Pros
Pros: I have been working as a Director for Sylvan Learning Centers for 10 years now. I love my job. The day to day challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming but the job is never boring and I leave work each day knowing I have made a real difference in my community and in the lives of my client’s children. I have been lucky enough to work for a company that valued me enough as an employee to provide me with a flexible schedule as I transitioned from a single woman to a married mother of two. I try to provide the same flexibility for the teachers on my staff here in Salem. Over the last few years Sylvan has been very supportive of local community events and I have enjoyed going “out of the center” several times each year. We have sponsored Move-A-Thon events and Free SAT practice testing days at local libraries; donated Lego’s to local PTA groups and visited many of the classroom teachers who work with us to help our students reach their goals. These days “out” are always inspiring and give me the energy I need to face the tougher days back at the center. I have worked at centers where there was not as much support from my peers and superiors so I feel very fortunate that district manager and my associates at other local Sylvan centers are always available and responsive when I get “stumped” or frustrated and need some help.
Cons
Cons: As a Sylvan Director in a busy center, I often have to adjust my “to do” list at the last moment in order to accommodate the individual needs of a client or the daily operations of our center. We often have 20 things scheduled and seem to only have time to do 10. Understanding that work expands to fill the time allotted and completing some intensive organization and time management training have helped me be my best on these busy days. Whether I am testing students, meeting with families, contacting teachers, managing our in-center staff or running general operations; I really do love the challenge; there is never a “boring” day at Sylvan.