Lisa Collum, founder of Top Score Writing, is transforming education by empowering teachers and students with innovative solutions.
LISA COLLUM
Tell Us Your Story
My professional journey has been one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering belief that every teacher and student can succeed when given the right tools. It all started when I was a public school teacher at a low-performing Title I school. Faced with the challenge of helping my students pass the state writing tests, I created my own systematic, step-by-step way of teaching writing. In just one year, the results were astonishing: the percentage of my students scoring at the proficiency level skyrocketed from 38% to 95%. By the next two years, every single one of my students achieved proficiency.
The success I achieved didn’t just draw attention—it led to two investigations by the Department of Education. My results were so unprecedented that people questioned how they were possible. Those experiences were challenging, but they made me stronger. I knew my methods worked, and I became even more determined to share my strategies with teachers everywhere.
In 2011, I founded Top Score Writing, Inc., starting with nothing more than lessons I created and binders I assembled on my living room floor. What began with just ten schools has grown into a multimillion-dollar company that now serves schools in all 50 states and four countries. Top Score Writing provides a complete writing curriculum for grades 1-12, including daily lessons, student activities, quizzes, tests, and a full digital platform. Today, I have the privilege of working with thousands of teachers around the world, giving them the confidence and tools they need to transform their students’ writing skills.
At the same time, my passion for helping students led me to open Coastal Middle and High School, a nonprofit school that provides a safe and supportive environment for struggling students in grades 6-12. Over the past nine years, the school has grown from one classroom to six, serving over 85 students. I’m actively involved in the day-to-day operations, working closely with both students and teachers to create a space where every student can succeed.
What makes my approach unique is how hands-on and practical it is. I’ve always focused on creating step-by-step solutions that empower both educators and students. I believe demographics, race, or academic challenges should never define a student’s potential, and I’ve seen firsthand how success is possible when teachers have the right resources and strategies.
Looking back, my journey has been about turning challenges into opportunities and using my platform to change lives. Today, I’m proud to know that my work is impacting educators and students around the world, and I’m grateful every day to be part of a mission that truly makes a difference.
What are the most common challenges you’ve observed facing women entrepreneurs in your industry, and how can we work together to create solutions and resources to overcome them?
As a woman entrepreneur and educator in the education industry, I’ve noticed two major challenges women often face: balancing family and work and dealing with gender bias. Managing family responsibilities while running a business can feel overwhelming in a field that demands long hours, emotional investment, and personal commitment. Many women also carry the weight of being primary caregivers at home, which adds to the pressure.
I’ve seen many women struggle with guilt over how much time they dedicate to their careers, feeling they aren’t doing enough at home or at work. Society’s expectation for women to “do it all” creates an invisible burden, leading to stress and burnout. As a mom of four, I’ve faced this challenge myself.
Although the education industry has many women in its workforce, leadership roles are still often dominated by men. This leads to skepticism about women’s ability to lead effectively or grow a successful business. I’ve experienced this bias firsthand.
Instead of letting these challenges discourage me, I’ve used them as motivation. My journey has taught me that overcoming gender bias means unapologetically taking up space, demonstrating our value, and supporting one another along the way.
What does a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur look like, and how can we share these insights to build a sense of community and understanding among women entrepreneurs?
A typical day in my life as an entrepreneur is a mix of structured chaos, constant movement, and a lot of juggling, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It all starts early in the morning with my most important role: being a mom. I get my four kids up, make breakfast, and get them ready and off to school.
Once the kids are taken care of, my workday begins. If I’m working from home, I hold Zoom meetings, respond to emails, and create resources. If I’m out at schools, I might be meeting with teachers, modeling a writing lesson, or leading training sessions.
At around 4 p.m., I shift gears again to my role as a mom. I pick up my kids and jump into the second half of my day, which is all about them—whether it’s helping with homework, driving them to activities, or spending quality time together.
For me, it’s about being present and intentional in each role, finding fulfillment in both, and knowing that I’m making a difference at home and in the lives of others.
