Dynamic Educator First (DEF) offers the DEF EDUprenuer Blueprint, a comprehensive, 6-week online curriculum designed to equip practitioners with the necessary tools and philosophies to thrive as independent contractors in the education field. The program’s objective is to empower participants to navigate school districts, hospitals, and private practices, although our focus is in schools more efficiently through mentors’ testimonies, proven methods, homework assignments, proven methodology, and references.
In completing the course, participants will identify their motivations for embarking on this journey, such as the desire for flexibility, serving preferred populations and locations, and achieving financial freedom. While challenging, the 6-week program offers mentor-guided support to ease the transition into independent contracting.
In week one, students gain an introduction to DEF and the significance of establishing a clear foundation for their journey as independent educators.
Students explore the differences between district employees and independent practitioners while recognizing the shortage of educational professionals in the United States.
This scarcity presents opportunities for independent practitioners to explore their niche and position themselves effectively in the open market. The program encourages students to plan, prepare, and envision their success as independent practitioners, fostering a supportive learning environment through weekly Zoom meetings with mentors.
Key takeaways include self-analysis of personal motivations, a clear understanding of the distinctions between traditional and independent school psychologists, and recognition of the shortage in the education sector. Overall, DEF’s curriculum empowers educators to embrace independence and thrive as impactful contributors to the education landscape, addressing critical shortages while achieving professional fulfillment and financial success.
DEF presents a comprehensive curriculum in week two that empowers practitioners to establish their educational agency. The primary objective is to equip participants with the necessary insights to create an agency and obtain essential professional contacts for purchasing professional liability insurance, a crucial step in establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
The Business Foundations lesson within the curriculum offers a general understanding of essential business aspects, providing insights on establishing an LLC, integrating functional knowledge into decision-making, and facilitating team partnerships. By identifying a sound business strategy, students can confidently launch their educational business ventures.
The program provides practical guidance through weekly meetings, encouraging students to plan and prepare for their entrepreneurial journey. Topics of discussion include launching the educational agency independently or seeking partnerships within the DEF community or personal network. Throughout the process, participants receive support from mentors and the DEF community, fostering a collaborative and encouraging environment.
Key takeaways include understanding the LLC establishment process, assembling a team of experts, and being mindful of all costs while staying motivated by the passion for education and independence.
For week three, DEF presents an enlightening curriculum introducing practitioners to the SEMI-analysis approach. This leads to heightened self-awareness, top-notch team building, and making informed decisions when selecting school districts. This approach proves invaluable in any profession, fostering positive outcomes for those who embrace it.
The program emphasizes setting high but achievable business standards and philosophies when establishing a new agency. With a clear plan and strong foundation, independent practitioners are more likely to succeed in the long run. The course encourages participants to create non-negotiable procedures aligned with their values and beliefs, ensuring authenticity in their business practices, cultivating consistent client experiences, and building a reputable standing as elite independent contractors.
Throughout the curriculum, participants develop SEMI-analysis, three-tier charts to identify strengths and areas for improvement. The program equips educators with the essential skills to handle challenging conversations with partners and school districts, promoting genuine partnerships and preventive measures for maintaining positive and healthy relationships.
Key takeaways include embracing a growth mindset and honing self-awareness, elevating decision-making capabilities, and fostering valuable partnerships to grow an educational agency.
DEF offers a comprehensive curriculum in week four that is focused on empowering practitioners to establish a strong brand identity, strategically position themselves in the market, and implement effective networking strategies. The objective is to equip participants with the necessary tools to become experts in their field, attract their target audience, and build and leverage a competent team.
This week, the program emphasizes the importance of clear communication with the target audience by establishing a website and logo. As independent practitioners, participants must familiarize themselves with the communities and students they hope to serve, increasing their competency. Building partnerships and staying informed about community programs and agencies are essential to establishing oneself as a competent practitioner.
Participants develop clear and measurable goals to improve their practices, continuously striving for growth and proficiency. The program guides them through the creation of a personalized logo and website that effectively represents their brand identity. Additionally, participants explore ways to become experts in their field and increase their knowledge.
The week four curriculum focuses on three fundamental principles for success: being proficient, efficient, and literate. Participants analyze their strengths and weaknesses based on the SEMI analysis and create strategies for improvement. By the end of the program, participants will be able to establish themselves as independent elite practitioners, gaining a competitive edge in the market and positioning themselves as valuable resources for school districts and communities.
During week five of the curriculum, DEF provides students with essential skills in pricing and contract elements, as well as negotiation strategies with school districts and partners. The objective is to foster stronger working relationships and achieve favorable outcomes for all parties involved.
The business finances component emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s previous income, growth expectations, and reasons for becoming an elite independent contractor. Participants learn to consider additional costs, such as insurance, taxes, and materials, while conducting due diligence to understand the district’s budget. Setting a reasonable price for services, as well as equitable profit-sharing with partners, is highlighted, encouraging sustainable and mutually beneficial long-term strategies for success.
Throughout week five, participants engage in research, role-playing, and discussions to enhance their negotiation skills and effectively discuss strategies in meetings with school districts. Emphasizing a WIN-WIN-WIN scenario, participants are encouraged to leverage the shortage of qualified practitioners in the field to negotiate contracts that benefit both the district and the families they serve while meeting their own best interests.
Key takeaways for this week will include students gaining the competencies needed to navigate the complexities of pricing, contracts, and negotiation, culminating in applying their acquired knowledge and skills.
Week 6 concludes the DEF training curriculum and focuses on helping practitioners transition from elite independent contractors to establishing their own educational agency with a team of educators serving multiple school districts across the United States. The objective is to guide participants in focusing on the end goal, strategically selecting partners with different skill sets, and branding to expand their reach and impact.
The business expansion component emphasizes the patience and optimism required to transition from an independent elite educator to an agency owner. As a practitioner’s reputation grows, more school districts will seek their services, creating an opportunity to recruit practitioners with diverse skill sets to join their team. Participants are taught how to plan, analyze the market, and identify potential partnerships within and beyond their network to develop long-lasting relationships with school districts across different states.
As they conclude their training, participants prepare to launch their agency, defining their selling points and the services their agency can offer to potential school districts. By completing week 6 assignments, participants become familiar with critical aspects of discovering potential partnerships, recruiting team members, and strategically working with districts.
This final step in the program instills a growth mindset, celebrating successes and reminding participants of their driving purpose. Armed with market knowledge and a strong team, practitioners will be ready to embark on their journey, positively impacting the education community.