Emily Tate Sullivan Senior Reporter | EdSurge Research
The founder of a microschool has shared her journey from teaching in traditional classrooms to establishing an educational environment specifically designed for Black children. She describes the move as driven by repeated heartbreak in various schools across the Southeastern United States, where she witnessed systemic failures impacting Black students.
Reflecting on her experiences, she recounts entering classrooms with ninth graders reading at third-grade levels and finding intervention programs lacking. Despite her efforts to introduce creativity and culturally relevant content into her teaching, she faced resistance from educational authorities. One district leader remarked, “It looked like you’d been given free rein to be creative, and that’s a problem.”
In 2021, this educator launched PASS Network, a microschool located in South Atlanta. The school focuses on individualized learning environments enriched with African American culture and real-world experiences. Initially intended as a resource for families navigating public education systems, the pandemic shifted her focus toward creating an alternative space entirely.
The transition from teacher to business owner brought new challenges. She realized the need to balance passion with practical business skills such as managing cash flow and enforcing policies. “I knew I had to shift my mindset from thinking like a teacher to thinking like a business owner,” she said.
Her experience highlights the necessity of planning beyond faith alone when founding new educational institutions. As she advises future edupreneurs: “Don’t just build a school. Build it to last.” For her, being an edupreneur is not just about creating better schools but becoming a more intentional leader.
Now embracing the title of edupreneur proudly, she states: “It’s no longer just a buzzword to me. It’s a badge.” This reflects her commitment to providing spaces where Black children can thrive beyond traditional constraints.
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