Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyndsay Ealey
Hi Lyndsay, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Lyndsay Ealey, and I am a certified teacher with over 20 years of experience in the classroom. I’m also a proud single mom to my incredible daughter, Olivia, who is on the autism spectrum. About 9 years ago, I made the decision to move to California to teach for a friend, a leap that was motivated by my passion for education and the desire to embrace new opportunities.
The pandemic hit, and like many others, I found myself navigating the complexities of remote work while also caring for Olivia full-time. It was incredibly challenging, especially as a teacher trying to manage the demands of virtual teaching. I was working long hours to prepare materials, including slideshows, lesson plans, and packets, but the expectations were unrelenting. It took a toll on me, both professionally and personally.
However, there was a silver lining. Being at home with Olivia allowed me to step into the role of her teacher, and I realized just how much I cherished the opportunity to spend that quality time with her. Eventually, I had to make a difficult decision: continue as a teacher or prioritize being a mom. Without hesitation, I chose motherhood.
The very next day, I woke up at 4 a.m., submitted my resignation, and found myself at a crossroads with no clear plan, no money, and no idea what would come next. But I knew teaching was my calling. I wanted to stay in the profession, so I began tutoring, starting with just one student. Word of mouth spread quickly, and within a couple of weeks, I was tutoring full-time in the afternoons and evenings, and building the foundation for my own business. This gave me my days free to be a full time mom and teacher to my daughter.
Yours in Education is a reflection of my dedication to teaching. It’s the name I’ve used for 20 years, always signed at the bottom of my emails to parents because teaching, to me, is all about service—about giving to children and families because you love it, not just to earn an income.
Now, five years into running my business in the San Gabriel Valley, I’ve expanded my services to include academic intervention, testing, meditation classes for families, workshops for schools, and advocacy for students. I’m proud to say that my business continues to grow, and I’m excited for what’s next as I continue to serve my community with love and passion for education.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t been entirely smooth, but it’s been an incredible journey. One of the biggest challenges has been the steep learning curve of running a business. As a teacher, I was skilled at lesson planning, assessing progress, and developing strategies—but transitioning those skills into the world of business required a whole new set of skills I hadn’t anticipated. From marketing to managing finances, there was so much to learn, and at times, it felt overwhelming. But the learning process has been rewarding, and I’ve grown so much along the way.
Branding my business wasn’t all that different from branding a classroom. The core values I’ve always had as a teacher—creating a welcoming environment, building relationships with students and families, and fostering growth—became the foundation of how I branded and built my business. I still do many of the things classroom teachers do: lesson planning, assessing for progress, researching new curriculums and strategies, and meeting with parents to ensure success. The work might look different, but at its core, it’s still about supporting children and families and helping them thrive.
Doing this work in isolation can sometimes be tough. However, I’m fortunate to have an amazing network of fellow educators who act as sounding boards for my ideas, offer valuable feedback, and share resources. Staying connected with other teachers has been vital, and I’ve learned just how important it is to have that support system. We all need that collaboration and connection to grow, and I’m grateful for the friendships that have helped me through the toughest moments.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work focuses on providing personalized educational support through academic intervention, tutoring, and advocacy services. I specialize in meeting students where they are, assessing their unique needs, and creating tailored strategies that foster success. Whether it’s helping with foundational skills, preparing for tests, or offering social-emotional support, I aim to make learning an engaging and empowering experience.
What sets me apart is my approach to teaching. With over 20 years of classroom experience, I’ve always believed in the power of building strong, supportive relationships with both students and their families. I focus on understanding each student’s learning style, challenges, and strengths, allowing me to create an environment where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged. This personalized approach not only helps students academically but also helps them grow as individuals.
One of the most meaningful compliments I’ve received came from a former administrator who dubbed my classroom “The place where learning and magic meet.” What I do best is help students fall in love with learning and develop a genuine love for school. I believe that when students are excited about coming to school, when they feel connected and valued, it opens the door to success. My goal is to inspire them to see the joy in learning, so they feel motivated and confident to tackle challenges head-on.
I’m also proud of the holistic services I offer. In addition to academic support, I provide meditation classes, workshops for schools, and advocacy services—addressing the emotional and social aspects of a student’s development. This well-rounded approach allows me to support students not just in their academics, but in their overall well-being.
Ultimately, I’m known for being compassionate, dedicated, and results-driven. What I’m most proud of is the positive impact I’ve had on students’ lives—not just in terms of their grades, but in how they feel about learning and school. Seeing students grow in confidence and excitement for education is the most rewarding part of my work.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’d love to share one more important part of my journey that has had a profound impact on me. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to work on an advocacy case for one of my special education (SPED) students. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. When we won the case for her family and secured the services she had a legal right to, it sparked something deep within me. Seeing the relief and joy on their faces, knowing that I had played a role in ensuring this child received the support she needed, was incredibly fulfilling.
What truly inspires me every day is the dedication and hard work I see in the children in my life, including my daughter. Olivia is relentlessly dedicated to her goals, and seeing the fierce determination in the kids I work with pushes me to aim higher and do more. It ignited a passion within me that I’m now pursuing—I’m currently studying for the LSAT with the goal of attending law school. My dream is to earn my JD and become a special education attorney, so I can help other families like mine navigate the complexities of special education services.
This next chapter is driven by my deep commitment to supporting SPED families and ensuring they receive the advocacy and legal support they deserve. It’s a new and exciting journey, and I’m thrilled to be able to use my skills and experiences to make a broader impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yoursineducation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yours_in_education/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoursInEdu
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yours-in-education-pasadena
