Andrea Haas and Elm Tree Education
In this blog post, we will delve into the strategies and tactics that Andrea Haas used to start and grow her online business, Elm Tree Education, focusing on literacy instruction for K-5 teachers. Andrea is a recovering perfectionist, wife, mother, educator, blogger, and literacy instruction consultant who started Elm Tree Education in the spring of 2020. Her goal was to provide K-5 teachers with professional development in literacy instruction while balancing her new business with shuttling kids to soccer and cheer practice.
The Genesis of Her Entrepreneurship Journey
Andrea's journey to entrepreneurship began with her passion for literacy instruction. As a teacher, she saw firsthand the need for high-quality professional development that was accessible, affordable, and relevant to the challenges faced by K-5 teachers. She also recognized that many teachers were eager to improve their skills but lacked the time or resources to pursue traditional graduate-level coursework.
Strategies for Building an Online Business in Literacy Education
To build her online business, Andrea focused on the following strategies:
- Identifying a Clear Target Audience: Andrea identified K-5 teachers as her target audience, focusing on their specific needs and pain points.
- Creating High-Quality Content: She developed a range of courses, workshops, and resources that provided practical, evidence-based strategies for improving literacy instruction.
- Utilizing Online Platforms: Andrea leveraged online platforms such as her website, social media, and email marketing to reach her target audience and promote her offerings.
- Building a Community: She created a strong online community where teachers could connect, share ideas, and support each other.
- Leveraging Partnerships: Andrea partnered with other organizations in the education space to expand her reach and credibility.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Balancing her personal and professional life was a key challenge for Andrea. She found that it was essential to set clear boundaries, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities when possible. She also made sure to schedule time for self-care and activities that brought her joy.
Connect with Andrea Haas and Support the Cause
To learn more about Andrea Haas and her work at Elm Tree Education, visit her website at Elmtree.com.
Tune in to The Business Spotlight with Dori DeCarlo to learn more about Andrea's journey and the strategies she used to build her successful online business.
