My Online Teaching Academy Reached 500 Students [Update]
This is a follow up story for Teacher Jade's Writing Academy. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published over 2 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
I'm Jade Weatherington, the founder and lead instructor of Teacher Jade's Writing Academy. My journey started as a single homeschooling parent for nearly a decade, driven by the desire to provide a high-quality education for my child. This passion led me to create an academy that offers interactive online writing courses for youth ages 8-18. I wanted to make sure that every child, regardless of their learning pace, had access to live instruction and comprehensive materials at no extra charge.
Our flagship courses, which include creative writing, grammar mastery, and essay development, have attracted a diverse group of young learners eager to improve their skills. The growth has been incredible, with hundreds of students nationwide and countless positive testimonials from both students and parents. Seeing the impact my academy has made, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and joy.
If you're considering starting your own online teaching business, know that it is a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey. With dedication and a genuine passion for teaching, you can make a significant difference in the lives of many learners.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
Over the past few years, Teacher Jade's Writing Academy has grown substantially, but not without its challenges.
Initially, the academy saw tremendous growth, with hundreds of students enrolling in our live online writing courses. However, I made the strategic decision to offer classes exclusively on one platform, which led to a temporary decline in business.
This shift, combined with hiring too many teachers too quickly, impacted our progress. I realized I needed to pivot and stay ahead of trends, so I began developing homeschool resources and materials, along with self-paced classes, to complement our live offerings.
One of our significant milestones was reaching over 500 enrolled students, a testament to the high-quality education we provide. To increase traffic and sales, I have leveraged various marketing strategies, including SEO optimization, email marketing campaigns, and social media ads. We've also started partnerships with homeschooling networks, which have been instrumental in driving new enrollments.
To keep our existing customers happy and engaged, I've implemented regular feedback sessions and introduced a loyalty program that offers discounts on future courses. We also ensure that all teaching and learning materials are top-notch and accessible at no extra charge, which sets us apart from other educational platforms.
Despite some initial setbacks, I've learned valuable lessons about scaling sustainably. Now, with a focus on self-paced courses and developing comprehensive homeschool resources, Teacher Jade's Writing Academy is back on track. We've seen a steady increase in enrollment and positive feedback from both students and parents.
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
Running Teacher Jade's Writing Academy has been a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I've faced recently was a dramatic decrease in enrollments, which led to a significant loss of income. This decline hit hard, especially after experiencing steady growth and success.
Every day, I've been focused on solving this problem, trying to find ways to re-engage our audience and attract new students. The constant pressure to keep the business afloat has been overwhelming at times, and there were moments when I questioned if I could turn things around.
“Some days it’s like throwing pasta on the wall and waiting for something to stick.”
To adapt, I had to make some tough decisions, including scaling back on the number of teachers I had hired and shifting my focus from live courses to developing self-paced classes and comprehensive homeschool resources.
One of our significant milestones was reaching over 500 enrolled students, a testament to the high-quality education we provide.
This transition wasn't easy, and it brought about internal struggles like imposter syndrome and burnout. There were days when I felt like I was spinning my wheels, unable to regain the momentum we once had. However, by embracing change and continuously seeking new strategies, I've been able to slowly rebuild and find new ways to connect with our students.
This journey has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, and I’m more determined than ever to ensure the success of Teacher Jade's Writing Academy.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
Running Teacher Jade's Writing Academy has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. One of my biggest mistakes was hiring too many teachers at once, thinking that expanding the team would automatically lead to more growth. Instead, I was blindsided by a dramatic decrease in enrollments, which not only led to a significant loss of income but also forced me to let go of some amazing educators.
It was hard to face these challenges, and I missed several opportunities to pivot sooner. I had to relearn the importance of staying ahead of trends and continuously researching to ensure I offer the best to my families. This experience made me realize how crucial it is to be adaptable and open to change.
One good thing that came out of this tough period was the chance to reassess my business from the ground up. I went back to the basics, reevaluating my value propositions, and thinking about who I wanted to serve. I adjusted class pricing to make my offerings more accessible and focused on creating self-paced classes and homeschool resources that better meet the needs of my students.
This refocus on research and trends has not only helped me offer better quality to my families but also reignited my passion for teaching and curriculum development. By embracing these lessons and cultivating a habit of continuous learning and adaptability, I've been able to navigate these challenges and start rebuilding Teacher Jade's Writing Academy stronger than before.
A common mistake I see is entrepreneurs spreading themselves too thin. Focus on what you do best and don't be afraid to delegate tasks or hire help.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of Teacher Jade's Writing Academy and the new directions we're taking. The current goal is to transition to offering all self-paced classes by the end of August 2024. This change will allow students to learn at their own pace and accommodate their unique schedules.
Additionally, I plan to have just 1-2 teachers offering live classes on other platforms, maintaining a personal touch while focusing on quality over quantity. I'm also working on expanding our digital products and resources to create more passive income streams, which will support the academy's sustainability and growth.
In the next five years, I envision Teacher Jade's Writing Academy becoming a leading provider of self-paced learning resources and digital educational materials for homeschoolers and independent learners. My short-term goals include completing the transition to self-paced classes and increasing the variety of digital products available.
Long-term, I aim to reach a wider audience, including international students, and continue refining our offerings based on feedback and educational trends. By staying adaptable and innovative, I hope to build a resilient and thriving educational business that empowers learners worldwide.
What’s the best thing you read in the last year?
The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint to Jumpstart and Scale Your Education Business by William Deyamport, III (which I am also featured in).
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
If you're an entrepreneur struggling to grow your business, remember that perseverance and adaptability are key. One crucial tip is to always stay connected with your target audience. Understand their needs, preferences, and pain points. Conduct regular surveys, engage in social media interactions, and be open to feedback. This will help you tailor your products or services to meet their demands more effectively.
A common mistake I see is entrepreneurs spreading themselves too thin. Focus on what you do best and don't be afraid to delegate tasks or hire help. This allows you to concentrate on strategic growth rather than getting bogged down in daily operations. Additionally, never underestimate the power of networking. Build relationships with other business owners, mentors, and potential partners. These connections can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities you might not find on your own.
Stay ahead of trends and be willing to pivot when necessary. The business landscape is always changing, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Embrace continuous learning and be flexible in your approach. For example, when I noticed a decline in enrollments for live classes, I shifted my focus to developing self-paced courses and digital products. This not only revitalized my business but also opened up new revenue streams.
Finally, believe in yourself and your vision. Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster of highs and lows, but your passion and dedication will see you through tough times. Celebrate your small wins, learn from your setbacks, and keep pushing forward. Your journey can inspire others, and your success story could be just around the corner.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
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