existed
• The ripple effect of courage: from classroom teacher to EdTech leader to nonprofit changemaker
From Math Teacher to Tech Magnet Leader 📐✨
• Starting a tech-focused program without knowing exactly how it would unfold
• Discovering EdTech by diving in headfirst and learning alongside students
• How building something new in her school led to opportunities beyond the classroom
The Flipgrid Chapter: Building Global Community 🌍
• Landing a dream role connecting educators around the world through authentic relationships
• What it means to lead with love in community engagement
• How the Flipgrid community modeled belonging, celebration, and educator empowerment
Navigating a Layoff and Finding New Purpose 💫
• When one door closes, saying yes again—even when it's scary
• Transitioning to Endless Access, a nonprofit teaching video game design to underrepresented youth
• How purpose evolved from teaching math to unlocking creativity, confidence, and digital skills for students
Stop Taking Work Home: Rest Is Revolutionary 🛋️
• Jess's honest reminder: students need the energized, present version of you—not the exhausted one
• Why prioritizing rest makes you a better educator, not a less dedicated one
• Permission to set boundaries and protect your well-being so you can show up fully
Key Takeaways:
✨ Say yes to what scares you—growth happens when you lean into uncomfortable opportunities
✨ One brave decision can unlock your next chapter: tech magnet → Flipgrid → nonprofit leadership
✨ Rest isn't selfish—students need you energized and present, not burned out and stretched thin
✨ Authentic relationships and community catch you when career paths shift unexpectedly
✨ Purpose evolves—from teaching math to empowering underrepresented youth through game design
✨ Leading with love means prioritizing student engagement, safety, inclusion, and your own well-being
🎯 Perfect For:
• Educators considering career transitions beyond the traditional classroom
• Teachers feeling burned out and needing permission to prioritize rest and boundaries
• Anyone navigating uncertainty or job changes and seeking hope and direction
• Leaders building communities grounded in authentic relationships and love
• Educators curious about EdTech career paths and nonprofit work
• Teachers who need a reminder that saying yes to fear can lead to transformative growth
Resources & Mentions:
🎮 Endless Access - About Us
📚 Endless Access - Current programs
💬 Endless Educator Channel on Discord
🎵 Jess's Little Bit of Everything Playlist
Connect With Jess Boyce on LinkedIn
About Jess Boyce:
Jess Boyce has been in education for 17 years, spanning roles from middle school math teacher to community engagement manager and beyond. Her passion centers on leading with love and doing what's best for student engagement, safety, and inclusion. She launched a tech magnet program that transformed her teaching and led to a dream role with Flipgrid, where she connected educators worldwide.
After navigating a layoff, Jess found new purpose at Endless Access, a nonprofit unlocking creativity, confidence, and digital skills for underrepresented youth through video game design. Now serving as Partnerships and Operations Lead, she continues empowering students and educators through innovation, community, and courageous leadership.
This episode is a powerful reminder that career paths aren't linear—and that's okay. When you say yes to what scares you, lean into authentic community, and prioritize your well-being alongside your purpose, transformation happens. Whether you're contemplating a career shift, feeling burned out, or simply need encouragement to take the next brave step, Jess's story will inspire you to trust the journey and know that your people will catch you along the way. 💚
#EndlessAccess #EdTech #CareerTransition #TeacherWellbeing #Flipgrid #CommunityBuilding #GameBasedLearning #EdChat #TeachingLife #NonprofitWork #EducatorSupport #SayYes #LeadWithLove #DigitalSkills #YouthEmpowerment
