Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Jenna Myers from The Sophisticated Teacher for sharing your story with us. Congratulations on being a finalist for the 30th Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards! View all finalists here and event info here.

Tell us the story of your business/nonprofit and how it’s evolved.

The Sophisticated Teacher began as a tutoring business, while I was a classroom teacher.

I loved to help students reach their potential. When I decided to become a stay at home mom, I realized I didn’t want to completely walk away from teaching, so I expanded my tutoring business and also began teaching classes for local homeschool co-ops. I saw a need in the local homeschool community for a seasoned teacher to walk alongside parents as they made curriculum choices and needed to evaluate their children’s academic progress. Today, I split my time between academic evaluations and consulting, and tutoring and teaching classes.

What are you most proud of when it comes to your team?

I am a one woman show, but couldn’t have grown without the support of my husband. The growth of my business has solely depended on referrals and word of mouth, so I am beyond grateful for my clients.

In what ways do you give back to the Loudoun community?

I am a foster for GRREAT (golden retriever rescue) and LCAS (cats/kittens).

I also have spent much of my time over the last 9 years coordinating meals and donations for Loudoun Transitional Housing. I am also a long time volunteer with Home Educators of Virginia, benefiting not only our community but families across the state.

What would it mean to you and your business to win a Small Business Award?

It would showcase the value of teaching in a wide variety of settings.  It also shows that you can think outside the box and create a career which puts your family first, but still allows you to do what you love.

Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

Patricia Beahr with HEAV, as she is always advocating for all types of learners and holds people accountable.

What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

A teacher. My poor younger sister, our cat and guinea pigs, not mention our stuffed toys, were all subjected to playing school growing up.

If you’re not in the office, where can we find you/what is another passion you have?

You’ll find me horseback riding or baking if I am by myself. I also love going on walks and kayaking with my three boys and husband.

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5 years?

The hope is to eventually find a hybrid school and continue to find ways to serve a diverse learning community.

Learn more about The Sophisticated Teacher on her website.