When Rebecca Deurlein wrapped up her 24th year as an educator, she knew she didn’t want to leave the field entirely. After all, she still loved teaching, just not the direction education was taking. A true lover of teenagers, Deurlein had written a parenting book on dealing with an age group that often brings frustration to parents. The book, entitled Teenagers 101, was a hit within the parenting community and led to speaking engagements and requests for educational consulting services. All exciting to Deurlein, but she missed her interactions with teenagers.
How could she continue to support teens as they navigated the road from middle school through college acceptance? That’s when the idea of Teenager Success 101 was born. A one-on-one coaching service that helps kids set goals and reach them, the business has taken off nationally because it takes into consideration every aspect of teens’ lives.
“The vast majority of our clients were referred by happy parents and kids,” explained Deurlein. “Our clients reach their goals because we build relationships with them and care about their achievement. Whatever they want to accomplish, we meet them where they are and help them get there.”
Clients can start as young as 6th grade. Deurlein said that most of her younger clients struggle with organization and really benefit from help in that area, along with study skills, prioritizing, and focusing. “Once kids hit high school, we have teachers available for support in every subject area. We have outstanding success with our SAT and ACT Prep courses. And our kids overwhelmingly get into the college of their choice with our application and college essay assistance programs. We even help kids earn scholarships, both through their university and nationwide.”
Deurlein attributes the business’s success to the team of educators on her staff. She only wanted the best of the best, so she called former co-workers, all with 20+ years’ experience and proven results; explained her business model; and invited them to join her team. Video conferencing in from Houston, Atlanta, Pennsylvania, Chicago, and even Buenos Aries, Argentina, the teachers meet with kids from all over the nation at whatever time works for them. “Busy kids and parents love it,” Deurlein said, “because no one has to drive anywhere or waste time getting to a location. They can be in their pajamas or baseball uniform, eating a bowl of cereal, with a dog in their lap, and we’re perfectly fine with that. The more comfortable they are, the more they can concentrate on instruction.”
Deurlein herself taught in award-winning schools in five different states and her students consistently out-performed their peers on standardized and AP exams. After a lifetime of teaching and working with curriculum, Deurlein saw the results when teachers connected with their students and spent time with them. “I had no desire to create a quick-fix learning center where kids use a study guide and are clumped in with other kids of varying abilities and knowledge. How does that help kids reach their full potential? Our program is customized to each client. The team’s warmth, acceptance, and extensive experience with teens helps them to build relationships and motivate their students to mastery.”
In addition, Deurlein works with parents to help them connect to their kids and be better sources of support. She recognizes how hard this age group can be on the family dynamic and strives to take the burden of “nagging” off the parents and transfer it to herself. She ensures that kids do their homework, study for tests, and talk to the teacher for clarification, and parents are freed up to just enjoy their kids.
“I’ve had parents tell me that their relationships with their kids improved tremendously once we stepped in. Teenagers can be difficult. There’s no shame in asking for help – that’s what we’re here for.”
And Deurlein has a lot of happy clients to attest to that. She feels strongly that it takes a village to truly help a child reach full potential. “Teenager Success 101 is a trifecta of excellent teaching, willing students, and supportive parents. We bring those essential components together for true growth and success for our clients.”
For more information and to help this school year be the best ever for your kids and yourself, check out www.TeenagerSuccess101.com or call Dr. Rebecca Deurlein at 678-644-9664 to set up a free consultation.
