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41 year old teacher used her last 99 to start a living room side hustle now her business makes 1 9 million a year

A Passion for Education and Writing

Lisa Collum’s journey to becoming a CEO began with her passion for education and writing. Growing up, she was an avid reader and developed a love for literature. This passion eventually led her to pursue a degree in English from the University of Florida. After graduating, she began her career as a teacher, working with students of various ages and skill levels.

The Evolution of Top Score Writing

Over the years, Lisa’s experience as a teacher and her passion for education led her to develop a writing curriculum that catered to the needs of K-12 students. She realized that many students struggled with writing, and she wanted to create a program that would help them overcome these challenges. This led to the creation of Top Score Writing, a company that offers writing curricula and consulting services to schools and teachers across the United States.

Key Features of Top Score Writing

  • Personalized learning: Top Score Writing’s curricula are designed to meet the unique needs of each student, taking into account their learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. Research-based: The company’s curricula are based on the latest research in writing instruction, ensuring that students receive the most effective instruction possible. Flexible: Top Score Writing’s curricula can be adapted to fit the needs of different schools and teachers, making it an ideal solution for schools with diverse student populations.

    Collum’s business has been in operation for over 20 years, and she has been the sole owner and operator of the business since its inception.

    The Rise of Top Score Writing

    Top Score Writing has experienced rapid growth and success over the past two decades. The company’s commitment to providing high-quality writing services has earned it a loyal client base and a reputation for excellence. With a team of dedicated employees and a proven track record of success, Top Score Writing has established itself as a leader in the writing industry.

    Key Statistics

  • 6 full-time employees
  • 10 part-time staffers
  • $9 million in annual profit
  • Over 20 years of operation
  • Sole owner and operator since inception
  • The Business Model

    Top Score Writing operates on a unique business model that combines the benefits of a traditional business with the flexibility of a writing service.

    The assessments were lengthy, complex, and often left students feeling anxious and uncertain about their abilities.

    Overcoming the Challenges of Standardized Testing

    Collum realized that the traditional approach to teaching was not equipped to address the emotional and psychological impact of standardized testing on her students. She began to explore alternative methods to help her students feel more confident and prepared for the assessments. This led her to develop a unique approach to teaching that focused on building students’ self-esteem and resilience.

    Key Strategies

  • Emphasis on Process Over Product: Collum shifted her focus from the end result of the assessments to the process of learning itself. She encouraged her students to view the assessments as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as a source of stress and anxiety. Personalized Learning Plans: Collum worked with each student to create personalized learning plans that catered to their individual needs and learning styles. This approach helped students feel more in control and empowered to take ownership of their learning. Positive Reinforcement: Collum used positive reinforcement techniques to encourage her students and build their confidence. She recognized and celebrated their achievements, no matter how small, to help them develop a growth mindset. ## The Impact of Collum’s Approach**
  • The Impact of Collum’s Approach

    Collum’s approach to teaching had a profound impact on her students.

    The jump in scores was dramatic enough to raise flags at the Florida’s Department of Education, incurring two separate investigations at the school. Collum eventually became a writing specialist for her school district, and left that job for a virtual teaching position after she had her third child in 2011. Three days later, principals from her old district asked if she’d sell them her curriculum, she says. She did, charging a mere $75 per binder. Her business grew through word-of-mouth, as local principals talked with their counterparts in other school districts, and then online once Collum digitized her curricula in 2016.

    The Rise of Top Score Writing

    Top Score Writing, founded by Collum, has experienced rapid growth since its inception. The company’s primary focus has been on providing educational resources to Title I schools, which are often underfunded and face significant challenges in providing quality education to their students.

    The Problem of Underfunding

    Title I schools are designated by the US Department of Education as schools that serve a high percentage of students from low-income families. These schools often struggle to provide adequate resources, including textbooks, technology, and qualified teachers. As a result, students in these schools may fall behind their peers in other schools, leading to a widening of the achievement gap.

    The Formulaic Approach of Top Score Writing

    Top Score Writing has been accused of using a formulaic approach to writing, which prioritizes structure over creativity. This approach has been criticized by parents and teachers, who argue that it stifles students’ ability to think outside the box and express themselves freely. The program’s emphasis on structure and format can lead to a lack of originality and creativity in students’ writing. Students may feel pressured to conform to the program’s expectations, rather than exploring their own unique perspectives and ideas. This approach can also lead to a lack of critical thinking and analysis, as students are not encouraged to question or challenge the information presented.

    The Consequences of a Formulaic Approach

    The consequences of Top Score Writing’s formulaic approach have been far-reaching. At least one major contract has been lost due to parent outcry, as parents and educators have expressed their dissatisfaction with the program’s emphasis on structure over creativity. The loss of the contract has had a significant impact on the program’s revenue and reputation. The program’s failure to adapt to changing educational needs and trends has also led to a decline in its popularity and effectiveness.

    The Rise of Top Score Writing

    Top Score Writing has experienced significant growth and success over the years, with a loyal customer base and a reputation for delivering high-quality educational resources. The company’s commitment to providing effective and engaging curricula has earned it a loyal following among educators and students alike.

    Key Features of Top Score Writing’s Curricula

  • Personalized learning: Top Score Writing’s curricula are designed to cater to individual learning styles and needs, making them an attractive option for schools looking to provide a more personalized education. Comprehensive coverage: The company’s curricula cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, language arts, and social studies, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. Engaging and interactive: Top Score Writing’s curricula are designed to be engaging and interactive, making learning fun and enjoyable for students. ### The Business Side of Top Score Writing**
  • The Business Side of Top Score Writing

    Behind the scenes, Top Score Writing’s success can be attributed to Collum’s business acumen and ability to trust her instincts. Over the past 13 years, Collum has learned to navigate the ever-changing educational landscape and make informed decisions about the company’s growth and direction.

    Key Takeaways from Collum’s Experience

  • Trust your instincts: Collum’s success can be attributed to her ability to trust her business instincts, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity.

    Introduction

    Passive income streams are financial sources that generate revenue without requiring direct involvement or effort from the individual. These streams can provide a sense of security and freedom, allowing individuals to pursue their passions and interests without being tied to a 9-to-5 job. In this article, we’ll explore common passive income streams, tips to get started, and real-life success stories.

    Common Passive Income Streams

    There are numerous passive income streams available, and the right one for you will depend on your skills, interests, and resources. Here are some popular options:

  • Dividend-paying stocks: Many established companies pay out a portion of their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends. By investing in these companies, you can earn a regular stream of income. Real estate investment trusts (REITs): REITs allow individuals to invest in real estate without directly managing properties. You can earn rental income without the hands-on work. Peer-to-peer lending: Platforms like Lending Club and Prosper allow you to lend money to individuals or small businesses, earning interest on your investment. Renting out a spare room on Airbnb: If you have an extra room in your home, consider renting it out to travelers on Airbnb. This can generate a steady stream of passive income. Creating and selling an online course: Share your expertise and create an online course on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
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