We were lucky to catch up with Courtney O’Grady recently and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
At our company, we came together because we noticed a big need for better preparation in education. You see, the usual way is to go to college, do some student teaching, work on professional documents with your advisor, and often end up as a substitute teacher before going into the classroom. But there’s a missing piece when it comes to preparing for those crucial teaching job interviews. That’s where we step in! We work side by side with candidates, guiding them step by step through the process and even helping them craft those important documents. Our goal is to ensure every candidate feels completely prepared and confident. We’re here to really help candidates prepare for everything that comes with being a teacher, and we also support teachers already in the classroom. Sometimes, teachers feel a bit ‘stuck’ because they don’t want to start fresh at a new school. But it’s so important to feel happy and connected to where you work. We’ve been there ourselves and seen student teachers faced with questions, feeling unsure where to begin in a classroom. It dawned on us that most new teachers or recent graduates wished they had the kind of support we provide, and that realization reassures us that we’re on the right track. Over the past year, we’ve been working hard and have already supported numerous teachers, whether they’re just starting out in education or have years of experience. Knowing we’ve made a difference for so many brings us immense satisfaction.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Our team brings together diverse educational backgrounds and years of collective experience. We realized there’s a real need to support both fresh graduates and seasoned teachers hunting for new opportunities in education. You know, many folks don’t realize how lengthy the interview process can be for educators. It’s not just a chat with the principal; it involves rounds with committees and even the superintendent.
Beyond the necessary paperwork and interviews, there’s a whole lot more to consider. We guide our clients through the nitty-gritty details—things like pay scales, classroom support, credits, training, and room for growth. These factors are often overlooked but crucial. Working in a school district isn’t your typical job; your pay scales based on your teaching tenure. That’s why it’s vital to make the right choice when accepting a teaching position. Remember, it’s not just about them interviewing you; you’re interviewing the school to ensure it’s the right fit for you!
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
So, I met my co-founders, Jill McGuire and Keri Velardo, while teaching alongside them. Jill and I crossed paths at the NYC Department of Education in the Bronx, and Keri and I got to know each other while teaching in a Rockland County suburban school.
When I joined the suburban school, I noticed something interesting. Many student teachers and substitutes believed you needed connections to get hired there. Surprisingly, I didn’t have any connections, yet I managed to get in.
As I started helping people just out of the goodness of my heart, I realized there was a genuine need for the kind of support we provide now. When I shared this realization with Keri and Jill, they totally agreed. We all wished we had some guidance and ‘insider info’ during our own hiring processes.
That’s when we decided to team up and create something essential for education. Since then, we’ve been working hard to build a vital support system for educators entering the field.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Our main avenue for new clients has been through networking. The positive outcomes we’ve facilitated for people have sparked a domino effect—happy clients spreading the word, which, in turn, attracts new ones.
Within our district, establishing relationships with student teachers and substitutes has been incredibly effective. Once they grasp the scope of our services, it’s usually an immediate ‘yes’ because there’s such a genuine need for what we offer. It’s like discovering something you never knew you needed, and once you do, you can’t believe you’ve been missing out!
Beyond our local reach, maintaining a strong social media presence has been key. We’re consistently engaged on these platforms and are looking to expand further, aiming to connect with and assist more clients outside our immediate area.
Contact Info:
- Website: Theclassroomconsultants.com
- Instagram: @theclassroomconsultants
- Linkedin: Courtney O’Grady
Image Credits
La Salle Productions Inc.