In this episode of Small Town Big Business, co-hosts Deb Barnett and Russ Williams introduce Sumer Oglesby, founder of Sumer School in Marion, Illinois. Sumer School began in 2021 to address educational gaps exacerbated by COVID-19, evolving from a tutoring service into a comprehensive enrichment program offering art, science, and more. Summer, a third-grade teacher with 13 years of experience, discusses her transition from public school teaching to entrepreneurship, focusing on providing hands-on, technology-free learning experiences. Facing the challenges of balancing two full-time roles and the intricacies of business management, Sumer shares her dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for students. Community support and the importance of allowing children to learn at their own pace without the constraints of age-specific curriculum are highlighted.

Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.