So, Rachael, will you share with us what brought you to Torsh?

I have an accounting background and like the field. I have worked in education sales, selling books door-to-door and building talent, and the experience made me feel like I could do anything. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I was building character and pride, and I’m mentally tougher and stronger for it. When I found Torsh, I wanted an accounting role, but didn’t want to be in a typical “accounting job”. It seemed like a perfect fit- so I applied, and now I’m here.

Why education? You touched on selling educational materials. What interests you about working in education and tech?

Education will always be a part of my life. I enjoyed school and developed a love of learning. Education is big in my family: my mom and my aunts are all teachers. I even wanted to be a teacher myself when I was younger. Still, while at my job selling books, I learned how much everything is moving into the digital world. Now, my mom is actually the tech director at her school. So it looks like technology is where everything is going. Until recently, I didn’t know that New Orleans had such a large tech community. It’s cool to be a part of the “Silicon Bayou” and I like the fast pace of the tech environment. Plus, I feel like it’s better to jump on it than to be left behind.

Now that you’ve joined Torsh and jumped in to edtech, what do you like about it so far?

I’m learning so much of everything right now! I’m learning more about education in general, and about what it takes to develop our software. There’s always something to be done. There are all these little details that I would never have considered before, like “what should we name this tab?”. It’s really interesting, mind-blowing sometimes, how one little thing can affect the user experience. Another thing I like is the team. Since most of us are from different areas and backgrounds, you get to know a variety of perspectives. The welcoming environment is one of the reasons I enjoy coming to work each day.

What about outside of work? What do you like about the local life of New Orleans, Louisiana?

First, I love that I have my family and friends here. I’m a very family-oriented person and I’ve had the same group of friends since 2nd grade. Everyone in my family lives within a 20-mile radius of each other, and I’m happy that I get to spend time with them. I also love the culture here. There is always something to do, every weekend there is another festival (which is great since I like to go to music festivals and concerts). I’m a huge sports and football fan. And I’m a true GRITS (Girl Raised in the South), so it’s LSU and the Saints, all the way.

And where do you see yourself in five years? What advice would you give your future self?

I know that I want to be married, settle in, and have a family. I love traveling, too. So I also want to see the world. The advice I would give my future self is the same advice I would give my past self, or myself now. My advice: take risks. Don’t be normal. Everyone makes decisions based on fear. There are three basic fears that you can sort most others into: a fear of failure; a fear of missing out; and a fear of the unknown. One of my favorite teachers was a professor in college was exceptionally good at making classes interesting (even though it was tax law). But besides her classes, she pushed me to do my best and cared about what I was going to do after school. Though she recommended a position that would have been the typical “accounting job”, I took the education sales job. It was a bold turn into unknown territory for me, but I felt like it was right for me. It was an incredible experience in a lot of different ways. So don’t let fears make decisions for you. Don’t be scared to do something, just do it.

That’s powerful advice! Thanks for taking the time to sit down and talk with me. It was great to get to know you a little better. With motivation like this, we are going to accomplish so much, many more new releases to come!

The post Meet Rachael, Our New Manager of Finance and Sales Support! appeared first on Torsh.

This is a timely topic because Louisiana, the state in which our office resides, will soon include students’ growth as a weighted measure of school performance, a breakthrough development in light of a longstanding debate in the education community. It’s been recommended to the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education that academic progress account for up to 25% of a school’s performance score. However, continuing coverage of the proposal highlights the contention surrounding how much student growth should influence school performance.

A major concern of opponents to the proposal is that “overemphasizing” academic growth misleads parents and stakeholders about the quality of education provided by the institution. This concern calls attention to a fear that struggling students, and the schools that fail but advance their learning, will be misrepresented in performance data. 

However, that worry may be unfounded (and possibly unfair). The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a leading education policy think tank, has asserted that systemized “growth measures are truer indicators of school quality” which can “identify a considerable number of chronically underperforming schools.” At the same time, according to data analyses published by Urban Institute researchers, “Judging schools based on their average test scores will tend to penalize schools that serve large numbers of lower-income and racial minority students.” Furthermore, emphasizing growth will support higher achieving students as well, a group that has demonstrated “comparatively slower growth in reading during the school year” according to a study published by The Journal of Educational Research.

Starting in June of 2016, the Louisiana Department of Education met with educators and representatives from across the state to discuss the changes to school accountability systems afforded by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The resulting ESSA Listening Tour Report includes themes of aligning expectations, raising standards, and serving struggling students. Likewise, widespread support for strengthening the teaching profession through consistent classroom observation was mirrored by a focus on the continuous improvement of students of all abilities. Weighting student growth by 25% (or more!) of a school’s performance score is reinforced in the report by the idea that, “Schools should be motivated to focus on the improvement of all students to achieve at their full potential.”

Growth as a performance measure acknowledges that school educators are serving students in consideration of a critical factor: their needs. Rather than misleading parents, growth indicators show that students’ progress and achievement is focal; and that on the path of education, each step forward is as important as where your journey began, and where your journey ends.

What are your thoughts on proficiency and growth? We would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.

The post Proficiency Versus Growth: Measuring School Success in Torsh’s Home State appeared first on Torsh.

Can you share with us what motivated you to join Torsh?

I knew I wanted to work in education. I’ve been a librarian and tutor, and have held previous roles in academic support and youth development. When I found Torsh, I was intrigued by the way TALENT integrates emerging technology with traditional teacher professional development. I thought, “I definitely want to be a part of this!” I remember a conversation with a friend who said, “Wow. You really are passionate about education!” And I responded, “If I could do anything, I would work to make sure teachers are able to do the best that they can, so kids can learn as much as they can.” Torsh’s mission melded perfectly into my own. 

It seems like a great fit! Since you’ve started, do you feel connected to the mission in your everyday work?

Definitely! I learned the other day that my elementary school is using Torsh. That was wild! It reassured me that I’m giving back to my community. I moved around a lot and school is where I found structure, mentorship, and friends. From very early on in my life, school is where I shared my ideas and learned about myself. It feels great to be at a place where I’m working directly with teachers and can see the difference it’s making in students’ lives. 

What are your plans for the future and how will Torsh help you get there?

I want to go to graduate school for school counseling and work to ensure our teachers, administrators and students are getting the most out of our educational system. Working at Torsh has given me insight into how teachers communicate about their practice with their colleagues. It has helped me learn more about the school environment and the conversations taking place about teaching. I also want to learn more about how tech is being integrated into the teaching profession. Usually, when you think of edtech, you think about how students are using educational technology, not how teachers are using it. I’m interested in how technology can help teachers. This will be an interesting perspective to bring to my work as a school counselor.  

Have you had any great teachers in your life that motivated you to work in the education space?

When I was in college I took a children’s communication development class. My teacher was phenomenal. She was a Fulbright Scholar and taught teacher development in South America. This was the first time I had ever realized there was such a thing as “teacher development.” It sparked my interest in the field of education and made me reflect on what it means to be a great teacher. I know that schools are important because they were so important to me, and meeting her solidified my commitment to improving education.

So, you’ve been in New Orleans for more than two years now. What do you love about the city and what keeps you here?

The uniqueness of this city is as palpable as seafood gumbo. It doesn’t matter where you are in New Orleans, you’re going to find people who really appreciate you. I also like the city’s character of perseverance. People have this attitude of “because I love this place, I am going to overcome every challenge that we face.” People are passionately loyal and truly love New Orleans. I should have a third-year anniversary party because it’s that kind of place.

We’ve learned about your passion for education and New Orleans. So what do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I read, mostly fantasy novels – traditional fantasy, surrealist and dystopian sci-fi, and fairytales. I’m also a ceramic sculptor. I like to make masks and figurines. And, I love dancing! I dance at home and walking down the street. I might break out and dance right now!

Awesome! We love that! It was great getting to know you a little better. Thanks for sharing your passion for education with us. It’s something we can all relate to here at Torsh.  

The post Meet Krystal, Our New Account Services Coordinator! appeared first on Torsh.

Can you share with us what brought you to Torsh?

I learned about Torsh through Idea Village, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurship in New Orleans. I knew I wanted to work in a tech startup environment that was mission-driven, where I could feel passionate about the work I was doing. Torsh fit this bill perfectly. I heard Courtney speak and really liked his presence. He spoke about being committed to diversity and making a difference in education and these ideas resonated with me– that was the kind of company I wanted to work for.

You mentioned wanting to work for a mission-based company. Why are you drawn to making a difference in the education space?

Living and going to school in New Orleans has had a huge impact on me. I graduated from Tulane with a degree in political science and I know that the wonderful educational experience I had was a privilege. Being in NOLA, it was juxtaposed with the current educational disparities in public schools. I really feel that education is ground zero and that educational opportunities can have a significant impact on a child’s life trajectory. Making a difference in education means helping more children succeed.

So, you’ve been in New Orleans for five years now. What do you love about the city and what keeps you here?

I love so many things about New Orleans! I love that it is a very easy-going place and does not have a lot of rules when it comes to formality. I feel like it is an accessible and approachable place to enjoy yourself regardless of status, income, and background. And, of course, I love the food. What keeps me here? Friends, cheap rent and the need for pho. 

What have you learned from your personal education experience that you will apply to your work at Torsh?

I would have really benefited from more mentorship, specifically female mentorship. There is something about a teacher saying “I think you would be really good at this” or “You would enjoy doing this” that can have a lasting impact. I had one teacher, Mrs. Meza, who did just that. She was my sophomore history teacher and she encouraged me to join the United Nations Club. I ended up loving it and when I transferred to a new school my junior year, I created a UN club there because my new school didn’t have one. I continued to be involved in the UN throughout college and it influenced my decision to major in Political Science. Teaching is such an important job. And what I love about Torsh is that the company believes great teachers matter and that we can help teachers improve through our professional development platform.

And to wrap up, what do you hope to learn from working here?

I would love to learn all of the different education jargon. Since my degree was not in education, I am excited to learn from the team and become more familiar with the education space. I also want to learn more about the edtech sales process and helping teachers and administrators find a tool to make their lives easier. I want to understand their needs and add value. 

The post Meet Sophie, Our Newest Team Member! appeared first on Torsh.

Hello and welcome! I am honored that Forbes has invited me to contribute to their blog on entrepreneurship. Back in early 2011, I decided it was time to take the plunge and do my part to change the world. I started an ed-tech company called Torsh (Today’s One Room School House) and our mission was (and still is) to create better students, one great teacher at a time. We produce a video-based online community and data platform that facilitates teacher observation, feedback and coaching. At Torsh we fervently believe that we need a lot more great teachers to dramatically improve the educational outcomes of the millions of children born into poverty and unfortunate circumstances.  This simple premise drives me and drives what we do at Torsh.

When Forbes approached me with this opportunity, I asked my team for their thoughts on the idea. After some blank looks and minimal eye contact, one brave soul spoke up. “Oh I get it. They want you to blog so other people can learn from everything you did wrong…right?”

What a wise (former) employee. (Just kidding. She still works here.) But she’s right. Regardless of industry, when you start a company, you will make mistakes. Lots of them. I know I did, and still do to this day. And that’s ok – it’s a requisite part of the entrepreneurial journey.  Hopefully by reading this blog, your mistakes will be fewer and farther between, but that’s probably just wishful thinking. At the very least, you will certainly know that you are not alone, and that may provide some comfort.

I’ve been asked to provide a brief introduction, so here goes. I was born in Jamaica but raised in Brooklyn. My high school was consistently ranked among the worst high schools in the city. Strict parents, determined teachers, and hard work on my part earned me a solid education.

I went on to study at Oberlin College, a small liberal arts college in Ohio, where I majored in (of all things), politics. I also played football. Realizing my future did not lie in the NFL or in the oval office, I enrolled in Columbia Law School.

My first job after graduation was in (you guessed it), a law firm. This taught me something important about myself: You can’t pay me enough to do a job I don’t enjoy. So two years later, I left and joined AOL, which back in the late 90s was actually a cutting edge tech company and arguably as dominant as Google is today. (Remember those CD-ROMs?)  I spent five years at AOL in a number of roles, finishing up as a VP of Business Development at AOL Europe, based in London.

The post How A Kid From Jamaica Grew Up To Start An Ed Tech Company appeared first on Torsh.

What do you hope to learn this summer while interning at Torsh?

Daejah: I hope to become more interactive with all kinds of people. Also, I hope to get a good understanding of what it’s like to work in a real business setting.

Da’Jon: This summer while interning at Torsh I hope to get a feel for what it’s like working in business.  

What are your plans after high school?

Daejah: I plan on attending the University of New Orleans majoring in Tourism and Lodging. My goal is to eventually become a hotel manager.

Da’Jon: My plan after high school is to attend Clark Atlanta University to major in Pre-Physical Therapy. 

What is your favorite subject in school? 

Daejah: My favorite subject is chemistry, but mainly anything with sciences because I like to experiment with different outcomes.

Da’Jon: My favorite subject is math because I like the way it makes you think. I love that a problem can be solved in many different ways instead of one simple way.

What are five top goals you have for yourself?

Daejah: 1) To get a car before senior year is over 2) Graduate high school with a 3.8 cumulative GPA 3) Get into UNO with a full scholarship and graduate 4) Get a well paying job at a hotel 5) Not have to live paycheck to paycheck. 

Da’Jon: 1) Graduate from high school 2) Have a job during senior year of high school 3) Get a full scholarship for college 4) Have a car before senior year ends 5) Get into Clark Atlanta University

 Who do you look up to? 

Daejah: I look up to my mother because she sets an example for me to follow. She’s just a good influence and a strong woman.

Da’Jon: I look up to both of my parents. Hearing their life story and just knowing how good I have it — better than they had when they were my age — it’s so inspiring. They take care of me and my brothers with such hard work and courage. 

What is a quote that inspires you the most?

Daejah: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”

Da’Jon: “You are not what you have done — you are what you have overcome.”

What is your favorite book?

Daejah: My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it my freshman year and have loved it ever since.

Da’Jon: I really don’t have a favorite book, but I like books that are thrilling and have a mystery to them. 

Why did you take the opportunity to be an YouthForce Intern this summer? 

Daejah: I took this opportunity because you never know what you’ll gain by taking risks. So I figured, why not? Even though they didn’t have my sector of interest, I still got training that I can use in any setting.

Da’Jon: I took the opportunity because it is giving me experience in the workforce, which is so valuable. 

The post Meet our YouthForce NOLA Summer Interns: Daejah and Da’Jon! appeared first on Torsh.

Collision bills itself as “America’s fastest growing tech conference.” Indeed this year’s event, only the second one, will draw close to 10,000 attendees from more than fifty countries. It’s where “The giants of the Web assemble,” according to the Wall Street Journal. So who’s going to be there? CEOs from top startups, leaders from some of the world’s largest tech companies, investors, media, and our own CEO, Courtney Williams.

What’s even more exciting: Courtney will represent Torsh during one of Collision’s key events, the Launch Pad PITCH competition. The goal of the competition is to give rising U.S. markets valuable exposure to investors and the media. The cities highlighted this year are  Birmingham, Buffalo, Charleston, Nashville, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, New Orleans and San Antonio. 

Torsh is one of three companies from New Orleans that will compete for four semi-final slots and ultimately, the chance to present in front of thousands of attendees and hundreds of investors. The winner will advance to take on the best companies from the Collision Pitch (not to mention go home with lots of hometown pride).  

Courtney has been hard at work brushing up on his presentation. We know he’ll have a lot to say about TALENT, our proprietary platform for teacher professional development, and how it’s transforming education. Coaching teachers to transform student outcomes is what we’re all about, and we are proud to share our company and our mission with the world. We’re also pretty excited that Torsh is representing our great city. So, from the team here at Torsh, we wish Courtney luck! And we hope to see all of you soon down here in The Big Easy. With so many great things going on, we probably will. 

For more information on this year’s Collision Conference, click here.

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