Meet the Founder: Jessica Page, Founder of Just Focus Online Learning
Today we’re joined by Jessica Page! Her passion for math started in middle school, where she was inspired by a favorite teacher to become a peer tutor. Fueled by this early experience, Jessica went on to earn her degree in Math Education and became certified as a Flipped Classroom Teacher, later teaching mathematics to Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Florida pubic schools. Throughout her career, Jessica has consistently impressed, achieving the highest learning gains for her students and inspiring her colleagues. Most recently, Jessica’s dedication to education led her to found Just Focus Online Learning and she become a 4.0 Tiny Fellow. Let’s dive in and hear more about Jessica’s journey and her mission to transform math education!
Our Meet the Founder blog series, spotlights inspiring education pioneers who are shapping the future of learning. Weekly, we share insights and real stories of educational enterpreneurs shaping the new education revolution.
I met Jessica, founder of Just Focus Online Learning, earlier this year when we were both part of the 4.0 Tiny Fellow program. We quickly bonded over our shared passion for EdTech and making learning fun for kids. If you follow me on social media, you might remember Jessica from our Homeschool STEAM Festival – her math games were a huge hit with families! I’m excited to share more about her Jessica’s work. Download a FREE Just Focus Online Learning math activity, exclusively for NYCTM readers, at the end of this post!
Tell us about Just Focus Online Learning. What is Just Focus Online Learning?
Just Focus Online Learning aims to empower students along their journey of mastering mathematical concepts. Virtual tutoring provides individuals and study groups with personalized and targeted instruction to help grow and extend mathematical thinking. Our online courses allow students to work independently through their workbook while watching pre-recorded instructional videos and joining live group sessions. Additional resources are also available for families hoping to engage in educational activities and teachers looking to supplement their classroom curriculum.
What personal experience or observation sparked your idea for Just Focus Online Learning?
COVID-19 changed education in unexpected ways. Although some teachers and students were able to quickly adapt to virtual instruction and technology-based tools, many students were left unsupported. Once back in the classroom, the drastic effects of these missed learning opportunities were apparent. I quickly understood the need for differentiated instruction but realized I could only assist those in my classroom. Just Focus Online Learning was created with the goal of having a positive impact on the educational journeys of students nationwide. As a 4.0 Tiny Fellow, I’ve been able to build virtual relationships across the U.S. with other founders who share similar hopes and dreams.
In what ways is your approach disrupting the traditional education model?
Just Focus Online Learning works as an ally with educators to advocate for quality education. Unlike traditional models, we rely on technology and use it to enhance our student’s learning. Through self-paced courses, students have the flexibility to work at their own pace, as our non-traditional educational materials are not monitored or mandated by local or state deadlines.
Additionally, we use social media to connect with our students and their families as we believe relationships are essential while cultivating a love of learning. For example, our “This or That Thursday” series helps shoppers understand how finding and comparing unit rates can save them money. It is essential for our young people to connect learning to everyday situations outside the classroom.
What specific challenges do you see educators facing today, and how does your platform address them?
Our “Close the Gap” courses were specifically designed to assist educators who find large class sizes to be challenging. With large classes, teachers may experience guilt as they attempt to rush through the curriculum, lacking time to work individually with students. During my time in the classroom, I noticed how difficult it was to teach grade-level concepts to large classes when many of the students lacked foundational skills. I was constantly forced to choose how to spend the little time I had. Would I re-teach the lacking foundational skills AND the grade-level content or push through with teaching the grade-level content but risk leaving students behind in confusion?
Now, with “Close the Gap”, that decision does not have to be made. For example, while working on converting between fractions and decimals, a seventh grade teacher can continue to teach the whole group about rational numbers while a smaller group receives differentiated instruction of fractional concepts based on their personalized learning path. Once they understand the skills they previously lacked, students can then rejoin the class ready to fully understand and participate. Both students and educators are supported through our self-paced virtual courses.
What will success look like for your company in five years?
In the next five years, Just Focus Online Learning aims to expand its influence nationally, beginning with educational math materials aligned to Florida’s B.E.S.T. standards. We plan to adapt and customize our offerings to cater to the specific needs of schools, districts, and homeschooling communities nationwide. Our vision includes broadening our curriculum aides beyond math to encompass other core subjects, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement initiatives, we hope to contribute positively to the field of education. Our goal is to establish a supportive network that empowers students, educators, and families with the resources they need to be successful.
What exciting innovation or development can we expect to see from your company in the near future?
This school year, Just Focus Online Learning will release access to our three virtual communities: one for middle school students, one for middle school parents and one for math educators. Each community will have a dedicated space for members to participate in discussions and share resources. Users will have the opportunity to compete in challenges, collaborate in virtual meetups or communicate with myself or other members in a live discussion feed.
You can learn more by visiting the Just Focust Online Learning website and connect with Jessica via LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram or watch her math videos on Youtube. Happy learning!
Just Focus Online Learning FREE Download: Unlock fun and learning with the Just Focus Bingo Card! This engaging math activity is perfect for all learners and can be used anytime, anywhere. Place the printed download in a sheet protector and use it with an erasable marker to enjoy it time and time again. Play with family and friends to make math practice interactive and enjoyable. Free exclusively for NYCTechMommy blog readers! Visit the Just Focus Online Learing website to receive your FREE download.
