Exploring Life & Business with AyEsha Leonard McLaughlin of Teach to Reach

Today we’d like to introduce you to AyEsha Leonard McLaughlin.

Hi AyEsha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Education has been a key foundation and huge factor in shaping my life. My father’s family was filled with educators who had careers as teachers, and I was privileged to have family members who received a college education and had a passion to teach and uplift the community. As a first-generation American from my mother’s family, my story is quite different. I was privileged to be raised by two amazing grandmothers from my mother’s side who traveled the world. Unfortunately, they did not receive an education and were not taught how to read nor write. My passion to educate and build within my community is deeply rooted in my upbringing and it is why I Teach to Reach!

With over 20 years in education, I have held various positions including but not limited to Teacher, Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Equity and School climate for multiple school sites. I graduated from California State University at Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies, and also received a Master of Education in School Leadership from the University of Southern California.

Teach to Reach LLC was founded and developed based on the need observed while holding various education positions in Los Angeles County along with my desire to educate others who learn in a setting conducive to their strengths. My youngest daughter also had a high interest in building, exploring and experimenting which therefore developed the programming for Teach to Reach LLC.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My career as an educator has not been a smooth road. As a young adult eager to change the world and help others who are unable to access resources available, I ran into many roadblocks with laws, policies, and personnel. I opened Teach to Reach LLC to create an education center focused on meeting the learner where they are and building upon their skills.

As a small business owner who is a woman of color, I struggled opening in 2018 with limited resources. I rented from a church and school sites to hold seasonal camp sessions as well as held private camps in homes. I was unable to open my own location until 2021, and I continue to have trouble with obtaining funding for expansion of programming.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Teach to Reach LLC?
Through a hands-on, project/problem-based learning experience, Teach to Reach LLC provides S.T.E.A.M. based Camps, Classes, and Enrichments in order to expose children to an inquisitive environment where they are able to explore, develop, and challenge themselves.

During the pandemic, Teach to Reach developed S.T.E.A.M. Kits for an at home project-based learning experience which includes all materials needed as well as the lesson plan for inquisitive minds to follow. I also provided virtual classes in an attempt to continue to the learning experience during the lockdown.

Teach to Reach is the only brick and mortar facility in a 5 mile radius that specifically focuses on S.T.E.A.M. based programming in a learning environment that allows one to learn while doing. The camp sessions include dissections (of the brain, eye, heart, etc.), robotics, engineering, and more. All camp sessions are geared for ages 5-12 and all campers participate in the same learning experience despite their age.

Private events, classes, and off-site enrichments are also offered and designed based on individual requests. These events are also created with the same project-based learning experience as the camp sessions.

Currently, I am in the development stage of creating a makerspace environment during the off season of camp sessions for community members to visit and partake in a project that interests them. Initially, classes would be offered on specific days of the week and eventually, we would be open for customers to come in during business hours to work on any makerspace project available for purchase.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Find someone who has a drive and passion you desire to be similar to. Meet, talk, and observe that person. Take the information and knowledge they share with you, and weave that detail into who you are becoming.

As much as conducively possible, get yourself and your brand out there. People want to see your face and know what you are doing. You are the brand!

Pricing:

• Camp Sessions: $350 per week and includes morning snack, lunch and all materials
• Classes range from $50+

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.teachtoreachllc.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/_teachtoreach
• Facebook: facebook.com/teachtoreach.eca

Image Credits
Jade McLaughlin Jazmine McLaughlin Shirley Nichols Ryder Wynn