Meet Tawna Farciert | Special Education Teacher & Owner of The Middle Matters Co.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tawna Farciert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tawna, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2019-2020, I was working as a 6th grade reading teacher. When Covid forced our students to go fully remote, I knew they’d be missing valuable instruction in reading, and I knew it would be incredibly difficult to get them back on track. I decided to start offering online tutoring at that time to try to help parents who might be concerned about their student’s reading progress while learning remotely, and this is when The Middle Matters Co. was created.

In 2022, I began working as a Special Education Reading Co-Teacher. This meant that about 10% of our class required specially designed instruction, and the other 90% was labeled “on-level”. The 6th graders I had at that time were 3rd graders at the time of the shut down, and the average gap in reading skills was about 2-3 years behind. This was across the board, not just special education students. These kids were missing some valuable basic reading skills, and they struggled with every aspect of RLA from dictionary skills and letter recognition to comprehension and writing skills. While we were expected to teach a 6th grade level curriculum, the reality was, a majority of our class couldn’t read or comprehend what we were reading, and the true “on-level” students were the minority. No matter how much we tried, there just weren’t enough minutes in the class to truly hit the areas these students needed the most. The students get passed along and the gap just keeps growing. This is a reality for many public schools and many grade levels. We had so many parents emailing and asking for tutoring referrals to try to get additional help for their students. I knew I wanted to help. I started taking students on over the summer specifically to help build reading skills. This dedicated 1:1 time with those students was incredibly impactful, and we were seeing real progress.

In early 2024, I shifted my focus from surface level tutorials to more in-depth reading intervention services. My mission for The Middle Matters Co. is to help close reading gaps with targeted 1:1 intervention where the root of the challenge is identified, and a plan is set in place to help move the student forward. This is not just for students with a diagnosis or a reading disability; this is for all students who need help. The goal is to work in partnership with the parents and the schools so the students are supported from every angle. There is a literacy crisis in America, and I’m just trying to do my part to help fix it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Middle Matters Co. works with students K – 8th grade who are one or more years behind in reading. I believe what sets me apart from others is that it’s more than a tutoring service. Tutoring is great, and necessary, but there is a difference between that and intervention, which is what I do. I have worked for many years to develop my knowledge and experience in order to bring the best strategies and resources to benefit the students I work with.

I am the most excited about seeing growth in my clients, and watching them apply the skills with success that we work on in session. It is a beautiful thing to give a child the gift of reading. It’s almost like helping them unlock a superpower they didn’t know they had access to.

Getting to where I am today was not easy! I had a lot of nos before I had a yes. I am learning to navigate the ins and out of running my own business, from website design to finances. I’m learning that there are very few people that will believe in my business as much as I do. I’m learning that things do not go as planned, and that I need a lot of patience. I’m learning I’m not as prepared as I thought I was, and I’m learning that not everyone will support what I do. Building a business has to be fluid, and requires a lot of reflecting, shifting and trying new things.

I am passionate about what I am doing, and I hope others can see that too! I want my clients to feel like they are in a safe place where they can take risks without fear of failure.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are just minutes from The Woodlands and Spring areas with tons of things to do! We could take a walk on The Waterway in the Woodlands and explore hundreds of restaurants and shops. I recommend The Goose’s Acre or the Blue Door coffee shop. Close by, Market Street has plenty of upscale stores and dining as well. 60 Vines in the Market Street area has wine flights and gives a more intimate atmosphere for dinner. Sometimes, both the Waterway and Market Street have live music nights too. We might visit a different pace and price point in Old Town Spring, which is just a little further South with a variety of shops to choose from, some old and some new. There are several little artisan shops there as well, and Wunsche Bros. Cafe would be the perfect lunch spot! It’s got a lot of history! If we wanted to stick closer to Conroe, we’d have to visit Main Street and pop in to all of the Antique shops. There are several shopping strips in the area as well as the lake close by for fishing or swimming. There are so many things to choose from.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My greatest supporter is my husband, Abe. He has an entrepreneurial spirit himself, and he has always encouraged me to go after my big ideas. His guidance, wisdom, and encouragement is so valuable. He is my partner in all things, and without him I would not be stepping out in faith like I am!

I also have to give a shoutout to my sweet friends Michelle Perzan and Amanda Garcia. Both ladies have played a pivotal role in encouraging me to aim high, and always reminding me that God has a purpose for me in my work with these students. They’ve prayed with me and over me during every aspect of this journey so far, and their non-stop support is so appreciated.

Website: https://www.themiddlemattersco.com

Instagram: @themiddlemattersco

Facebook: @themiddlemattersco

Image Credits
Art Elevated