
Hosted by Will Deyamport, III, Ed.D. · EN

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is the founder of Identity Talk Consulting, LLC, a global educational consulting firm that specializes in developing K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Additionally, Identity Talk Consulting, LLC is licensed as a DESE-approved professional development provider and a Minority Owned Enterprise within the Commonwealth for Massachusetts. Prior to starting his firm, he served as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA for nine years. Mr. Sarfo-Mensah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Temple University. Throughout his 17-year education career as a classroom teacher, author, and consultant, Mr. Sarfo-Mensah has earned numerous accolades for this work, which include being honored as the 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock, Inc. and being recognized as a Top Education Influencer by brightbeam, Inc. in 2021 and 2022. His work has been featured in Education Week, WGBH News, Edutopia, Ed Post, The International Educator (TIE), Teaching Channel, and The Tavis Smiley Show. His latest book, "Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom", is out now.Social Media Links:WEBSITE - https://identitytalk4educators.comINSTAGRAM - @kwam_the_identity_shaperLINKEDIN - https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensahPATREON - https://patreon.com/kwamesarfomensahYOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@kwamesarfo-mensah5785PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570TakeawaysKwame Sarfo Mensah transitioned from sports to education.He emphasizes the lack of Black teachers in schools.'Learning to Relearn' focuses on capacity building in education.Names are an important part of identity in the classroom.Consulting started as a response to inquiries about his book.Podcasting helped him build an international network.Networking is more important than a resume in consulting.Collaboration is key in professional development.His understanding of identity has evolved over time.Authenticity is crucial in teaching and consulting. Identity is multifaceted and can create feelings of not belonging.Engaging with diverse backgrounds enhances understanding and awareness.The political climate significantly influences DEI initiatives in organizations.Community support is crucial for those working towards social change.Adapting strategies is necessary in response to political and social shifts.Consultants face unique challenges in client engagement due to geographical constraints.Outsourcing tasks can alleviate the burden of running a business.Professional development is essential for consultants to stay relevant.Multiple income streams can provide financial stability for consultants.Networking with other professionals can lead to shared resources and opportunities.Chapters00:00Introduction to Kwame Sarfo Mensah02:02Journey into Education and Teaching Philosophy09:47Cultural Identity and Experiences in Boston12:54Insights from 'Learning to Relearn' Book18:05Starting Identity Talk Consulting26:08The Role of Podcasting in Networking and Growth35:51Bringing Authenticity into Teaching and Consulting38:35Navigating Identity and Cultural Complexity42:11The Impact of Political Climate on DEI Initiatives47:33Building Community for Collective Action52:52Adapting Strategies in a Changing Landscape53:57Overcoming Challenges in Business Development01:00:40Prioritizing Professional Development as a Consultant Go get your copy of The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business. The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business. ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Introducing Victor G. Hicks, fondly known as Coach Hicks, the visionary force propelling Coding with Culture, an exhilarating computer science and STEM program based in Atlanta, Georgia. Victor's educational odyssey is deeply rooted in his profound connection to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), where he imbibed the rich culture and enduring legacy they embody.As a distinguished member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Victor is fervently dedicated to community engagement and the cultivation of excellence. His role as a coach for step teams, notably with Psi Phi Beta, afforded him the privilege of imparting the vibrant history and culture of HBCUs to budding learners.Victor Hicks, the driving force behind Coding with Culture, is resolute in his mission to bridge the gap in STEM education with an unapologetically pro-Black perspective. The program offers a comprehensive 'Kindergarten through HBCU' trajectory in computational and design thinking, empowering students while celebrating diversity, innovation, and the enduring legacy of HBCUs.In an astounding recognition of his commitment to equity in computer science education, Victor was recently selected as a 2023-24 Computer Science Teachers Association Equity Fellow. This prestigious honor signifies his pivotal role in advancing inclusive education and ensuring equal access to opportunities in the field.Victor's stellar accomplishments shine brightly, with features in Forbes Magazine, a distinguished title as the InspiredU Teacher of the Year, and a notable nomination for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentorship His impact reverberates far and wide, setting him apart as a luminary in the realm of STEM education and advocacy.With a resounding legacy, Victor G. Hicks continues to blaze a trail, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education, while maintaining a strong commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Before I get into who Dr. Will is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.You can learn more about the course here: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4WdMeet Dr. WillAs seen on Forbes.com, Schoology Exchange, District Administration, EdSurge, iNACOL, and TechEdge magazine, Will Deyamport, III, Ed.D. is a District Instructional Technologist for a K12 school district. Dr. Will, as he is better known as, specializes in assisting educators in going digital. In this role, he delivers in-person and virtual training, coaching, and designs and delivers online professional development courses and live webinars for teachers in grades K-12. Additionally, Dr. Will is the creator and host of The Dr. Will Show Podcast, freelance writer, author, and educational consultant. On March 19th of this year, EduMatch Publishing released Dr. Will’s first book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business. The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business.In addition, this is the fifth year anniversary of Dr. Will’s documentary, The Edupreneur: Making the Impact and the Income was released. The movie takes you on a journey into the successes and challenges of some of the most recognized names in K-12 education consulting. The interviews feature eight edupreneurs discussing their lives and careers as educators and entrepreneurs.You can get your digital copy of The Edupreneur on Vimeo OnDemand. ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

After listening to this Master Class, you can go over to Vimeo to purchase your digital copy of The Edupreneur to hear from some of the country's most successful edupreneurs in the game. This is what buyers have been saying about The Edupreneur: "As an ed tech entrepreneur myself, the stories of the featured individuals really resonated with me, and reminded me that success doesn't happen overnight. These individuals have passion, work incredibly hard, and most importantly they believe in themselves and their ideas and products enough to persevere through the ups and downs of starting and growing a business. Worth a watch if you are an educator with a great idea for a business!" - Dr. Kristen Slack"This collection of stories and tips from those in the field living the dream of doing well by doing good is something I wish I had found five years ago when I started my own journey. It was like listening to myself tell those coming up as aspiring eduprenuers what to do, how to stay balanced and, most importantly, they WHY of making a difference in your own unique way. Plus I gleaned additional insights I hadn't thought of. I have since recommended this film to others I know. It's a must-see for any educator considering stepping outside the school walls either in person or online to live their passion!" - Sara OttowEndorsement from Mark Barnes, Founder Times 10 Publications."Dr. Will, in association with Edumatch, brings something truly unique and filled with value, in the documentary film, The Edupreneur. Whether you’re a speaker, author, consultant, or someone considering entrepreneurship, you’ll love this movie. Dr. Will brings you superstars in the education world—teachers and school leaders, who are sharing decades of experience with global audiences, while building either a side business or their own education consulting companies.The film gives you a close-up look at Robyn Jackson, Angela Maiers, Eric Sheninger, Catlin Tucker, and other familiar education authors and speakers. They write books and deliver inspirational keynote talks and presentations around the world. While they make it look easy, these edupreneurs provide intimate details about the years of energy, research, and preparation they’ve invested, in order to be successful, paid content providers. From how they got started to how they find their opportunities, to how they’ve built thriving businesses, the stars of The Edupreneur drop one value gem after another, in thoughtful, honest interviews. If you want to be an edupreneur but wonder if it’s possible, this film is a must." Produced by Dr. Will Deyamport, III. Buy your digital copy here: Featuring:Jeff BradburyAbbey FutrellDr. Robyn JacksonAngela MaiersTom MurrayEric SheningerCatlin TuckerDr. Ai Zhang ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Benita Gordon is an innovative education leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Global Education Concierge. With a deep passion for personalized learning and transformative educational experiences, she spearheads initiatives to empower students and educators alike. As the host of The Education Concierge Podcast and founder of Miami MicroLearn Hub, Benita is a go-to expert in non-traditional education models, education technology integration, and consulting for innovative school design and management.In addition to her U.S.-based work, Benita serves on the board of Amie Academy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educational development in underserved communities. Through this role, she supports Amie Academy in Sierra Leone, expanding educational access and fostering sustainable change.With a focus on leveraging technology, personalized learning journeys, and operational excellence, Benita collaborates with educators and leaders to reimagine education globally. On March 19th of last year, EduMatch Publishing released Dr. Will’s first book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business. The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business. ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Wanna know a secret? I failed math growing up and needed tutoring—plus, I’ve got ADHD and a little bit of autism that made learning a struggle. Now, after hundreds of hours self-studying, I’m the educator I always wished I had: someone who looked like me, thought like me, and truly cared about getting to know me.Hey, I’m Jasmine, your artsy math tutor from Detroit! I help middle school students build confidence in math through creative methods like doodling, making math less intimidating and more fun. The result? My students typically grow one full grade level in their standardized tests before the year ends. 📈I’m a proud graduate of James Madison University with a degree in Studio Art, but my heart belongs to education. After discovering my passion for teaching through programs like City Year, I’ve spent over 8 years helping students overcome math anxiety while dealing with my own chronic illness—Crohn’s disease—which has only deepened my empathy for others.I believe in the power of community and creativity to transform education, so if you’re a teacher looking for fresh ideas and support, let’s connect!Let’s make teaching and learning math way more fun together! ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Tai Abrams is the best-selling author of Who Am I? An A-Z Career Guide for Teens, an accomplished mathematician and the Founder and CEO of AdmissionSquad, a non-profit education organization on a mission to get talented, underserved middle schoolers into NYC's coveted Specialized High Schools and other selective high schools. Her program has maintained an 80% success rate of placing students into top NYC high schools and had the opportunity to serve 140 students in AdmissionSquad's 2020 Online Summer Boot Camp. Tai has leveraged her mathematics skill set and business background to build a scalable education program that fills a gap in the NYC education ecosystem and she now manages a team of 28 people with a focus on driving for results. Tai graduated from Bronx Science, Class of 2005, got her Bachelor's in Mathematics from Duke University, and has a Masters in Math Education from Brooklyn College. She is also a graduate of the Goldman Sach 10,000 Small Business program. Tai is a highly sought after education expert and has been featured on CBS, Fox News, NBC, the NY Post, News 12, on podcasts, and more.Instagram: @IamTaiAbramsFacebook: @IamTaiAbramsYouTube: Tai Abrams ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will

Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant for public and independent schools, hospitals, universities and non-profits. Jennifer trains and coaches teachers, administrators, nurses, hospital personnel, and others on new employee support, supervision, being generationally savvy, having hard conversations and collaboration skills.In Palo Alto USD (Palo Alto, CA), Jennifer led professional development sessions on topics from equity and elements of effective instruction to teacher leadership and peer coaching and provided new teacher and administrator trainings at both the elementary and secondary level. From 2000-2011, Jennifer was lead coach for the Palo Alto-Mountain View-Los Altos-Saratoga-Los Gatos Consortium’s Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program.In her educational consulting work, Jennifer has presented at annual conferences such as Learning Forward, ASCD, NASSP, NAESP, AMLE, ISACS and the New Teacher Center Annual Symposium, as well as at the Teachers’ and Principals’ Centers for International School Leadership. Jennifer’s communications consulting in the health care sector includes training and coaching work at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and Stanford Hospital.Jennifer’s publications include Having Hard Conversations, The Multigenerational Workplace: Communicating, Collaborating & Creating Community and Hard Conversations Unpacked – the Whos, the Whens and the What Ifs. Her upcoming book, Swimming in the Deep End: Four Foundational Skills for Leading Successful School Initiatives, will be out March of 2019. Other publications include her chapter, “Habits of Mind for the School Savvy Leader” in Art Costa’s and Bena Kallick’s book, Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind: 16 Essential Characteristics for Success, and her contribution to the book, Mentors in the Making: Developing New Leaders for New Teachers published by Teachers College Press. Jennifer writes a monthly newsletter, Voice Lessons, available for reading at and subscribing to on her website, www.jenniferabrams.com and is a featured columnist, writing about personal development at www.eschoolnews.com.Jennifer has been recognized as one of “21 Women All K-12 Educators Need to Know” by Education Week’s ‘Finding Common Ground’ blog, and the International Academy of Educational Entrepreneurship. She has been a featured interviewee on the topic of professionalism for ASCD’s video series, Master Class, hosted by National Public Radio’s Claudio Sanchez, and in the lead article, “Finding Your Voice in Facilitating Productive Conversations” for Learning Forward’s The Leading Teacher, Summer 2013 newsletter; as a generational expert for “Tune in to What the New Generation of Teachers Can Do,” published in Phi Delta Kappan, (May 2011), and by the Ontario Ministry of Education for their Leadership Matters: Supporting Open-to-Learning Conversations video series.Jennifer considers herself a “voice coach,” helping others learn how to best use their voices – be it collaborating on a team, presenting in front of an audience, coaching a colleague, supervising an employee and in her role as an advisor for Reach Capital, an early stage educational technology fund. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Tufts University. She lives in Palo Alto, California. Jennifer can be reached at jennifer@jenniferabrams.com, www.jenniferabrams.com, and on Twitter @jenniferabrams. ______________________________________________________________________ The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education BusinessYou’ve spent years in the classroom, leading PD, designing curriculum, and transforming how students learn. Now, it’s time to leverage that experience and build something for yourself. The Edupreneur isn’t just another book—it’s the playbook for educators who want to take their knowledge beyond the school walls and into a thriving business.I wrote this book because I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to have the skills, the passion, and the drive but not know where to start. I break it all down—the mindset shifts, the business models, the pricing strategies, and the branding moves that will help you position yourself as a leader in this space.Inside, you’ll learn how to:✅ Turn your expertise into income streams—without feeling like a sellout✅ Build a personal brand that commands respect (and top dollar)✅ Market your work in a way that feels natural and impactful✅ Navigate the business side of edupreneurship, from pricing to partnershipsWhether you want to consult, create courses, write books, or launch a podcast, this book will help you get there. Stop waiting for permission. Start building your own table.📖 Grab your copy today and take control of your future.Buy it from EduMatch Publishing https://edumatch-publishing.myshopify.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-edupreneur-by-dr-will