Education is a field that is constantly evolving, and for many educators, the traditional system can feel limiting. This was the case for the author, who after years of teaching and coaching, found himself disillusioned with the very system he was meant to serve. However, instead of giving up, he pivoted towards entrepreneurship, owning a digital marketing agency, consulting for businesses, and coaching athletes and executives. Each venture taught him valuable skills in adaptability, value creation, and courage.
After two decades in the business world, the author found himself drawn back to education, but this time with a new perspective. In 2021, he and his wife founded Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale, a learner-driven school that prioritizes personal responsibility, real-world skills, and adaptive thinking. This venture was a culmination of his experiences in both education and entrepreneurship, combining seemingly disparate worlds into a new model of schooling.
The journey of starting Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale was not without its challenges. The school faced a zoning issue that forced them to find a new location shortly after opening their doors. Instead of backing out, the team persevered and found a new building, leading to the growth of the school tenfold. This experience taught them the value of determination and resilience in the face of obstacles.
As the author transitions into his new role at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, he brings with him a vision for the future of education. He believes that the current education system is struggling to prepare students for a rapidly changing world and that new models of schooling are needed. Educational entrepreneurship, or “edupreneurship,” is essential in bridging the gap between traditional education and the skills needed for the future.
One example of innovation in education is the local Children’s Business Fair hosted by Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale, where young entrepreneurs as young as five or six years old showcase their businesses. This event demonstrates how early exposure to entrepreneurship can shape a child’s future through a sense of agency and creativity.
In his new role at FEE, the author’s mission is to support and champion edupreneurs who are creating innovative learning communities. He believes that the future of education will be shaped by individuals who challenge the status quo with new possibilities. For educators feeling stifled by the system and parents frustrated with traditional schooling, there are options for personalized, engaging learning that are expanding every day.
The author encourages experienced entrepreneurs to consider education as their next challenge, as it has the potential for long-term impact and innovation. The future of education is already changing, and the question is not whether it needs to change, but how individuals want to co-create this future. As we stand at the threshold of a new era in education, filled with challenges and rewards, it is up to us to shape the future of learning for generations to come.
