Today we’d like to introduce you to Najeema Bey-Mickel.
Hi Najeema, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
For seven years, I served as an English Language Arts educator in the public school system, dedicated to closing literacy gaps for struggling readers. I’ve always believed that every child deserves a teacher who sees them, advocates for them, and refuses to let them fall through the cracks.
During COVID, I began tutoring a few students on the side—nothing major, just a passion project to continue helping children who needed more support…life shifted, and I stepped away…
until another shift pushed me forward again.
After experiencing a traumatic event at a school that threatened my professional stability, I made a promise to myself: no one would ever have that level of control over my livelihood again. Teaching was what I knew. Supporting children was what I loved. And creating independence for myself and my family became essential.
So, after the birth of my daughter, I rebuilt my tutoring work—this time with purpose, intention, and a vision much bigger than myself. I wanted her, and every child like her, to know what it feels like to have a teacher who truly cares. That’s how Generations Learning Co. was born.
I founded this company to bring back the village, to give parents peace of mind and to provide struggling readers with an educator who will fight for them, advocate for them, and walk with them until they thrive.
Nearly five years later, Generations Learning Co. has helped countless students across private, public, and charter schools achieve mastery in reading. This work is not just my profession—it’s my calling, my ministry, and the legacy I am building for the next generation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business has never been a smooth road…I was constantly making revision through trial-and-error, especially in the early years.
One of my biggest hurdles was learning my worth. As educators, we’re often told our expertise is appreciated, yet the compensation rarely matches the impact. I had to do the mindset work to believe I deserved to be valued like any other professional. I wasn’t just tutoring. I was closing years of reading gaps, restoring confidence, and giving parents back the time and peace they’d lost worrying about their struggling readers. That kind of transformation is almost priceless.
Another challenge was balancing motherhood, marriage, and my business; Finding space to be a mother, a wife, and myself at the same time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Generations Learning Co.?
Generations Learning Co. (Mint Literacy) is a literacy intervention company dedicated to closing reading gaps, restoring confidence, and giving students a fresh start in reading.
I provide high-impact, personalized reading support that helps students master skills, overcome literacy barriers, and discover the joy of reading.
Through my 12-week intervention program, students often gain 1–2 years of growth in a single cycle. It’s focused, research-based, and built on the belief that every child deserves a teacher who refuses to give up on them.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Families can enroll their child in my 12-week program.
I also partner with schools looking to close ELA gaps in grades 4–8.
I support beginning teachers, train youth professionals who are building literacy programs, and provide professional development and workshops.
