The Educational Entrepreneur: Making a Difference. by Donald E. Leisey and Charles
Lavaroni. Edupreneur Press, $16.95
Here are case studies of 22 former teachers, including Barbara and Roger Rossier, who opened businesses
related to education. The USC School of Education bears the Rossier name, and the former dean of the school,
Guilbert C. Hentschke, wrote the foreword to this book. Donald E. Leisey, a member of the school's board
of councilors, and his co-author are founding members of the International Academy for Educational
Entrepreneurship. The chapter on the Rossiers, "Enriching Education for Special Needs Children,"
outlines the couple's success. "Energy, experience, teamwork, drive, nerve and creativity helped [the
Rossiers] become successful entrepreneurs. What made them extraordinary was their vision of and passion for
quality in education," write the authors.
USC Chronicle - Published for USC Students, Faculty & Staff, October 15, 2001
"The Educational Entrepreneur: Making a Difference"
A new book by Donald Leisey and Charles Lavaroni
By National School Supply and Equipment Association, Ann Wykowski
This book provides a collection of twenty-two short, interesting biographies about people who have gone
from education to educational business. Most are pioneers in their fields and have led the way for many other
successful business people. These industry leaders are different from others, in that they have continued with
a commitment to education. Businesses vary from charter schools to manufacturing of education supplies. These
are people who realize that entrepreneurs are the key that will lead to a higher quality of education. Only by
identifying and implementing new approaches to eduction, can the system be improved.
Few people realize that over 700 billion dollars is spent annually on education, half to kindergarten
through Gr.12, and half on higher or alternative education. This book is not an instructional book on how to
become an entrepreneur, but rather an inspiring book on people who care about our children's present and
future. The people profiled here are not folks who ask "How can we make schools better?" These are
the ones who ask, "How can we improve learning itself?" By studying how children learn best, and
what stimulates their minds the most, changes in education are taking place. Three are varying viewpoints
presented on group versus individual learning, class size, methodology and curriculums.
Some of the ideas presented hear are realizing that to go forward in education, you must begin to challenge
traditions, and challenge the barriers to change. Remember that, "just because it's always ALWAYS
been done that way," does not mean that way was successful. Proven entrepreneurs are marked not just by
their successes, but by realizing their own limitations, knowing how to encourage teamwork, and to work within
that same team. Being able to instill a sense of family among employees, demonstrating that hard work, on the
job training and relying on the support of others as well as your own strengths are all marks of a truly
successful entrepreneur. These people had a vision of what a difference they could make in education, and have
been rewarded for their hard work with results that peak for themselves.
Are you asking yourself if you want the freedom to be your own boss? Are you willing to dedicate yourself
to the long hours, not pay, hard work, and setbacks required to start your own business? Are you someone who
believes there is a problem with today's learning techniques, and you know how to solve it? Perhaps you
seek more personal responsibility, higher monetary rewards, increased personal satisfaction, and the chance to
work with high quality goals day after day. Maybe you are an educational entrepreneur waiting for your chance
to get started. This book is brain food to stimulate that desire in those of us who meet the qualifications.
The people in this book understand that children will learn better if they are motivated and efforts are
recognized with positive reinforcement. Children identify and want to be with people who radiate enthusiasm
and a strong sense of dedication. The ability to make learning fun, will inspire children, positive
reinforcement will motivate them. Our responsibility as adults in education is to teach children in such a way
that they relish learning and choose to pursue an education instead of detesting education and all that goes
with it. Educational entrepreneurs have a deep appreciation for the rights of individuals to learn at their
own pace, and level, but because of entrepreneurial ingenuity - learning becomes a gift, not a chore.
