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Meet Dupé Aleru of Tutors for Tots, Tweens & Teens in Long Beach

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Dupé Aleru.

Dupé, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For the past decade, I have combined my passions for education and self-improvement towards a life dedicated to being an education entrepreneur, author, content creator, and motivational speaker.

I started my career back in 2006 as a classroom teacher, with only an unshakable suspicion that life had more for me in store. But I never could have imagined how much!

I’ve always had a passion for teaching and the learning process, so when I graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2003 with a degree in sociology, I went back to school to receive my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

At the age of 25, I thought, “I MADE IT!” I snagged a job as a second grade elementary school teacher, and I couldn’t have been happier.

Yet life sometimes has other plans for us, and my exuberance would soon turn to despair. I was laid off after my first year teaching due to budget cuts, only to be brought back the next academic school year. Then I was laid off after my second year teaching, and brought back a third year. Plus, during this time, I had to invest much of my emotional and physical energy to caring for myself, due to a medical condition that almost took my life. Still I was determined to continue my teaching, but I was again laid off TWO MORE TIMES until finally, in 2010, I made one of the toughest decisions of my life—I decided to leave classroom teaching altogether.

By this time, I had added a new degree and Credential: a Master of Science in Educational Counseling, and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. I had invested so much time and energy into teaching; however, I knew that I had to find a different way to make an impact within the educational field.

While I began taking a serious look at my future, and what I wanted for myself, I accepted a job working for The Beverly Hills Courier as its Director of Education Services—a fancy term for education reporter. I threw myself into the work, building the education section from the ground up before being laid off AGAIN due to major staff cuts at The Courier.

Yes, that’s FIVE LAYOFFS within a five-year period! Enough to make most people throw in the towel; and I admit, the thought did cross my mind. But instead of quitting, I took it as a sign from God—it was time for me start my own company.

TUTORS FOR TOTS, TWEENS & TEENS LLC WAS BORN!

I hustled to build my tutoring business, which later grew into an education company.

Over the last several years, I have stepped fully into my life’s purpose—educating audiences of all ages on a MASS SCALE! This is where I was meant to be, and though I had to overcome many setbacks, it was all a SET UP to get me to where I am now.

Today, I spend most of my time creating curriculums for school districts and city programs. I also speak at K-12 schools, colleges, and other events. Plus, I have amazing fans that give me the opportunity to deliver daily inspirational content, focused on business and personal development, on my social media platforms.

Life is phenomenal, and I’m just getting started. I hope my story has inspired you to go after your dreams, and to never give up, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Has it been a smooth road?
Throughout my journey, there has always been obstacles and challenges that obstructed my view for a split second, but in those moments I chose to remember my WHY. Why did I decide to pursue my dreams? Why is it so important for me to keep moving forward? Once I recollected my thoughts, my view became clear again.

I have overcome many obstacles, from major health issues to constant layoffs, and I can finally say that I am in a good place. However, I am far from naive to assume that I am exempt from challenges in the future. But I will say, when they arrive I will be ready to overcome them.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Tutors for Tots, Tweens & Teens story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the founder and owner of Tutors for Tots, Tweens & Teens LLC—an elite K-12 education company in Long Beach, CA—with services ranging from core subject tutoring and test preparation to special education and mentoring, as well as a health and nutrition program, “The Cook Book Nutrition Course.”

I am also the author of four published education books, including most recently a high school goal-setting curriculum series “SCALE High Program: A Goal-Setting Curriculum for High School Students,” “SCALE High Student Workbook: Grade 9-12,” and “SCALE High Goal-Setting Guide and Weekly Journal: Grade 9-12.”

I spend most of my time these days empowering thousands of people all around the world through my inspirational videos, keynotes, and business coaching program. I recently launched a women’s empowerment coaching group to help women achieve massive results in their business while promoting a positive environment of trust and camaraderie among members.

I like to think that one day I will dominate as an education entrepreneur. How will that look? Only time will tell, but as my fans like to say, “Dupé you’re the queen of education.” I truly believe that my extensive background in education — I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in sociology and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach. I also hold a Master’s of Science degree in educational counseling, and a Pupil Personnel Services (P.P.S.) Credential from the University of La Verne—and my creativity in curriculum development, filmmaking, speaking, and networking sets me apart from others in my field.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The education sector will make major changes, shifts, and trends over the next 5-10 years, technology advances being the focal point. In today’s society, technology has made learning easier and more efficient for students.

Classroom structure will change. Chalkboards are now considered the “Stone Age”, and even Smart Boards will soon be replaced with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). The change will happen slowly, but I believe in about 20 years the market will notice the shift.

A major trend today that will continue to expand is “individualized instruction” for students. With YouTube and all other social media platforms, Smart Phones, apps, and the like, students can reach beyond the walls of their classrooms to enhance their learning. Educators and institutions will be forced to adapt to the shifting world.

Pricing:

  • PK-5 in-home tutoring starts at $50/hour (multiple subjects).
  • 6-12 in-home tutoring starts at $55/hour (per subject).
  • Mention “Voyage LA” to receive 10% off your 1st month tuition

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Spencer Hodge

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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