We recently connected with Tasha Chang and have shared our conversation below.

Tasha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

I’m a Director of Education and don’t think good grades mean much.

I own an education and college counseling center. As a business owner, my goal is to help students with tutoring, their educational pathway, and college admissions. They hire me to academically help improve their scores and achieve higher learning. Anything less in my industry is a fail. However, I was and am a teacher first. An educator who invests in every student who’s goal is to help them be productive and effective learners, innovative thinkers, and responsible and contributing members of society. The student encompassing the whole student is what is important. Many centers seem to solely focus on high grades, high test scores, and elite schools and universities. Yes, those are the students who work hard, have a growth mindset, and definitely achieve those objectives. In fact, I cheer and encourage along their journey and am their biggest cheerleader. Academic achievements are high accolades SHOULD be celebrated! However, it is not the only accomplishment to be cheered on. The student who had hated school, now finds worth in topics that interest them. The student who didn’t think they were good in math, now can problem solve on their own and comprehend the solution, The student who compared themselves to the honors students and thought they weren’t “smart” enough, has developed skills that help them understand assignments. These are all personal successes and indicators of wonderful and successful students.

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.

My husband and I were both teachers. He was working FT for 20 years when his charter school closed. I was working PT for years, taking care of our daughters since they were born. It was out of survival that we opened up our business. We had a brick and mortar for 2 years when Covid hit. Unable to sustain the office, we went virtual and found more innovative ways to reach students. It has been a blessing and have learned so much from it. I am proud that we haven’t compromised our values and ethics in teaching and guiding students. Our families know that we really care and we have developed relationships with them all. If any of them are local, I try and make a point to still see them in person. We are a global reach as far technology as taken us, but try to procure a family atmosphere. Our brand remains the same; we are a believer in every student.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

After various forms of marketing, the best source of clients are from referrals. I’m always humbled when families call and retell how great our services and educators are. I’m so proud of our educators who don’t just teach but really invest and hold a genuine care in our students. We ensure that everyone who works for AP, has taught before and have the proper credentials. More importantly, they are educators first who care. Believing in what you do and having the desire to help is paramount to a good business.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The professional educator’s bible is The Growth Mindset by Carol S. Dweck. Read this as an educator to each students and work alongside peers to embrace challenges and learn new skills to achieve a goal. Reread this as business woman and had the perspective of shaping and shifting through obstacles in order to achieve success. One year, I gifted this book to all the teachers at AP and together have seen growth. The appropriate mindset can be proven powerful and rooted into your current philosophy.

I also love TED Talks! They are effective and endowed with rich information, all from wonderful speakers. A few of my favorites are Drew Dudley on Everyday Leadership, Diana Nyad on Never, Ever Give Up, and of course the popular Malcom Gladwell’s Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce.

Contact Info:

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