It Started With a Chalkboard and a Dream

Long before she ever set foot in a classroom, Carolyn Tatem was already teaching. “As a little girl, I would line up my dolls on the bed, grab my ruler, and pretend to teach them a lesson,” Carolyn remembers. For her, teaching wasn’t just a career aspiration—it was a calling. But the road to the classroom wasn’t straightforward.

A Winding Road Back to Her Purpose

Despite her passion, Carolyn’s path took a detour. Encouraged by her mother to seek a more “lucrative” career, she earned her degrees in information systems and landed a job in the business world. Yet, everywhere she went, the urge to teach resurfaced—whether it was training adults on new technology or running youth Bible classes at her church. “I just couldn’t let go of it,” she says.

Family First, But Education Always

When Carolyn became a mom, teaching took on new meaning. She homeschooled her children for several years, tailoring her approach to each of their personalities. Later, when it was time for them to head to college, Carolyn returned to teaching full-time.

“My incentive was simple: I wanted my kids to graduate without student loans. If I went back to work, and alongside my husband’s amazing support, we could pay their tuition in cash.”

Discovering BizWorld: The Missing Piece

Carolyn’s return to the classroom led her to something extraordinary—BizWorld. “When I was introduced to BizWorld, it just clicked. It wasn’t just another curriculum. It checked every box: entrepreneurship, real-world skills, and it matched our state’s requirements.”

From that moment, her classroom transformed into a bustling hub of activity, where every student took on a company role and learned by doing.

A Classroom That Feels Like a Company

In “Tatem Corporation,” (the name Carolyn has given to her classroom) students aren’t just learning—they’re experiencing what it means to work together, make decisions, and face challenges.

“Everyone has a job. There’s a place for every student, no matter their personality or skillset,” Carolyn explains.

For her diverse, international classroom, BizWorld’s hands-on, adaptable approach has been a game-changer. Even the initially skeptical students, including the boys who thought making bracelets wasn’t for them, ended up loving the experience.

Real-World Lessons With Lifelong Impact

What stands out most are the transformations. Shy students blossom into leaders. Teams learn the value of compromise, creative thinking, and financial responsibility.

“I run my class like an office. My students learn how to be professional, how to work as a team, and how to dream bigger for themselves,” Carolyn says.

Some students have returned with siblings, and after 30+ years, she’s now teaching children of her former students—a testament to her lasting influence.

Recognition That Resonates

Being named BizWorld’s 2024 Educator of the Year was a total surprise for Carolyn.

“I thought maybe I’d get a certificate in the mail. I had no idea it would mean so much,” she says.

The recognition wasn’t just for her, but for every educator who quietly makes a difference every day.

“There are so many teachers who work so hard without ever being seen. This award was an honor—and a reminder that our work matters.”

Advice to Educators and Supporters

Carolyn’s message is clear:

“If you’re considering BizWorld, just do it. Don’t be intimidated by something new—this program fits right into your requirements and gives students skills for life.”

She encourages fellow teachers to look for the spark in every student and supporters to keep investing in programs that empower educators.

“You’re not just changing classrooms—you’re changing generations.”

Join Us in Shaping the Future

Carolyn Tatem’s journey is proof that passion, perseverance, and the right tools can change lives. If you’re inspired by her story, now’s your chance to get involved.

Join Carolyn as a BizWorld Educator, become a BizWorld mentor, or donate to help bring entrepreneurship education to more classrooms.

When you lift up educators like Carolyn, you ignite a legacy that lasts for generations.