How to Transition into Educational Consulting (Tips from a Former Principal)

Описание: EDUCATION BUSINESS PODCAST w/JENNIFER DOLD~PRINCIPAL~MASSACHUSETTS

Part 4: How to Transition into Educational Consulting (Tips from a Former Principal)
This is part four of our conversation where Kelvin addresses a question that many aspiring consultants have: How can I create opportunities to transition into educational consulting?

In this video, Kelvin shares that, while there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, his path into consulting began through relationships. It wasn't about flashy advertisements or applications but about showing up, offering value, and building authentic connections. He reflects on his experience working with an existing consulting company early in his journey. He notes how crucial that experience was in helping him learn the ropes and understand the business from the inside. When asked how to "open the door" to consulting work, it's important to note that consulting businesses often grow organically. Word-of-mouth referrals, showcasing your work, and being helpful to others can lead to unexpected opportunities. This process feels more like being invited into a collaborative space than participating in a formal job interview.

He encourages aspiring consultants to be proactive, find ways to support others, and maintain visibility. Whether by collaborating with other consultants, offering free workshops, or sharing insights online, every bit of engagement plants a seed. And when people know what you do, they'll begin to reach out. In consulting, relationships open doors that résumés cannot. Focus on being visible, valuable, and genuinely helpful. The right people will find you when you consistently demonstrate your value.

MEET KELVIN OLIVER
Kelvin Oliver is an educational consultant specializing in supporting schools by developing and implementing behavior management systems that synergize restorative practices, PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), and traditional consequences. As a campus administrator, he was instrumental in supporting the integration of Restorative Practices with PBIS and Traditional Consequences. Kelvin created a campus-based support model with weekly professional development and an implementation support team. In 2007, Kelvin started his career in Texas as a special education teacher before transitioning to general education as a sixth-grade math teacher. He transitioned to campus math specialist and district curriculum specialist before becoming an assistant principal and later campus principal.

Since 2017, Kelvin has been a consultant supporting educators, schools, and districts nationwide. In his journey as a consultant, he has had the opportunity to train educators from all 50 states. He has worked directly with school districts in states such as California, Texas, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, Idaho, Maine, and Utah, to name a few. International educators from as far as New Zealand have traveled to attend his workshops. Kelvin has extensive experience in working with various types of schools. He’s worked with medium to large urban school districts, small rural school districts, charter schools, private schools, and Native American reservations, as well as educators supporting students at state schools for deaf students. Kelvin is renowned for communicating the complexities of student behavior in schools today in a digestible way while providing concrete strategies to address challenging behavior. Currently based out of Washington, D.C., he continues to work year-round with educators, schools, and districts in all regions of the country.

To learn more about Kelvin's work, please visit www.LeavingTheVillage.com.