Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasha Chang.
Hi Tasha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began as an artist but emerged into an educator. My passion developed even more once I became a mom. Every author my daughters read and each problem they struggled to solve kindled my yearning to help them. My temporary teaching position became permanent, serving in classrooms, both public and private for 20 years. My husband, an award-winning teacher for 20 years, encouraged me to build a customized education center. To help students thrive and grasp the spark that inspires them creates a special moment to be part of their story. My instinctual spirit guides me to be a part of other stories, to help reveal what is planted and encourage development. As there is no one way to teach, there is no one way to learn. When students and parents comprehend this concept, the confidence ensues and wonders in learning are infinite.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Like countless others, my business suffered when Covid occupied our lives. This was a disease that took control of people and crept into our livelihood. We were forced to close down our brick and mortar all whilst the world was getting sick and schools were closing. Focusing on indiscriminately surviving became the priority. Post shock, the time to pivot was here. Serving the need of our community, we transitioned to a virtual setting. We are now 100% an online educational service.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about AP Academy?
AP essentially stands for three terms: Academic Proficiency, Accelerated Program, and Advanced Placement. We offer subject and GPA support, increase academic learning, and high school’s AP subject and exam prep. We offer private high school counseling with full admissions package prep as well as college counseling starting summer before freshman year. Our full service consulting comprises of using the NWEA Map software assessment, collaborating with nonprofit organizations for volunteer and leadership opportunities, and being a part of NACAC (National Association of College Admission Counseling).
Our stand-out factor is all our tutors and counselors are professional educators! Everyone is accomplished in their field and passionate about teaching. I am honored to work with quality people who care and are mindful of the whole student.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Every teacher will tell you about having a growth mindset. This is based on the desire to learn; to embrace challenges, press on, and end with the result in having a greater achievement. This is the pulse of all education, one we practice at AP. I personally had to apply this when we were forced to shut down and crushing doubts inundated me. However, the need to proceed and not let down my students and my family propelled my hope and now we can serve students from anywhere. We also have wonderful teachers from all across the country that we would not have engaged with if not for our virtual platform. When you change and innovate, silver linings are in abundance.
Contact Info:
- Email: tasha@apacademy.net
- Website: www.apacademy.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irvine_ap_academy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Education/AP-Academy-418189448696341/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ap-academy-irvine-2
Image Credits:
Jenna Norman Photography – portrait
