We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Virginie Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Virginie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 not only disrupted our daily lives but also had a profound impact on the education system. As schools transitioned to remote learning, it became evident that students were falling behind in their studies. Recognizing this urgent need, I embarked on a mission to start my own business, driven by the desire to support students, parents, and educators in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic. I will be discussing the reasons behind my decision and the core focus of my business: providing remote learning and literacy services to bridge the educational gaps created by the pandemic.
Addressing the Educational Gap
The primary motivation behind starting my business stemmed from the observation that students were falling behind academically due to the sudden shift to remote learning during the pandemic. As schools closed their doors and classrooms moved online, many students faced difficulties adapting to the new learning environment. The lack of face-to-face interaction, limited resources, and unequal access to technology exacerbated educational disparities, disproportionately affecting underprivileged students. To address this pressing issue, I recognized the need for a comprehensive remote learning solution that could keep students engaged, motivated, and on track with their education.
Remote Learning as a Solution
Understanding the urgency and importance of remote learning, I identified it as the core focus of my business. By leveraging technology and innovative teaching methodologies, I aimed to create an effective online platform that would provide students with engaging and interactive learning experiences. The platform would offer a wide range of educational resources, including virtual classrooms, multimedia content, and personalized learning modules, enabling students to access quality education from the comfort of their homes. Through this approach, my business aimed to ensure that no student would be left behind, irrespective of their socio-economic background or geographical location.
Support for Parents and Educators
Recognizing that parents and educators also faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, I extended my business’s services to support them in facilitating remote learning effectively. I understood that parents needed guidance in navigating the complexities of online education, managing their child’s learning schedule, and ensuring a conducive learning environment at home. Thus, my business offered comprehensive support and resources for parents, empowering them to play an active role in their child’s education. Moreover, I collaborated with educators to provide professional development opportunities, equipping them with the necessary skills and tools to deliver high-quality remote instruction.
Bridging the Literacy Gap
While remote learning was crucial during the pandemic, it also highlighted pre-existing literacy disparities among students. To address this issue, my business incorporated a strong focus on literacy services. By offering targeted interventions, personalized reading programs, and literacy assessments, I aimed to improve students’ reading and comprehension skills. Furthermore, I extended support to parents and educators, providing them with resources and strategies to foster a culture of literacy at home and in the classroom. Bridging the literacy gap was an integral part of my business’s mission to ensure long-term academic success and empowerment for all students.
The decision to start my business was driven by a deep concern for the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic. By recognizing the challenges faced by students, providing remote learning solutions, and supporting parents and educators with literacy services, my business aimed to bridge the educational gap and foster an inclusive and equitable learning environment. Through innovative approaches and a commitment to excellence, my business sought to empower students, parents, and educators, ultimately contributing to the overall advancement of society.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In today’s fast-paced world, providing children with a strong foundation in reading is crucial for their academic and personal development. Many parents recognize the need to supplement their child’s learning to read, but finding the right solution can be challenging. Literacy Doctor aims to revolutionize reading education by offering personalized online tutoring services, delivered conveniently from the comfort of each child’s home.
Literacy Doctor stands out among other tutoring services by providing individualized online tutoring sessions. Recognizing that every child has unique learning needs and preferences, our approach ensures that each student receives tailored instruction and support. By utilizing digital platforms, we have created a virtual classroom that fosters interactive learning experiences, enabling students to engage with their tutor in real-time. This personalized approach not only enhances reading skills but also cultivates confidence and a love for learning in children.
Establishing a tutoring business is no easy feat, especially when balancing existing professional commitments. For me, this challenge was compounded by working full-time as an educator. However, with unwavering determination and the support of my husband, I successfully navigated this obstacle. My husband’s consistent encouragement and belief in my vision fueled my passion to create a platform that would revolutionize reading education. This example highlights the importance of having a strong support system and the resilience required to pursue entrepreneurial dreams.
Literacy Doctor aspires to become a household name, synonymous with effective reading education and support for children. By offering personalized online tutoring, we aim to reach families around the world, bridging the gap between students and quality reading instruction. Our vision is to make literacy accessible and enjoyable for every child, regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic background. Through consistent dedication, Literacy Doctor seeks to empower young readers and foster a generation of lifelong learners.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Starting a business requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. I acknowledge the significance of these traits for those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey. I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace a growth mindset, constantly seeking opportunities for personal and professional development. Learning from industry experts, networking with like-minded individuals, and adapting to the ever-changing business landscape are vital components of success. With resilience and a thirst for knowledge, aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges they encounter while building and expanding their businesses.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the key lies in being patient, continuously learning, and embracing opportunities for growth.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d have to say that I would take them to Buckhead, Midtown, and Vinings, Georgia for brunch and dinner. My favorite restaurants are 5 Church in Midtown. I also love to eat at the Gypsie Kitchen and Zakia’s Modern Lebanese Restaurant. On Taco Tuesdays, I am mostly at Bar Taco in Vinings. We would definitely take on the Atlanta area to sight see historic attractions such as the National Center for Civil Rights Museum, the High Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coke to name a few. Weekends are more for resting and self care in which I would most likely be at a Spa in Buckhead or getting some fresh air in Marietta Square.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Success is rarely achieved alone; it often requires the unwavering support and sacrifices of loved ones. As the founder of Literacy Doctor, I am forever grateful to my family for their immense support throughout my journey. From the early stages of establishing the business to its growth and recognition, my parents, husband, and daughters have been the pillars of strength, offering unwavering support, and shouldering the load alongside me. I am so grateful to be able to express my heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable individuals who have played a vital role in making Literacy Doctor a reality.
From the very beginning, my parents have been my guiding lights, instilling in me the importance of education and a strong work ethic. They sacrificed their time, resources, and efforts to ensure that I had the necessary tools to succeed. Their unwavering belief in my abilities and their continuous encouragement motivated me to pursue my educational endeavors. Without their guidance, I would not have possessed the knowledge and determination to embark on the path of creating a tutoring business that caters to the unique needs of children learning to read.
My husband and two daughters hold a special place in my heart for their unyielding support and shared responsibility in my entrepreneurial journey. They have been my biggest cheerleaders, offering encouragement and motivation at every step. Whether it was driving to multiple locations to post billboards or dedicating countless hours at educational expositions to promote Literacy Doctor, they were by my side, fully invested in the success of the business. Their commitment and dedication allowed me to focus on building the tutoring service while knowing that I had their unwavering support.
Website: www.literacydoctor.com
Instagram: literacydoctor1
Facebook: Literacy Doctor
Other: www.literacydoctorsystem.com