Hi, I’m Sarah Kochan, the founder of iAchieve Learning!
I started iAchieve Learning in July 2014 while I was still working full time as a high school mathematics teacher. I had also been tutoring students after school for several years, and the phone calls from families continued to grow. Eventually, I reached a point where I simply could not help every student on my own. I hated having to turn families away, so I began building a team of educators who shared my passion for helping students. That idea became iAchieve Learning.
My path to education was not exactly what I originally planned. I grew up in the Chicagoland area and began playing piano when I was seven years old. Music quickly became a huge part of my life, and I originally attended Elmhurst College to study Music Education and Music Business after receiving a music scholarship. About halfway through college, I made the difficult decision to change my major to Mathematics and keep music as an important part of my life. Looking back, it is amazing to see how that one decision helped lead me to where I am today.
I graduated from Elmhurst College in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and my Secondary Education teaching certificate. Right before graduation, I accepted a position as a high school mathematics teacher in District 207. I later earned my master’s degree in Mathematics in 2009.
Although I loved teaching, I found something especially meaningful about working with students individually. Tutoring gave me the opportunity to truly get to know each student, understand how they learned best, and watch their confidence grow. In 2016, I decided to leave the classroom and devote myself to iAchieve Learning full time.
I had no formal business experience when I started, but I had a passion for helping students and a vision for what personalized education could look like. What began as a small tutoring business has grown into a close knit team of dedicated instructors and specialists who support students across the United States.
My favorite part of this work is connecting with families and helping them find the right support for their children. I am incredibly proud of the team we have built and the genuine care they bring to every student. There is nothing better than watching a student reach a goal, grow in confidence, or begin to believe in themselves again.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my husband, Dave, our children, Sebastian and Olivia, and our boxer, Halen. Music is still an important part of my life, along with health and fitness. Over the years, I have completed ten half marathons, nine 50 mile relay races, and many 5K races. I also enjoy traveling and making memories with my family.
It is hard to believe that the business I started while teaching full time has been helping students and families for more than a decade. I am incredibly grateful for every family who has trusted us and every student we have had the opportunity to support. I am just as passionate about our mission today as I was when iAchieve Learning first began.
Helping Students Achieve Their Goals Since 2014