Meet Blue Ocean Teacher Champions – outstanding educators who integrate Blue Ocean principles into their teaching and inspire students to explore entrepreneurship

At Fountain Valley High School in California, Sarah McCance is doing more than teaching business, she’s transforming how students think about their future. She uses the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition to open her students’ eyes to new possibilities and entrepreneurial paths.

“I have used Blue Ocean as a way for my students to change their way of thinking about business and entrepreneurship,” she explains. For McCance, entrepreneurship education isn’t just about launching businesses—it’s about creating real impact in the communities. “I love seeing how students learn they belong to a community of peers that they can learn to work with and that their work can affect their real lives and the community around them,” she explains.

One of the key impacts of the Blue Ocean Competition on McCance’s students has been a deeper understanding of identifying genuine market gaps and unmet needs. “Students have seen the need to research and attain customers and look for what opportunities and needs are not being met in business,” McCance notes. She keeps her students motivated by connecting the competition to the real world. “This is hands-on learning that applies to all aspects of life and any industry they are interested in,” she says.

“Students have seen the need to research and attain customers and look for what opportunities and needs are not being met in business.” – Sara McCance

Understanding that presenting original business ideas can be intimidating for students, McCance has developed a supportive approach to help her students build pitching skills through practice and peer feedback. “We do practice rounds with just myself or with a small group of peers. We also have them watch many different pitches to get comfortable with what they will be doing,” she shares. This gradual exposure to pitching helps students build confidence while refining their presentation skills.

McCance also emphasizes professionalism: “I also stress that professional and respectful behavior is a must in my class,” ensuring students develop the soft skills necessary for success in any business environment.

What truly sets McCance’s approach apart is how she bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world entrepreneurship, helping her students see pathways to turning their classroom projects into viable businesses after graduation. Her students aren’t just brainstorming ideas—they’re taking action. “My students have taken their Blue Ocean learning and pitch and have started to talk to investors and other stakeholders that may be interested in starting their business ventures after they graduate,” she proudly shares.

As the Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition continues to expand its reach, educators like Sarah McCance demonstrate the transformative power of entrepreneurship education when rooted in innovation, community, and real-world application. Her example stands as an inspiration to teachers around the world who seek to nurture the next generation of blue ocean business leaders.

The Blue Ocean Teacher Champion program recognizes outstanding educators who integrate Blue Ocean principles into their teaching and inspire students to explore entrepreneurship through value innovation. To learn more about becoming involved, visit our Teacher Resources page.