👋 Meet Mrs. Sullivan

Hello! I’m Jen Sullivan, and I’m thrilled to be joining the NorthStar Academy team as the new Entrepreneurship 1 teacher. This course combines two of my greatest passions: equipping students with real-world skills and encouraging them to think creatively and courageously.

🧮 From Math to Mindset

I was born and raised in central Illinois. After high school, I spent ten years in Indiana, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Math Education from Bethel University. I taught math at Granger Christian School for three years, met and married my wonderful husband in 2011, then stepped away from the classroom to be a stay-at-home mom.

In 2016, we moved back to Illinois to be closer to family. I spent two years teaching at a local public high school before joining Peoria Christian School, where I taught for six years. My classes included Algebra 1 & 2, College Algebra (which we renamed Algebra 3), Math Lab, Health, and Geometry. During my time there, I was given the opportunity to teach something brand new—Foundations of Entrepreneurship.

🌱 Why I Said “Yes” to Entrepreneurship

You might be wondering how a math teacher ended up leading an entrepreneurship program. Great question! It started when my superintendent attended a conference where Stephen Carter from The SeedTree Group spoke about his passion for entrepreneurship education. Inspired, she came back and told our principal, “We need to have this at PCS.”

After a conversation with Stephen about the kind of teacher needed to launch this program, my principal approached me—just before spring break 2024—and asked if I’d consider taking it on. He said they were looking for someone flexible, creative, comfortable in the unknown, and willing to try something new. I was honored (and a little nervous), but I knew this opportunity aligned with my teaching philosophy and God’s leading.

You see, even as a math teacher, I was always trying to instill a growth mindset in my students. I wanted them to know that the value of math wasn’t just in solving equations. It was in learning to think critically, analyze complex problems, and persevere through failure. Those same skills are at the heart of the Entrepreneurial Mindset.It felt like God was simply giving me a new garden to plant the same seeds.

☕ A Life-Giving Experience

That class ended up being life-giving—for my students and for me. We explored TED Talks, podcasts, articles, and hands-on activities that helped us all grow. I wasn’t just teaching them; I was learning right alongside them.

One of the highlights was helping students launch a real coffee shop! They pulled espresso shots, steamed milk, invented monthly latte recipes, analyzed costs, and served real customers. The experience was unforgettable and deeply rewarding. It wasn’t just a class; it was a transformation.

🏡 A New Season

Fast forward a few months, and my family has relocated to Indianapolis, where my husband accepted a new teaching position at a local Christian school. And now I get to start this next chapter at NorthStar Academy, bringing my passion for entrepreneurship to our students here!

🚀 What Students Can Expect in Entrepreneurship 1

So, what can students expect when they enroll in Entrepreneurship 1 at NSA?

• 🎧 Engaging Resources – We’ll read, watch, and listen to a variety of thought leaders who challenge us to grow in character, creativity, and courage.
  
• 💬 Live Discussions – We’ll meet live via Teams to discuss what we’re learning and apply it to our own lives.
  
• 🤝 Practical Skills – From communication skills and professional handshakes to customer service and financial tracking, students will build tools they can use far beyond high school.
  
• 💡 Create Something Real – Each student will have the opportunity to design a unique solution to a real-world problem through a personal or team business idea. They’ll walk through every stage of the process: ideation, creation, launch, and growth.

By the end of the course, students won’t just have knowledge. They’ll have experience. They’ll walk away more confident, more capable, and more equipped to impact the world for Christ through the pathway of entrepreneurship.

Ready to Get Started or Have Additional Questions?
Learn more about Entrepreneurship 1 here! Have additional questions? Reach out here.