89: How This Former Teacher Built an Online Business Helping Homeschool Families with Jacqueline Ackerman
As an educator with over 22 years of experience, Jacqueline Ackerman shares her teaching and learning knowledge in an engaging, relatable and friendly way. She believes all learners can make progress.
A high school teacher for 17 years and examiner for 15, Jacqueline established her own tutoring business. Remembering what it was like to be thrown into homeschooling when her son was very ill, she realized the main thing she wanted to do was help parents who were in this position when their child was in their teens.
She has enjoyed supporting families through their often-unexpected homeschooling journey and most importantly helping them prepare for exams. Her work as an examiner is still very important to her and she is now Principal Examiner for International History iGCSE. Jacqueline also visits schools, both home and abroad, running courses that aim to help delegates understand the assessment of the qualification they are teaching and how to prepare their students for specific units.
In this episode, Jacqueline discusses how her personal experience of homeschooling her son due to his illness led her to a new career path.
She explains that Ackerman Home Learning offers a mix of one-on-one tutoring services, helpful online resources, and plans for a future membership community aimed at providing support and guidance to parents suddenly thrust into homeschooling.
Jackie also talks about the challenges she faced, such as technology hurdles and imposter syndrome, and offers advice for other teachers considering starting their own online businesses.
Connect with Jacqueline Ackerman:
Key Takeaways:
- (00:40) Jacqueline’s journey from the classroom to online entrepreneur
- (06:15) Creating Ackerman Home Learning; online tutoring and low-ticket products
- (07:55) Supporting homeschool parents; building a community-based membership
- (17:00) Overcoming business challenges; struggles with technology and imposter syndrome
- (22:20) Prioritizing action over perfection
Listen to Previous Episodes:
#58: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Business Owner
#60: Overcoming Early Tech Struggles with Meagan Bukowski
Listen on:
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Building a Teacher Biz: Tutoring and Homeschooling Support for Student Success
Lessons from Jackie Ackerman’s Journey from Classroom to Online Entrepreneurship
Jackie Ackerman’s journey illustrates the transformative potential of translating teaching skills into online entrepreneurial ventures. Join us as we learn about Jackie’s transition from high school teacher to founder of Ackerman Home Learning, where she supports homeschooling families with a blend of digital products and personal services.
Embracing Change: From Classroom Teacher to Homeschool Advocate
Jackie Ackerman’s professional odyssey began in the high school classroom, where she honed her craft over sixteen years.
With a passion for nurturing young minds and a natural inclination towards teaching, Jackie initially dedicated herself to developing effective teaching techniques that emphasized student progress and learning enhancement.
Concurrently, her role as a mother to three children compelled Jackie to confront the challenges of managing work-life balance in a demanding education job.
Jackie’s foray into homeschooling emerged from a deeply personal experience when her son Luke was diagnosed with leukemia.
The necessity of homeschooling amidst his health challenges pushed Jackie into an unfamiliar educational realm.
Despite the circumstances, this period catalyzed her realization of the immense potential within homeschooling, especially for families suddenly thrust into it due to unforeseen events.
The Evolution of Ackerman Home Learning
From personal experience and a deep empathy for families navigating unforeseen homeschooling scenarios, Ackerman Home Learning was born. This initiative is not merely a business; it’s a mission.
Jackie’s venture focuses on assisting parents, like herself, who were compelled to homeschool their children unexpectedly. It provides resources, tools, and community support tailored to making these transitions smoother for the families involved.
Jackie’s approach extends beyond mere educational content delivery. Her blend of tutoring and digital resources empowers parents not only with subject-specific knowledge but also with essential teaching tools and methods to effectively engage with their children’s education.
By offering tutoring in English and history, Jackie supports students directly while also providing invaluable guidance to parents eager to enhance their teaching capabilities.
Creating a Community and Building Support Networks
Integral to Jackie’s vision for Ackerman Home Learning is the development of a community where parents can find guidance, support, and camaraderie.
Reflecting on her journey, Jackie understands the isolation that can accompany unexpected homeschooling. To counter this, she aims to foster an environment where parents can share experiences, exchange solutions, and ultimately, facilitate a mutually supportive network.
This community aspect taps into the profound appreciation of shared experiences, mutual support, and collective problem-solving that Jackie herself sought and values.
Her aspiration is to create a membership model that provides ongoing resources and assistance, thereby creating a sustainable impact on the homeschooling community.
Overcoming Challenges: The Technological Hurdle and Imposter Syndrome
Transitioning from traditional teaching to managing an online business did not come without its hurdles.
Technological challenges posed significant obstacles, almost leading Jackie to reconsider her entrepreneurial ambitions. Connecting the dots between her website, email provider, and marketing efforts proved daunting, underscoring the importance of reliable technical support and strategic outsourcing in digital business undertakings.
Beyond technology, Jackie encountered imposter syndrome—a common psychological barrier affecting many educators transitioning into new professional terrains.
By recognizing the voices of doubt and embracing her unique expertise and experience, Jackie demonstrates resilience and determination in pursuing her business vision.
Advice for Aspiring Teacher Entrepreneurs
For educators contemplating a similar journey into online entrepreneurship, Jackie’s advice resonates strongly: “Don’t seek perfection; just do it.”
Her call to action simplifies the seemingly complex transition—by taking consistent, small steps and embracing the imperfections inherent in learning and growth, teachers can transform their skills into impactful business ventures.
For any teacher contemplating an entrepreneurial path, Jackie Ackerman’s trajectory serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for building a fulfilling and impactful online business.