Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Presley.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As early as elementary school, I loved doing not only my own homework, but my best friend’s as well (she was in a different class than me with different homework) so I was super into school!
I began tutoring other kids while I was in high school.
I went to Barcelona, Spain after high school in order to get certified in TESOL, so I could travel the world and teach English anywhere.
I came back to the states and began home educating my young daughter, rather than have her in the public school. This helped me really learn a lot about the history of education and how to teach someone who was so different from me! During that time I tutored other kids as well.
We hosted students from France, Spain, and Japan in our home and I taught them English, while immersing them in San Diego culture and our family.
During Covid time, many families saw the harm online zoom school was doing to their kids and they hired me to help them form home school pods.
One day a friend said she had funds from a local charter school her family was enrolled in, and if I became a vendor, they’d love to have me tutor their kids.
I became a vendor, and with that came other families as well. A friend from church helped me make Google and Yelp sites which also allowed others to find me.
I was teach a home school pod at this time when the mom introduced me to Charlotte Mason education. This type of mindset and insight revolutionized everything for me.
I felt as though I was just helping kids get worksheets done for so many years, but this helped me dive deep into a systematic understanding of the design of kids and the way they learn best.
I started getting so busy mainly because during this time I was getting deeply connected to the Creator, and the Savior Jesus. Having a relationship with the God who is love was the foundational event that led to me being able to form life-giving relationships with students and I saw them lighting up with joy and interest!
I consider my method Charlotte-Mason based because she saw each child as an individual with unique needs and gifts, as well as unique weaknesses. Her method has helped me to be able to teach most any child, regardless of their challenges, because of the insights and wisdom given to me from heaven:)
I have even been able to hire others to tutor under my guidance and help them see the joy and goodness they can bring to students as well!
I now have a vision to train up teachers in this method, as well as make videos of lesson examples so moms and anyone can benefit! I see this method going global :))
All glory to God through Jesus Christ!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was not smooth! I actually pursued photography and cosmetology for a time, not thinking of tutoring as fun or exciting, but once I settled into the fact that that’s the way I’m most gifted and I’m such a lifelong curious learning person, I decided to just trust God with it and He has blessed me so much, giving me new insights and ideas to make it fun and actually revive education:))
As you know, we’re big fans of Joyful Journey Tutoring. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I have decades of experience with kids and teaching all over the world and in all types of settings.
I am unique because I love kids deeply and desire to build more than just worksheet-filling skills. I help them grow in character such as listening skills, honoring others, persevering, and communicating.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First of all, my mom would always talk to me and read to me and encourage my academic path. My grandmother would encourage thinking and learning in other ways such as art and music. My stepdad was supportive on my journey just by his presence and engaging in conversation with me about my life. My daughter encouraged me by stating “mom you’re such a school nerd.” She was a great encouraging sweetheart in my journey in so many ways.
After that, I had so many friends and church leaders who inspired me that anything is possible with God, that I had the gift and calling which kids loved, so even in hard times, that helped me stay focused.
The referrals from clients to their friends has been huge!
Pricing:
- $70/hour for any type of tutoring
Contact Info:
