Set Teacher
A candid conversation with a former Bravo producer who became a dedicated eighth grade teacher, embracing a continual journey of learning, to go back-to-school.
In the ever-evolving landscape of career paths, few stories are as captivating as that of James, a former senior producer for Bravo series who transitioned from the glitz of reality television to the rewarding world of education.
Transitioning from Reality TV: James’s foray into reality television began in 2013 as a production assistant on the Real Housewives of Miami. His initial foray was unplanned but led him to a career he grew to love. "I remember driving from LA to San Diego for Joanna's wedding, and I thought, ‘This is fun!’" he reminisces. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, spending a significant amount of time on iconic shows like Beverly Hills and Orange County. His experiences taught him the importance of teamwork, creativity, and adaptability, qualities that would later prove invaluable in the classroom.
The Reality of Reality TV: Working in unscripted television, James discovered that the chaos on set often mirrored the unpredictability of life. He shared a memorable story from a store opening for Kyle Richards in New York, where an unexpected surge of fans turned the event into a stampede. "We were literally holding hands to create a barrier for the ladies to get through!" This was not just a story of a chaotic event; it highlighted the unique nature of reality TV where unscripted moments often create the best television.
The Shift to Education: As the pandemic hit, the landscape of reality TV changed dramatically. With an influx of creative content emerging from homes due to lockdowns, James found his passion shifting. "I noticed that people were creating their own content on platforms like TikTok and podcasts, and it made me rethink my career path," he explains. Embracing this change, he began substitute teaching, recognizing the skills he had developed over the years could be applied to education. The Joy of Teaching: James’s first week in the classroom was filled with excitement and creativity. "Seeing the kids come back from summer vacation was the best part!" he says, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and engaging environment for his students. With pet jellyfish in his classroom, he’s transformed the learning experience into something memorable.
James’s journey from reality TV producer to eighth-grade science teacher is a testament to the unpredictable nature of career paths. By embracing change and leveraging his past experiences, he has found fulfillment in a new role that allows him to inspire the next generation. Key takeaways from this episode include the value of adaptability, the importance of teamwork in any profession, and the joy that comes from teaching.
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