We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yasha Chapman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yasha below.

Yasha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, I took one of the biggest risks of my life: I resigned from my role as an Instructional Coach and started my own educational consulting business, Elementary Education Evolved, LLC. At the time, I loved the work I was doing, but the work environment had become toxic, and I found myself misaligned with the educational philosophies of the people around me. On top of that, I had just experienced a profound personal loss—my aunt and father passed away within 24 hours of each other. These events caused me to reevaluate everything in my life, including my career.

I knew there was still important work to be done, especially when it came to addressing the gaps in teacher pedagogy, supporting new educators, and closing academic achievement gaps for minority students. But I realized I couldn’t continue that work within the confines of an environment that no longer supported my growth or aligned with my values.

So, I decided to take a leap of faith and started my own company. This decision was particularly risky because I was in a new state, California, where no one knew me or my work. I had no investors or startup money, just a vision and the belief that I could still make a difference for teachers and students. I was completely starting from scratch in a place where I had no established network.

Fast forward a year, and that risk has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve presented at two major national conferences—the National Education Association Conference on Racial and Social Justice and Alabama’s MEGA Conference. I’ve partnered with schools across the country, from California to New York, and have been featured on numerous podcasts and in several magazine articles. The work I’ve been able to do is gaining recognition, and my company is growing in ways I could have only dreamed of when I started.

Taking that risk allowed me to regain control over my work, create a positive environment for myself, and continue fulfilling my mission of closing achievement gaps and supporting teachers—on my own terms.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Yasha Chapman, Founder and CEO of Elementary Education Evolved, LLC, an educational consulting firm dedicated to closing the academic gap for minority K-12 students while increasing teacher retention through effective coaching and training. My journey into the education industry began over a decade ago. I’ve worked as a certified Classroom Teacher, Instructional Coach, Curriculum Coordinator, and Curriculum Writer, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges that teachers face in their classrooms. From gaps in pedagogy to inadequate support for new educators, I saw how these factors directly impacted student achievement.

In 2022, after experiencing a misalignment of values in my previous role and dealing with personal loss, I made the decision to step out on faith and start my own business. I knew I wanted to continue the work of supporting teachers and students, but I needed to do it in a way that aligned with my mission and allowed me to create a positive work environment. That’s how Elementary Education Evolved was born. I started my business in California, where no one had heard of me, with no investors or startup funds. My company was built on the belief that empowering teachers is the key to closing academic achievement gaps.

My firm offers a variety of services, including professional development training for teachers, instructional coaching, and customized consulting for schools. I focus on addressing gaps in teacher pedagogy, classroom readiness, and building effective, engaging instruction to create lasting change in classrooms. Additionally, I am currently working on a digital platform that will allow schools and teachers to purchase my trainings directly and access instructional resources, set to launch in August 2025.

What sets Elementary Education Evolved apart is the personalized approach I take with each client. I work closely with schools and teachers to understand their unique challenges and develop customized solutions that lead to real, measurable improvements. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach because each school and classroom has its own set of needs. My training and coaching are hands-on and practical, ensuring that teachers leave with tools they can immediately apply in their classrooms.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how quickly my work has gained recognition. Since starting the business, I’ve presented at major conferences, including the National Education Association Conference on Racial and Social Justice and Alabama’s MEGA Conference. I’ve also partnered with schools from coast to coast and have been featured on numerous podcasts and in magazine articles. The fact that my work is now making an impact on a national level is incredibly rewarding.

The main thing I want potential clients to know about Elementary Education Evolved is that we are committed to empowering educators to be the best they can be for their students. I’m here to help teachers build their confidence, improve their skills, and ultimately create the kind of classrooms where all students, especially those from underserved communities, can thrive. My goal is to continue expanding my reach, partnering with more schools, and helping educators across the country create lasting change.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building authentic, personable relationships with school leaders and educators. From the very beginning, I’ve made it a priority to connect with my clients on a human level. I listen deeply to understand their unique challenges, or “pain points,” and focus on creating solutions that truly meet their needs. Schools are facing enormous pressure—whether it’s teacher burnout, classroom management challenges, or the need for effective professional development—so showing them that I genuinely understand what they’re up against has been key.

When I approach potential clients, I take the time to have open conversations about what’s working and what isn’t in their schools. Instead of offering a generic, one-size-fits-all service, I customize my approach to ensure that I’m addressing their specific struggles. This allows me to not only provide meaningful support but also to build trust, which is crucial in the educational space.

Another important factor is staying authentic in my mission. As someone who has been a teacher and instructional coach, I know firsthand the demands of the classroom and the gaps that often exist in teacher development. Being able to speak from personal experience has helped me establish credibility and show that I’m not just offering a service—I’m offering solutions based on real-world experience.

Lastly, word-of-mouth has been a huge driver for my business growth. When school leaders and educators see the positive impact of my trainings and coaching, they spread the word to their peers. Building a reputation of trust, effectiveness, and authenticity has allowed Elementary Education Evolved to grow organically.

In short, the combination of understanding my clients’ pain points, building genuine relationships, and maintaining authenticity in both my mission and my services has been the foundation for my growth. These strategies not only help me gain new clients but also ensure that the relationships I build are long-lasting.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that my past co-workers and network would always be dependable, supportive, and people I could count on as I grew in my career. When I first started my entrepreneurial journey, I assumed that the people who knew me from my past roles—those who had worked alongside me and seen my dedication—would naturally be part of my continued support system. But as I moved from state to state, especially as a military spouse, I quickly learned that not everyone gets to be part of your daily journey. People from your past aren’t always privy to witnessing your growth or understanding your evolution as both a person and an educator.

As I transitioned to new environments, I had to let go of the expectation that those familiar faces would always be there to cheer me on. Instead, I found myself relying on strangers—people who had no previous knowledge of my work ethic or the contributions I’d made in education. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me the importance of building new relationships and trusting those outside of my original network.

Unlearning this belief was tough, but it allowed me to expand my horizons. I learned to build trust with people who had no preconceptions of who I was, and I became comfortable with the idea that my growth didn’t need validation from my past connections. This shift helped me become more independent and confident in my ability to succeed, even when starting over in a new place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elemedevolved.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elementaryeducationevolved