Meet Stephanie Lindsey | Founder of JMLearning Inc. & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Lindsey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a teacher of Special Education for 25 years, I began to realize that not only do identified students with an IEP need individualed instruction for academic success, many other students could benefit and grow in an alternative learning environment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I had been a teacher for 25 years prior to starting JMLearning. I taught Special Education in several settings to include a teacher of students with severe profound disabilities, students with mild to moderate disabilities, students with severe behavior disorders, middle school Math and worked in administration as the district Special Education Director. My teaching experience includes teaching in Idaho, Utah and Arizona.

I received my Bachelors degree from Utah State University in Logan, UT. In Special Education with a severe profound emphasis. Later returned to Utah State and added a teacher for students with mild to moderate disabilities to my credentials. I completed my Master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ.

Many wonderful aspects of JMLearning sets me apart from other learning institutions. At the initial development of this school, I was the only online, accredited private school that offered an education with daily classes building a personal relationship with each of my students and their parents. JMLearing provides a researched based curriculum that aligns with state standards nationwide while individualizing instruction for students who need it.
I am most proud of the students’ success at JMLearing. Student growth and their commimtment to educatoin has by far surpassed my initial expectations.

Behind every brand there is a story. This well known statement is very ironic as the name of JMLearing was derived from my grandfather’s cattle brand. There is a wonderful legacy to be shared. As a special education teacher of 25 years, I began to learn the common denominator of most students who struggled was their lack of ownership in learning. Regardless of abilities, if an education is meaningful a student will learn. While in the classroom teaching students with diverse learning needs, I soon realized through empowering my students to be responsible for their own learning, advocate for themselves and recognize their successes, I experienced confidence in my students grow. This confidence led to academic growth, behavioral changes and a foundation for lifelong learning.

Initially, JMLearning primarily provided an alternative educational setting for families that travel back and forth between Arizona and their home state, specifically coming from the ranching and roping lifestyle. The majority of students that attend JMLearing compete in rodeo and roping with their families. As JMLearning has grown our student base now includes many others of competitive nature and diverse talents. The commonality among all students and families is the importance of education while having the ability to foster growth in other aspects of their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Coming from Utah, a cold winter state, I have many friends that visit the area in the winter. Wickenburg Arizona is a quaint little cowboy inspired town just outside of Phoenix known as”TheTeam Roping Capital of the World ” I would take my friends to see Vulture Mine, eat and the many small hometown restaurants and bars locally owned. Among many, The Palomino Bar and Grill is one of my favorites, owned by my daughter, Brynlee Lindsey. . There is fun shopping at unique boutiques, craft skills and souvenirs. Watching a team roping jackpot, barrel racing and breakaway roping can be found 7 days a week in many arenas within a 15 mile radius.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
8 years ago, Lora Nichols encouraged me to create a school that could meet the educational needs of families that would split their time between Arizona in the winter and their home state in the summer. She has been my greatest cheerleader and serves as a member on the Board of JMLearning Inc.

My husband Brynt Lindsey. He is my greatest advocate and mentor in stepping outside the box and trying something new. He has been a great example of entrepreneurship through out this journey.

And of course, the AMAZING students that have driven my passion and courage to keep moving forward, I am indeed grateful to each of them and their parents that have placed trust and faith in me.

Last but not least, my Grandfather, James W. Lewis. He was an exemplary educator that I have always aspired to be like by fostering the love of life long learning in students. The name of JMLearing is derived from his cattle brand. He is the true legend behind my motivation. Every brand has a story, and he is the brand behind JMLearing.

Website: jmlearningaz.com

Facebook: JMLearning

Other: email: jmlearningaz@gmail.com