In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams introduce Sumer Oglesby, founder of Sumer School in Marion, Illinois. Sumer School began in 2021 to address educational gaps exacerbated by COVID-19, evolving from a tutoring service into a comprehensive enrichment program offering art, science, and more. Summer, a third-grade teacher with 13 years of experience, discusses her transition from public school teaching to entrepreneurship, focusing on providing hands-on, technology-free learning experiences. Facing the challenges of balancing two full-time roles and the intricacies of business management, Sumer shares her dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for students. Community support and the importance of allowing children to learn at their own pace without the constraints of age-specific curriculum are highlighted.
00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business
01:03 Meet Our Special Guest: Sumer Oglesby
01:40 Sumer's Teaching Journey
03:26 The Birth of Sumer School
04:58 Innovative Learning Approaches
10:41 Building and Expanding Sumer School
12:23 Balancing Teaching and Business
14:11 Identifying Core Responsibilities
14:42 Delegating Tasks for Growth
17:21 Community Support and Sponsorship
18:48 Marketing Challenges and Strategies
21:07 Educational Programs and Services
23:13 The Motivation Behind the Mission
26:07 Conclusion and Contact Information
Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.
https://members.ethosmarion.org/
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Our guest: https://www.sumerschool.com/
