Today we’d like to introduce you to Markesha Wattree.
Hi Markesha, 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?
Nearly 15 years ago, I decided to leave the business world to become a teacher. I made the switch to education and never looked back!
I spent approximately ten years teaching a range of grade levels. I found great joy and purpose in teaching, yet I wanted to do more. I supplemented and added things to the curriculum often. There were tons of gaps, and frequently the lessons didn’t meet my students where they were. They didn’t adequately prepare them to succeed beyond the next benchmark or state test. Many of the students I encountered were severely below grade-level academically, but they were brilliant and beyond capable. Why were they so far behind? What should I do to get them where they need to be? How can I do this without putting unnecessary stress on these babies? I spent countless nights and weekends creating activities, lessons and strategizing how to give them what they needed. I failed many times. Not every lesson worked, but the children trusted me to show up and do my best each day. That’s what I did, and I asked the same of them. We learned together. We found things that worked. I learned so much from my students. I still wanted to do more. I wanted to help create change on a larger scale.
After leaving the classroom, I remained in education in various roles. In these roles, I was able to see that the issues I witnessed on my campus were not limited to just the Houston area. They were widespread across the U.S.; children lacked critical foundational academic skills.
I wanted to get “back to the basics.” I gathered some of the materials that worked best for my former students. Materials that kept them engaged and boosted their learning. In early 2020, I redesigned some of those materials and launched Juggle Learning. I began Juggle Learning to provide hands-on, skill-based educational games and materials for children who learn best using their hands, tactile and visual learners. Our products don’t require technology; everything a child needs to learn a particular skill is in the box. The products are engaging and an excellent way for the family to be involved in the child’s learning. My goal is to design resources to ensure that students who may not do well with traditional learning tools have other options for learning.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There have been many challenges along the way. I was determined to launch Juggle Learning because the need was great. I found myself tasked with launching a business from scratch while working a demanding full-time job. I was overwhelmed! I reached out to several wonderful people in my network who helped me strategize and pointed me in the right direction.
Establishing the business was probably the easiest part. I then struggled with finding a way to produce the products while keeping the prices affordable. After much research and tons of trial and error, I finally found a manufacturer to bring my vision to life.
The challenges are ongoing, but it’s all part of operating a business. I’ve learned how to pivot when necessary and when to ask for help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Juggle Learning designs and creates technology-free, hands-on educational games and products for children. Our phonics and sight words products are unique because educators (me and several other content experts) developed and approved them. Parents and occupational therapists vetted them as well. Each product has been researched and tested in real classrooms with real students. They work! If Juggle Learning made them, you know that they will be high-quality and an excellent learning resource.
I am proud to do something that I love that also helps to correct a problem in education. We currently offer products for children ages 4-7. We are expanding our product line to include materials and games for older children and various other subjects such as math and science.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always looking to network and expand with more school districts, campuses, learning/tutoring centers, toy stores, bookstores, etc. I also encourage parents, teachers, etc., to reach out to me if they would like something specific created that isn’t on my website. Please get in touch with me via email at mwattree@jugglelearning.com.
Contact Info:
- Email: mwattree@jugglelearning.com
- Website: www.jugglelearning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jugglelearning/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jugglelearning
Image Credits
P. B Photos
