Striking Out Alone and Finding More Connections
- Becca Bouchard
- Jan 25
- 2 min read
How is the first month of 2025 almost over already?
In April 2024, I finally stepped away from my full-time job to go full-time with my business, Bouchard Education. My passion for supporting teachers and schools in reaching their goals had grown too big for my current role, so I made the heart-wracking decision to strike out on my own.
As you may be able to tell from the lack of blog posts, I was (am) busy! Which in the world of self-employment is the literal dream.
In these past months, I have spoken as a keynote, supported literacy and UDL initiatives through professional development, and worked with full departments to align their practices and set goals to meet the needs of their students. I have truly been able to step into my passion and getting to work with others who are equally passionate for their students is a joy.
So my thoughts on being an entrepreneur. I am in love with the ability to meet my clients' needs wherever they are and be responsive to the shifts and new research in education. Working with administration and teachers to tease out the true problems of practice and co-develop plans of action is such a satisfying puzzle. Meeting such an array of passionate educators continues to invigorate me, knowing that so many students will benefit from the lifelong learners they have teaching and leading them. And, honestly, I really love getting to make my own hours and schedule, even though it is far busier than when I was in the classroom.
Truthfully, Iwill say, that the horrifyingly vertical learning curve of business ownership was a challenge. As such, I am so incredibly grateful to the friends, mentors, and professionals that helped me climb and learn.
I had sought to strike out alone, and in ended up finding even more connections that I ever have before. From this journey, I have an even greater appreciation for teamwork, collaboration, and true partnerships in this work of education. Lifelong learning in both formal and informal settings continues to be one of my core values, and I am so excited to be living this dream.
