Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Carwile.
Hi Leah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Certainly! As a little girl I knew that I would pursue a supportive/caregiver role in adulthood. I didn’t know what that role would be back then, but I do have fond memories of playing the role of “teacher” with my favorite dolls and three younger siblings (if they allowed me). It wasn’t until I became a mother to my own daughter that I committed to fulfilling that role. Becoming an educator was a perfect fit. Upon graduating from Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), with honors, I immediately sought a full-time position within my local school district. Although remaining local was ideal, it was unlikely. Many positions were full at that time. Instead of waiting, I decided to visit schools in another area district. This resembled driving school-to-school, unannounced, during the summer, to hand-deliver my resume; among other documents. Their response was memorable, but at least it was neatly combined in a binder with tabs! After two months of searching, one school was hiring a first grade position. They welcomed me with open arms and quickly became my 2nd home. That school was one of my biggest blessings, and it shaped me into the teacher and business owner I am today. At year five, I accepted the role of Unit Leader for my grade level. A role that required many hours of documentation and year-round meetings in exchange for a small one-time check. Money was never my reason for accepting the role. Providing support and being at the forefront of decision making was my reason for accepting the role. That role felt natural to me and it allowed me to have a seat at the decision table. I maintained that role for several years after. It was during that time that I realized “support” was at the heart of my career goals; whether it be in support of fellow teachers, parents, or the students I/we served. That was a realization that might not have been realized without that valuable experience. In 2020, our school building sat silent, and in 2021, I completed my final year as a first-grade teacher and division lead. Although I would like to say that The Learning Edge Tutoring Center was immediately incepted, it took time, and careful consideration. If it had not been for the right people, the right opportunities, and amazing clients that have supported it’s success, I would not be able to share this success story today. A business built as a life-line for the my immediate community, quickly evolved into a life-line for numerous families across all educational models; an outcome that I could only hope and pray for in the beginning. As an educator, I know firsthand what a high level of individualized support has the capacity of producing. As a mother, I would want nothing less for my own children. As a business owner, I continue to strive for the highest level of effective instruction and personalized support. “Support” will always be the beating heart of The Learning Edge Tutoring Center. Truly a dream come true!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been a few minor obstacles along the way, but nothing too big to overcome. We were very fortunate to locate a space that was centrally located for our clients. Some of our families have commuted over 40 minutes to reach us for their in-person lessons, but overall, it has been a convenient meeting place for most of our in-person clients. One of the biggest obstacles we have had to overcome is allowing for a higher volume of routine visitors while also expanding our services. As our center has grown in client numbers we have had to expand our physical footprint; a problem I would never complain about! Although expansion, of any kind, places a small business under temporary strain as construction and alterations take place, it is an anticipated and exciting growth point. That expansion has allowed us to add new services and subject areas, beyond our initial offerings. We were also fortunate to win grant funds to offset our upgrading and expansion costs through our local Campbell County Start Small Business Grant, in which we were selected, recognized, and awarded $5,000. The stars have aligned on more than one occasion, and we are incredibly grateful.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Thank you for asking. Our tutoring center prides itself on its highly personalized and proactive approach to learning. We feel passionately that each of our families and students remain in the drivers seat. Our roll is to simply to ensure that they are fully supported along their personal (and private) educational journey. The Learning Edge Tutoring Center is privately and locally owned, which is also very important to us and our clients. Our center is open year round, Monday-Friday, between 10am-7pm (by appointment). A schedule that has been carefully developed with our busiest families and students in mind. We strive to make tutoring affordable for everyone. To that end, our center offers free consultations and pre assessments to all new clients, and there are zero enrollment fees. We want to ensure that each family feels 100% confident in their decision to join our tutoring family. Our tutoring lessons are also highly versatile and adaptive. We offer flexible lesson options for PreK-12 families in public, private, hybrid, or homeschool learning models. Although we currently specialize in PreK-12 Reading/Language, Mathematics, and Social Studies/History, new subjects are always being added. In addition to our in-center option, our families also have have the unique option of requesting online or in-home lessons (within a 30 mile radius) upon request. Out tutoring rate is even 100% customizable per subject, lesson duration, and lesson delivery method. Weekly homework help and study skills support are also available at a limited cost. We encourage everyone to give The Learning Edge Tutoring Center a try!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Wow! What a thought provoking question. Optimism, determination and faith have always remained at the root of my life and professional career. These three characteristics have moved the biggest mountains and paved that way for so many unique opportunities. Without optimism, it’s difficult to see beyond the biggest challenges. Without determination, it’s difficult to push through each challenge, as it comes. Without faith, our efforts are fruitless and feel meaningless. When we set our sights on our mission, pursue that mission unceasingly, and believe in ourselves and our the assignment set before us, the biggest breakthroughs and growth will take place. The only thing I would add is to never forget your “Why” in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelearningedgetc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearningEdgeTC
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-carwile-8a763722a/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLearningEdgeTC
