Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ruth Finsthwait, Co-Founder and CEO of SpanishCurriculum.com, located in Granite Bay, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We support and resource schools that want a robust Spanish program with a published 5-level curriculum, digital training courses, community, and one-on-one coaching to develop functional Spanish speakers. Our customers are schools, districts, IB schools, charter schools, private and public schools, as well as private tutors.
Tell us about yourself
As an elementary Spanish teacher, I experienced burnout and lack of support firsthand. I vividly remember finishing a day of teaching—exhausted and discouraged—only to go home with the same nagging question going through my head: “What am I going to teach tomorrow?” So, I set out to help other teachers find a better way.
Children are natural language learners. And the #1 most effective way to teach your students to be conversational in Spanish is through immersion. That’s why more than anything, I want to help you teach Spanish in Spanish... without sacrificing your personal life.
If you’re a Spanish teacher, you owe it to yourself, your students, and your family to see what your life in and out of the classroom could look like when you have all the resources and support you need at your fingertips.
With done-for-you lesson plans and access to exclusive training, Maestro Membership Community will take the guesswork out of teaching. You’ll be able to confidently engage your students in class and still have the time and space to enjoy your hobbies, home, and family.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping teachers every day make a massive impact on students' lives by teaching them to speak Spanish. Also, creating a membership that delivers resources in an affordable way to Spanish teachers of the 5-level curriculum, accompanying student workbooks, supporting visual graphics, slide decks, and tons of video training to support teachers professionally and personally.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing all the hats of CFO, COO, and CEO. It's hard to balance all of it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Write down your why, get good people around you that are gifted in ways you are not, and create a culture you want to work in. Getting the right people around you matters.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I started out as a teacher, and no one could have told me how much I would love business. It's been wonderful, and I'm just getting started with round two.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.spanishcurriculum.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpanishCurriculumForTeachers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spanishcurriculumdotcom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-finsthwait-ab6849250/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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