Life & Work with Sade Stigger of Inglewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sade Stigger

Hi Sade, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I deeply believe that teaching possesses a divine essence, a profound SUPERPOWER that emanates patience, empathy, understanding, tenderness, compassion, and an overflowing abundance of love. These virtues, bestowed upon educators like my elementary teachers—Mrs. Ravard (2nd grade), Mrs. Zinsmeister (3rd grade), and Dana Means (5th grade)—played a pivotal role during challenging and transformative stages of my life.

Following my mother’s decision to relocate my siblings and me to California after her separation and subsequent divorce from my father, we encountered a myriad of trials and triumphs. Amidst moving from one motel to another, enduring periods of scarcity, facing the theft of our belongings, and navigating the vast distances by foot due to our lack of transportation, my mother transitioned from a wife and homemaker to a single parent striving to make ends meet.

Despite our hardships, my mother exhibited remarkable strength in shielding us from the weight of our struggles, transforming what could have been perceived as negative circumstances into moments of joy and adventure. School emerged as a sanctuary for me, offering solace through friendships and engaging in activities like sports that diverted my attention from the challenges at home.

One of my cherished teachers, Dana Means, not only became a significant figure in my life but also assumed the role of my God-mother for over two decades. Embracing me with unwavering care and generosity, she provided experiences and opportunities that my parents, constrained by financial limitations, were unable to afford.

In the tapestry of my life, the impact of these educators and my mother’s resilience stands as a testament to the transformative power of teaching and the enduring influence of those who selflessly dedicate themselves to nurturing and shaping young minds.

At a very young age, I knew that teaching was my calling. I started teaching before completing my undergrad program at Cal. State Dominquez Hills, thanks to former Principal Terri Norris. I was teaching at a charter school in Inglewood, California working as an instructional aid (also known as a teacher’s assistant) and she and several other teachers gave me opportunities to co-teach with them, as well as substitute for their Health and P.E. department. I was eager to learn and apply the skills and techniques I was learning in my teaching program. When a position opened up in their Special Education department, Mrs. Norris presented the opportunity to me and I took it. At the time I didn’t know much about SpEd but it was by far one of the best decisions I made early on in my career. Working with children who had cognitive impairments or learning barriers humbled me and helped me understand how/why so many children get lost in the “system” of education.

In June 2019, after ten years of teaching at charter schools and reinventing the SpEd department of four schools with an outstanding team, I resigned from my position. I decided to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, thanks to a dear friend, Cedric ‘Clay Dub’ Ingram Jr., for planting the entrepreneurial seed.

My goal is to create a learning environment that tailors to the individual students’ uniqueness and develop them as people and not classroom robots.

CORE 4 Learning started as a tutoring program in February 2019, in a small but perfect backroom of my mother’s home. She granting me the opportunity to transform her additional room into a classroom. By the summer of 2021, post the COVID pandemic, one of our parents, Syreeta Williams, politely requested that I consider adding homeschooling services to our platform after the successes of her 4.5 year old daughter in our program.

As enter our sixth year as a distinguished tutoring program, and our fourth year as a growing micro-school, it fills me with great joy to reflect on our humble beginnings. What commenced with a mere handful of 4-5 dedicated students seeking my guidance in tutoring and 3-4 eager homeschoolers has blossomed into a thriving community.

Today, our programs caters to 22-30 devoted students, benefiting from our comprehensive educational offerings delivered with unwavering commitment both online and in person. In response to our escalating numbers, we have enlisted the expertise of 4 adept Academic Coaches who diligently nurture our students’ academic growth online. Furthermore, 9 of those students have already enrolled in our micro-school for the upcoming academic year, underscoring the trust and confidence placed in our educational approach.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated administrative team comprising of two remarkable women and a dynamic Parent Committee work tirelessly to ensure the seamless operation and continual enhancement of our educational endeavors. As we continue to expand and evolve, I am filled with gratitude for the continued support and unwavering dedication of all those involved in our educational journey. We are blessed and I am exceptionally grateful for how God continues to move through CORE 4 Learning’s educational platform.

As an educational platform, we decrease middle and high school dropout rates, lower depression and suicide rates, as well as aggressive and volatile behavior; raise students meeting or exceeding grade level standards, increase the economy’s workforce, improve grades, test scores, homework time, and class participation. Our recipe is building a child’s confidence and developing holistic human. Our curriculum is rigorous but our children are set up for success and thrive, especially in part due to our inclusive and affirmative community and culture of representation. We believe that students learn best in environments where they are safe, loved, nurtured, and challenged. We aim to ensure that our homeschooled students have access to a wide range of experiences from a young age, regardless of their parents’ financial situation.

During our 2024 Annual Summer Workshop, our students had the chance to engage in their first swim lessons and progress to Level 2, marking a significant achievement for them. Thanks to Shandrea Brooks, the owner of Prestige Tennis, they also had the opportunity to learn tennis techniques. We are currently in the process of raising funds for an exciting journey to Costa Rica scheduled for March 2025. This trip will mark the first international experience for our students, with the opportunity for one parent from each family to join as well. We are trying to level up like the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.

There is a memory that has remained deeply etched in my mind since the beginning of my teaching journey: a printed copy of Taylor Mali’s poem, “What Teachers Make,” gifted to me by my beloved late God-grandfather, Richard Steward (former Freedom Rider and esteemed LAUSD educator). He presented me with this precious poem as I prepared for my inaugural teaching role.

In contemplating the profound question posed by Mali, “What do teachers make?” I have come to understand that we, as educators, craft something truly extraordinary—WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The impact we have is nothing short of transformative, invaluable, enlightening, and empowering. It is through our guidance that we instill in our students the knowledge that they possess immeasurable power and potential. We are there to remind them that they shine brightly even in the darkest of times.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our journey hasn’t always been smooth, there have been some challenges and setbacks. In 2022, our tutoring program experienced a significant decline in enrollment as the new school year commenced, plummeting from 22 students to merely four by September. The daunting task of reaching even 50% of our previous figures weighed heavily on my mind. However, by January 2023, we saw a glimmer of hope as eleven students joined our program, and we were able to retain three out of our five dedicated online Academic Coaches.

Moreover, a beacon of light emerged in the form of my Godmother, the esteemed Principal of Century Community Charter School, with whom we collaborate annually for our Summer Workshop. She graciously recommended some students to our program, demonstrating her steadfast belief and support in our mission to serve the community and uplift our students. I remain deeply touched and grateful for her continuous advocacy.

Among our current challenges, a significant obstacle we face is securing a suitable space in the competitive real estate market to accommodate our expanding team and increasing numbers. We aspire to preserve the intimate learning environment we have cultivated.

As I take a moment to shine light on the beauty of our village, I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support and referrals from my former colleagues, as well as the joy expressed by the families we assist. Their stories of success lie at the core of our current marketing endeavors, and I am sincerely touched by their trust and gratitude. The community surrounding CORE 4 Learning is a true blessing. We extend our support beyond the classroom, attending students’ celebrations, sporting events, and offering a shoulder to lean on during times of hardship.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the founder and CEO of CORE 4 Learning. CORE 4 Learning provides private educational services, virtually and in-person, to children ages 4.9-18, in small groups (of 4) or individual settings, prompting collaboration and hands-on learning. Our tutoring services complement and extend the learning that takes place in school. In addition, our homeschool program covers six subjects- reading, writing, math, science, history, language, and physical education- and establishes foundational skills while preparing students for their transition to middle school. Moreover, we are working to rebuild our counseling services to help assist our adolescent youth in understanding themselves and the world around them by building communication skills through public speaking. During summer, we offer a five-week long workshop for families to refresh skills and prepare students for the upcoming school year. Lastly, we aim to increase our funding to enable annual international trips and unforgettable educational experiences for our students.

Our program stands out with its distinctiveness, emphasizing life-long connections with families beyond the classroom. Our families come to us because our approach to life and learning align with the morals and values they set in place for their children. In our secure and nurturing environment, students are encouraged to express themselves freely and without reservation. They know we will take the time to truly listen to them. We value their voice and emotions- an area that some larger school miss. Furthermore, our approach to learning fosters a reciprocal relationship between teachers and students, ensuring mutual growth and development.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
In contemplating a foray into the entrepreneurial domain, I would recommend connecting with individuals within your network and leveraging the power of LinkedIn. A plethora of individuals stand ready to offer their assistance and bolster your endeavors. It would be prudent to seek out a mentor or a trusted confidant who can provide candid feedback and serve as a catalyst and sounding board as you navigate the path ahead.

Pricing:

• $1400/mo. Homeschool
• $75/session Individual Tutoring
• $65/session Group Tutoring
• $0/20 min. Consultation

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.core4learning.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/core4learning/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/core4learning/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sstiggy22