ZUNI Learning Tree To Present At 1 Million Cups

Tina McCord from ZUNI Learning Tree will present at 1 Million Cups Little Rock this Wednesday.

1 Million Cups is the weekly programming event held each week at 9 a.m. at the Arkansas Venture Center, located at 107 E. Markham in downtown Little Rock catty-corner from the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Participants hear from entrepreneurs and have the opportunity to network and engage with like-minded business people. It’s easy to participate: just show up, drink coffee, ask questions and talk business for an hour.

In a nutshell, ZUNI Learning Tree searches and vets resources on the web and creates resources for teachers to use in class.

Talk Business & Politics’ Todd Jones caught up with McCord to get a little more information about her business and what she is looking to share at 1 Million Cups.

TB&P: How did ZUNI Learning Tree get its start?

Tina McCord: We began a little over 3 years ago with a passion to support teachers. We believed there had to be an easier way for teachers to access great educational resources, learn about new technology and support students and parents at home with instruction and the Common Core State Standards.

We believe teachers should be able to enjoy their evenings and weekends with family, not spend their time Googling for lessons. Our first client was North Little Rock School District. We customized our platform for their district beginning with math and literacy. It was a success and the following year we added science and social studies.

Along the way we added great tools that teachers need in addition to lesson plans such as, brain break activities, tools for English Language Learners, how-to videos and a full Learning Management System. The second year we added ZUNI for Kids and the third year we added individual teacher and parent licenses.

TB&P: What is the next goal or goals for ZUNI Learning Tree?

McCord: Our next goal is to bring ZUNI into the hands of as many teachers as possible both locally and nationally. In addition, we will build out 6th – 12th grades.

TB&P: What do you hope to inspire in other entrepreneurs at your 1 Million Cups presentation?

McCord: I might encourage/inspire them to stick with their 8-5 job. To have faith, to be willing to ask for help, to work hard and to know when to let go and trust.

You can learn more about ZUNI Learning Tree by visiting their website.