We recently connected with Karen Edwards and have shared our conversation below.
Karen , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence and self-esteem developed once I learned my true identity. My identity is not in being a small business owner because that can change in a moment.
My identity is not being an educator because that can change.
My identity is not being a good wife, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, or colleague because those relationship statuses can change.
My identity is not in my appearance, financial status, or material possessions because they can change.
My self-confidence and self-esteem developed once I realized my identity is in Christ Jesus. I have the skills, knowledge, and talent to do what I am called to do. He promised never to leave me. In Him, I will always be loved and accepted. He loves me through all of my imperfections and shortcomings. I am everything in Him, and I am nothing without Him.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I remember having a passion for teaching at the age of five. I would sit my dolls in a chair and teach them lessons. I remember teaching my 83-year-old grandmother a few of my lessons when I was a child. According to my parents, I was always a natural leader and a teacher.
My leadership skills were further developed by serving in the church during my formative years.
Between the ages of 8-11, I became active in the church by working in the nursery, serving as an usher and kitchen helper.
Between the ages of 12-14, I served as the Sunday School assistant secretary, led the Junior Usher Board, and served in the choir and nursery.
In the community, I volunteered at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children as a Summer School activities worker. That’s where my passion for serving students who receive special education services started.
Between the ages of 14 and 18, I served as the Sunday School secretary, Junior choir member, and actor in church plays.
In the community, I became employed at St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children (age 14) as a Summer School activities worker.
Between the ages of 18 and 22, I served as the Sunday School’s Assistant Superintendent and served on the Counting Team as one of the church offering and tithes counters.
I struggled academically in the 3rd grade and continued through high school. I struggled because I did not make the connection between what I was being taught and how to apply the material to my life, and I found no relevance in the material.
I would focus on the teacher’s actions and behavior instead of the content I would then go home and pretend to be the teacher.
I was odd and did not fit in with other children my age. I often felt lonely and rejected. Reflecting today, I know I wasn’t supposed to fit it. It was meant for me to feel the rejection from my peers and teachers and the failure to connect. When teaching struggling students today, I “get it.”
I graduated from high school with a 1.64 GPA and Graduated from college with a 3.4 GPA.
I can do all things there. Christ strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Because my GPA was so low, I didn’t think I could go to college. During my senior year of high school, my guidance counselor looked at my grades and asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I dropped my head in shame and said, “A teacher.” waiting for her to laugh and reject me, she asked, “What college would you like to attend?” with my head still low, I said, “Norfolk State University.” She replied with an action plan to get accepted. I got accepted! She believed in me! (tears)
I will always remember how she made me feel.
I failed the Algebra II Trigonometry exam in my senior year of high school. My teacher called my parents to ask me to return to school to retake the exam. The teacher asked me to see the index card I created for the exam and traded it for the card he created for me. It took hours to complete the exam, and I passed! I graduated on time! My teacher believed in me! (tears) I will always remember how he made me feel.
My passion for becoming a special education teacher grew, and I excelled in college because I had a purpose. I had to serve the students. I had to be the teacher that I needed.
Today, after 25 years as a special education teacher in the middle school setting, I strongly desire to serve in a different capacity. Through my company, 2111 ECMA, I want to share my faith by showing love, compassion, empathy, encouragement, and God’s Word.
My company provides
- Special education advocate services to help parents navigate through the IEP and Special Education Eligibility processes.
- Virtual tutoring services in Reading and Fundamental Math Skills for students receiving special education services.
- Coaching services for special education teachers and staff.
- Consulting services for homeschools and education institutions serving students receiving special education services.
2111 ECMA, LLC delivers premium advocacy, tutoring, coaching, and consulting services for students, parents, educators, and schools involved in special education. Guided by Christian values for positive impact, we aim to train parents, educators, and schools to create nurturing and productive learning environments where students gain the skills, confidence, and independence necessary to succeed in their communities.
Our culture is defined by its Christian values and commitment to excellence. Our choices aim to guide our employees, clients, and students toward embodying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Embracing these qualities will enhance your success within the community and quality of life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, my heart, intentions, and willingness to serve helped me in my journey.
Check your heart and motives and identify your why. Why do you want to do this? Take your time with this task.
My advice to those early in their journey is to find their true identity and get to know Jesus. Build a relationship with Him by reading and studying His Word. By doing this, everything else will fall into place: your spiritual health, mental health, physical health, relationships, finances, and business.
I’m talking from experience. I could write a book about my life, and He saved me (tears). I feel good about myself and want everyone to feel this way.
Please do not compare your business model with anyone else’s. There’s room for everyone. What’s for you will be for you.
God is in control, and He will send your clients. Trust Him.
Get involved with the Small Businesses Association and participate in the free classes.
Pace yourself by incorporating balance. Feed your Spirit, Work, Rest, and Play.
Pray for wisdom and guidance before making any decisions.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal clients for my special education advocate services understand the impact of an IEP and the delivery of specialized instruction for their child receiving special education services. My clients often do not feel heard and are experiencing a breakdown in communication with their child’s school. They want to ensure their child receives a quality education with the necessary services, accommodations, and IEP goals in the least restrictive environment to repair the communication breakdown. They are fully invested in their child’s education and future.
My ideal clients for my virtual tutoring services are children and young adults with parents concerned about their child’s future and often think about what life will be like for their child when they become adults. They want to ensure their child can demonstrate independence in life skills by obtaining a job, reading to understand and survive, counting money, telling time, and demonstrating safety skills in the community and home setting. They are fully invested in their child’s education and future.
My ideal coaching clients are educators with the heart to serve students receiving special education services. These educators may not have received the necessary support as students or first-year teachers. They want to understand the components of the IEP, learn how to write and implement a data-driven learning plan, and successfully manage the special education classroom and caseload. They are transparent and open to go deep and transform from the inside out.
My ideal consulting clients are invested in their special education staff and students receiving special education services. They are open to making the changes necessary for teacher retention and student success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.2111ecma.com
- Instagram: @2111ecma
- Facebook: @2111ecma
- Linkedin: Karen Edwards- 2111 ECMA, LLC
Image Credits
Alicia Wilson-Shaw @allmadeupbyalicia
