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Chapter 1: Entrepreneurship Advice and Mindset Jenica Lindquist (0:00) As you think about those interactions with those other Luminaries, what sort of advice would you give them if they were to approach you with questions about entrepreneurship? You have to be fiercely independent. When you find something you're really passionate about, you cannot give up your tenacity. Be tenacious in your approach to what you're doing. Jenica Lindquist (0:21) I talk to people who have these wonderful ideas or great exit strategies, so to speak, but they just do not have the follow-through. They do not have a plan, and they certainly are not willing to be tenacious. Jenica Lindquist (0:36) I think that is something that is really lacking right now. Overall, your approach has to be relentless. You can never give up. Chapter 2: Welcome to Degrees of Success Host (0:54) Welcome back to the Degrees of Success podcast. I'm your host, Keith Chandler. Host (0:58) Today's guest is an educator, entrepreneur, and recognized leader who has spent more than two decades rethinking how education can better serve students. Host (1:06) Jenica Lindquist is the founder and principal of Eleanor Rose Education Center and also the owner and lead educator of My ELL Program, LLC. Host (1:16) She brings over 21 years of experience in education, having taught students across the globe—from Japan, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates to classrooms throughout the United States. Host (1:27) Jenica is also a ������ý Luminary in the category of entrepreneurship, recognized for building innovative, student-centered learning models that challenge traditional approaches to education. Host (1:38) Her work centers on inclusive, experiential learning, language development, and creating environments where students of all abilities can grow in confidence and connection. Host (1:48) Today we are going to explore her journey, her entrepreneurial path in education, and what success looks like when learning is designed with purpose. Host (1:57) Let's dive in. Jenica, welcome to Degrees of Success. Jenica Lindquist (2:00) Thank you so much for having me. It's such an honor to be here. Jenica Lindquist (2:03) It sounds so funny when you name off all those accolades. But it's really an honor to be here, and it's an honor to speak with you. Host (2:21) That sounds like a little bit of imposter syndrome coming in too. You have an impressive résumé, and we're going to explore the entire thing. Chapter 3: Autism Gala and Community Impact Host (2:34) Before we take a deep dive into your experience and your journey with education, I know you recently attended the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation Gala in Las Vegas. Host (2:43) As a fellow event enthusiast, how did it feel being on the field at Allegiant Stadium, surrounded by a community of supporters working to improve the lives of neurodivergent families? Jenica Lindquist (3:05) That was actually the second event I've attended in Las Vegas, so I kind of knew what to expect because I had been there the year before. Jenica Lindquist (3:15) This event was unique because it specifically focused on students with autism. The previous event I attended supported GiGi's Playhouse, which focuses on children with Down syndrome. Jenica Lindquist (3:35) It was really neat to compare the different approaches each organization takes and how they put their galas together. Jenica Lindquist (3:45) Fortunately, we were invited by one of our founding families. They are major donors to Grant a Gift. Jenica Lindquist (3:51) She was one of the first parents who found us through a Google search when we opened our doors last year. Jenica Lindquist (4:03) We've had her son with us since day one, and it has been spectacular to watch his growth. Jenica Lindquist (4:14) It was wonderful connecting with that family and meeting doctors, Registered Behavior Technicians, and other professionals from the Ackerman Center. Jenica Lindquist (4:30) It really was a fantastic event. Chapter 4: Early Education and Career Shift Host (4:42) Let's go back in time a little bit. What was your relationship with education like growing up? Jenica Lindquist (5:12) That's an interesting question. When I was a young girl, I loved playing school. Jenica Lindquist (5:18) I was always the bossy cousin who had to be the teacher. All my cousins had to sit at their little desks with papers and pencils while I taught. Jenica Lindquist (5:34) I think that was really my first introduction to education. Jenica Lindquist (5:46) When I got to Cal State Fullerton, I actually wanted to become an attorney. Jenica Lindquist (5:55) I was taking pre-law classes, but I realized I wanted to get married and have children young. I felt I could not realistically do both at that point in my life. Jenica Lindquist (6:14) So I shifted my focus into education because I thought it better suited the lifestyle I wanted. Jenica Lindquist (6:23) I'm really happy I made that decision because, looking back now, I would never have had the opportunity to build my own school. Chapter 5: Teaching Internationally and Career Direction Host (6:44) After Cal State Fullerton, you began substitute teaching before taking an international journey to teach in Japan, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. What appealed to you about teaching overseas? Jenica Lindquist (7:02) I've always been fascinated with Japanese culture. Jenica Lindquist (7:12) After substitute teaching in Southern California for three years, I became somewhat disheartened with what I experienced in public education. Jenica Lindquist (7:33) I started asking myself if this was really what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Jenica Lindquist (7:44) I took some time off to focus on motherhood, but eventually I felt that pull to return to teaching. Jenica Lindquist (8:02) I asked myself whether I wanted to go back into California public schools or try something completely different. Jenica Lindquist (8:09) That is how the idea of teaching overseas came about. Jenica Lindquist (8:20) When I told my family I wanted to teach in Japan, they all thought I was crazy. Jenica Lindquist (8:28) I'm fiercely independent, so when people tell me I cannot do something, it makes me want to do it even more. Jenica Lindquist (8:36) I honestly got the job by chance. Japan is a difficult market to break into if you have no experience. Jenica Lindquist (8:51) I applied to several schools and was fortunate that one private school contacted me. Jenica Lindquist (8:59) The interview went well, they offered me a contract, and I accepted. Jenica Lindquist (9:07) It was probably one of the most terrifying things I've ever done. Jenica Lindquist (9:15) I moved to another country with my nine-year-old daughter, and together we decided we were going to do it. Chapter 6: Education Systems and Cultural Differences Host (9:36) When comparing education systems in the United States and Japan, what was the biggest culture shock? Jenica Lindquist (9:47) There were so many. Japan is probably the country that feels the most different from the United States. Jenica Lindquist (10:11) It's a very homogeneous society. Everyone looks alike, and everything is incredibly organized and clean. Jenica Lindquist (10:32) One of the biggest differences was seeing my daughter attend public school there while I taught at a private school. Jenica Lindquist (10:49) She became the first international student at her public school, so everyone had to figure it out together. Jenica Lindquist (11:10) The children loved her because they all wanted to learn English. Jenica Lindquist (11:20) One noticeable difference was that, at the time, Japan did not administer standardized testing before age 10. Jenica Lindquist (11:32) Another difference was that schools did not have custodians. The students cleaned the classrooms themselves. Jenica Lindquist (11:41) I thought that was amazing because it teaches children responsibility and respect for their learning environment. Jenica Lindquist (11:50) Everyone refers to teachers as "Sensei." Even people on the street called me Sensei. Jenica Lindquist (12:07) One memory that always stands out was my daughter coming home excited because they were building robots in fourth-grade science class. Jenica Lindquist (12:20) Fifteen years ago, that felt so advanced compared to what I had experienced in the United States. Chapter 7: Learning Japanese and Adapting Abroad Host (12:41) When you moved to Japan, how much Japanese did you already know? Jenica Lindquist (12:49) A little bit. My ex-husband is Japanese, so I already had some exposure to the culture. Jenica Lindquist (13:06) My children are half Japanese, so there was already a personal connection. Jenica Lindquist (13:23) Even with that background, moving there was still like baptism by fire. Jenica Lindquist (13:34) Fortunately, my coworkers were wonderful and immediately started teaching me Japanese. Jenica Lindquist (13:44) I learned enough to communicate with basic phrases. I'm certainly not fluent. Jenica Lindquist (13:51) My daughter actually speaks much better Japanese than I do. Chapter 8: Returning to the United States and Career Reset Host (14:10) After teaching internationally, what brought you back to the United States? Jenica Lindquist (14:19) In 2015, I accepted a teaching contract in Dubai and stayed there until 2019. Jenica Lindquist (14:35) Toward the end of that contract, I had gone through a divorce and my children had graduated from high school. Jenica Lindquist (14:50) It felt like I was starting my life over. Jenica Lindquist (15:01) My family had spread out across the country, so I could have lived almost anywhere. Jenica Lindquist (15:12) I ultimately applied for one teaching position in Phoenix because I was impressed with Academies of Math and Science. Jenica Lindquist (15:32) I loved teaching STEM subjects and thought it would be the perfect fit. Jenica Lindquist (15:50) I had received extensive STEM training in Dubai, including Science Olympiad work. Jenica Lindquist (16:06) That is how I ended up in Phoenix. Jenica Lindquist (16:13) I only knew two people here when I arrived, and I essentially started my life over. Chapter 9: Passion for STEM and Early Education Host (16:45) What appeals to you most about teaching STEM and working with elementary-aged students? Jenica Lindquist (17:05) I absolutely love science because it is so project-based. Jenica Lindquist (17:16) You can unpack a science standard and take it in so many different directions. Jenica Lindquist (17:33) Unlike math or language arts, science gives teachers tremendous autonomy. Jenica Lindquist (17:47) You can teach prisms, butterflies, life cycles—there are endless possibilities. Jenica Lindquist (17:56) Science also lends itself naturally to cross-curricular learning. Jenica Lindquist (18:15) Originally, I thought I wanted to teach junior high, high school, and even adults. Jenica Lindquist (18:41) When I arrived in Dubai, I expected to teach older students. Jenica Lindquist (18:50) Instead, they told me I would be teaching first grade. Jenica Lindquist (18:50) The first year was incredibly difficult, but afterward I realized I absolutely loved teaching younger children. Jenica Lindquist (19:07) They are still impressionable, and you have such an opportunity to shape their growth. Jenica Lindquist (19:24) The following year they moved me to kindergarten. Jenica Lindquist (19:28) Kindergarten teachers deserve the highest salaries and the longest vacations. It is such a hard job. Jenica Lindquist (19:42) When I eventually started my own school, I knew I wanted to focus on younger grades because those are the years when you shape children's thinking, behavior, and beliefs about education. Chapter 10: Pursuing a Master's Degree in Education Host (20:10) What motivated you to pursue your master's degree in Adult Education and Training at the ������ý? Jenica Lindquist (20:33) Originally, I thought I was going to teach adults or eventually teach at the university level. Jenica Lindquist (20:41) That was the appeal. Jenica Lindquist (20:53) My career became experimental because I had not yet found my niche. Jenica Lindquist (20:59) Sometimes our careers take us places we never expected, but they end up being blessings in disguise. Jenica Lindquist (21:10) I discovered I was really good at teaching younger students, and they responded well to me. Chapter 11: Building My ELL Program Host (21:27) What motivated you to start My ELL Program? Jenica Lindquist (21:41) Honestly, it happened almost by accident. Jenica Lindquist (21:49) While teaching in Japan, I started getting requests for private English lessons. Jenica Lindquist (22:13) People wanted lessons for their children or for business purposes. Jenica Lindquist (22:22) I began teaching on weekends and built a steady list of students. Jenica Lindquist (22:41) When I knew I would be moving back to the United States, I asked my students if they wanted to continue online. Jenica Lindquist (22:59) They said yes, and that is really how My ELL Program began. Jenica Lindquist (23:15) Eventually companies began reaching out and asking me to create summer English programs for students in China. Jenica Lindquist (23:22) It snowballed from there. It really came to me rather than me chasing it. Chapter 12: Starting Eleanor Rose Education Center Host (23:36) You also founded Eleanor Rose Education Center, a K–6 school serving gifted, neurodivergent, and special-needs students. What sparked your entrepreneurial journey? Jenica Lindquist (24:09) I honestly do not naturally think of myself as an entrepreneur. Jenica Lindquist (24:20) I actually enjoy being part of larger organizations. Jenica Lindquist (24:41) But after teaching for more than two decades, I kept seeing gaps in the education system. Jenica Lindquist (24:53) I am the kind of person who wants to fix those gaps rather than stand on the sidelines. Jenica Lindquist (25:11) Eventually, it felt like an obligation to start this school. Jenica Lindquist (25:27) These students' needs were not being met, and someone needed to address them. Jenica Lindquist (25:42) I never dreamed about owning a business as a young person. Jenica Lindquist (25:51) Entrepreneurship is hard. It is a tremendous amount of work. Jenica Lindquist (25:59) But I would not change it because I see every day how much we are changing children's lives. Chapter 13: The Reality of Entrepreneurship Host (26:17) Tell us more about Eleanor Rose Education Center and how you support students. Jenica Lindquist (26:37) Right now, we are very small micro-schools with only a handful of students. Jenica Lindquist (26:45) The biggest thing that sets us apart is individualized lesson plans. Jenica Lindquist (26:54) Every student receives a lesson plan created specifically for them. Jenica Lindquist (27:06) Traditional classrooms have one lesson plan for 30 students. Jenica Lindquist (27:18) If five students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), it is almost impossible for one teacher to fully meet everyone's needs. Jenica Lindquist (27:38) We truly individualize instruction. Jenica Lindquist (27:46) The second thing that sets us apart is our relationship with parents and the community. Chapter 14: Parent and Community Involvement Jenica Lindquist (27:56) In the United States, we often separate parents from teachers. Jenica Lindquist (28:11) Teaching overseas showed me that many other countries do not operate that way. Jenica Lindquist (28:16) Parents and schools work together very closely. Jenica Lindquist (28:37) In Dubai, my classroom had a large window where parents could watch me teach all day. Jenica Lindquist (28:46) Japan had something very similar. Jenica Lindquist (28:57) At first I hated that level of transparency because I thought everyone would see my mistakes. Jenica Lindquist (29:13) Eventually I realized it actually strengthened relationships with families. Jenica Lindquist (29:25) Parents could reinforce lessons at home because they understood exactly how concepts were being taught. Jenica Lindquist (29:34) We really do not approach education that way very often in the United States. Chapter 15: Lessons from Global Education Systems Host (29:47) Your school also has the IEP, Inc. podcast. Tell us about that. Jenica Lindquist (30:04) The podcast has been a really fun project. Jenica Lindquist (30:09) The goal is to create a platform where parents and students can learn more about Eleanor Rose Education Center. Jenica Lindquist (30:22) We also share practical information that helps families support gifted and special-needs students. Chapter 16: ������ý Luminary Recognition Host (30:33) You are a ������ý Luminary in the category of entrepreneurship. What does that recognition mean to you? Jenica Lindquist (30:57) It is such an honor. Jenica Lindquist (31:06) I have really enjoyed my education at the ������ý and earning my master's degree there. Jenica Lindquist (31:20) Being recognized this way is a wonderful way to honor that experience and be part of something bigger than myself. Jenica Lindquist (31:34) I hope even more comes from this program. I would love to meet the other Luminaries and attend future events. Host (31:48) Jenica Lindquist is the founder and principal of Eleanor Rose Education Center and the owner and lead educator of My ELL Program, LLC. You can also check out her podcast, IEP, Inc. Host (31:56) Jenica, thank you so much for joining Degrees of Success. Jenica Lindquist (32:04) Thank you so much. I appreciate everything, Keith. It has been a pleasure.