Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Buggs.
Amber, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Amber Buggs, born and raised in the most beautiful city in the world, Memphis, TN. After graduating from The University of Memphis in 2015, my heart was set on becoming a teacher in the Memphis area. It’s always been my number one goal to pour back into the city that raised me. After my first two years of teaching, it was very clear that our kids needed more. More resources and one on one support.
I began tutoring students in my classroom before and after school. This quickly grew faster than I imagined which pushed me to begin my tutoring business, Ordered Steps Tutoring. I believe that our steps in life are ordered. No matter the time or delay to get to our destination. I met with parents from different neighborhoods to assist with learning at home the best way I knew how.
In March of 2020, the pandemic hit, and our kids were definitely in need of more resources. I began to Teach it Tuesday. Each Tuesday, I posted engaging learning tutorials on my social media as well as on Youtube. These ranged from home STEM activities to learn how to solve tricky math problems. I began providing families with interactive learning binders as well as virtual tutoring sessions.
The pandemic was my motivation to pour all I could into my community. After 5 years of teaching in the classroom, I decided to step out on faith. I now own my Family Day Home Preschool, Ordered Steps Learning Center that houses our preschool 3 and 4-year-olds as well as after-school tutoring for PreK- 5th grade.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At the time being a teacher and operating a business part-time was a bit challenging. Naturally, I would love to teach and tutor every child I can, but that’s not realistic.
Some of the struggles I encountered while tutoring over the pandemic was the lack of internet access/devices for students that needed tutoring (March 2020-July 2020) Though we were all learning together, teaching virtually while adapting to life during a global pandemic was hard physically and mentally. I struggled with the thought of kids simply not learning. Reaching out to other educators for help was very beneficial.
Transitioning to working completely for myself has its challenges. I’ve learned how to network for better opportunities for my students and families, as well as hire a staff of like-minded people that are willing to put in the work for our students.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about the Ordered Steps Learning Center?
My business, Ordered Steps Learning Center houses our preschool 3-4-year-olds as well as our after-school tutoring. We provide a safe, rigorous, and hands-on learning environment that supports social, emotional, physical growth as well as a love of self. It’s our goal and passion to provide very unique and hands-on learning opportunities for our students.
I specialize in teaching as well as curriculum and instruction. Through my social media series of Teach it Tuesday, I provide families with tangible learning tips to assist with learning at home. I believe that parents are willing and would love to help at home, sometimes it’s just the HOW. This is where I come to help. I love to highlight different learning brands, local authors and illustrators, and learning tutorials.
I’m most proud of the growth and support of Ordered Steps. There’s no way I can do this work alone. I’m proud of great teachers who are willing to share trends seen in the classroom which helps me brainstorm ways to communicate it with our Teach it Tuesday audience.
I would love for your readers to follow us on social media to learn more about Teach it Tuesday as well as our style of learning at Ordered Steps Learning Center.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone starting a business in education would be to connect with educators, parents, and students. Build a relationship with your community to learn what’s needed.
Contact Info:
- Email: Orderedstepslearningcenter@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @Orderedstepslearningcen
- Facebook: Orderedstepslearningcenter
- Twitter: @Orderedsteps901
- Youtube: Teach it Tuesday
Image Credits
Chiquilla Brown at QuillaBee’s Photography
