Today we’d like to introduce you to Shereeka Hardaway.
Hi Shereeka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my tutoring business 5 years ago as a mobile tutoring service with literally two students… 1 of the 2 being my niece. I typically met students in their homes or at a public library (now we are 100% remote learning). Working with various teachers and students from classroom to classroom as a literacy specialist in the schools just wasn’t enough for me anymore. I knew I had to do more. I still remember when I obtained my third client, a kindergartener whose parents were told she may have to be retained because she wasn’t reading on grade level; when I got on the phone with mom and heard all the specifics, I was confident that I could help this baby to improve her reading skills quickly! Then, I met her in person. It was our 3rd or 4th session together when she shared with me that I made a greater difference in her child’s academics than the big-name tutoring company that her child was going to prior to reaching out to me. That statement brought tears to my eyes because it affirmed that I was doing what I was called to do, and in case you’re wondering the little girl went on to 1st grade, her reading ability and confidence changed DRASTICALLY!!!
My passion for this journey is fueled by the fact that my father used to tell a story all the time about how he graduated high school, barely knowing how to read and write. Years later, he was able to teach himself how to read via books on tape; His story truly inspires me to intervene with students in the elementary grade levels in order to improve their reading ability prior to their middle and high school years as early intervention is the best intervention with helping students become proficient readings and lifelong learners.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Running a tutoring company has definitely had its joys and challenges. I am constantly looking for ways to improve and make the tutoring experience more efficient for parents, the students, and myself. I think one of my biggest challenges is learning how to joggle the business along with my other endeavors. Learning how to make time for it all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I am the proud owner of Aiming of Excellence Tutoring Service, where I have helped over 100 students in grades K-5 increase their reading ability quickly via my reading programs. I have taken my 13 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and a literacy specialist for Hillsborough County Public Schools and developed reading programs that are specifically designed to help students who are currently reading below grade level increase their reading ability, mindset, and confidence around literacy. I think that it’s really important that families have reliable professionals they can turn to when their children need assistance with literacy or anything academically related for that matter. I also think it’s beneficial when that professional can speak the language of the classroom teachers and understand how to guide parents in the right directions as it pertains to their child’s education.
The passion I have for what I do is what sets me apart from others. That passion drives me to continue to seek ways to grow not only as a business owner but continue to grow my knowledge of the most effective reading strategies in order to continue to improve the results that my students receive from my services.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I currently have a Facebook group where I can provide tips, trainings, and other free resources to parents who are looking for ways to help their children to read on grade level. For those interested and looking for support, feel free to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtohelpstudentsreadongradelevel/?ref=share_group_link
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aiming4Excellence
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC5jENBLHwomy0PddDTbKdEA
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtohelpstudentsreadongradelevel/?ref=share_group_link
