Sylvan Learning Centers reviews

Working in the Dallas ISD schools made the job like a regular school teaching job. You worked the same schedule as the schools, there was no late afternoons or evenings or Saturdays. And you were off when the schools were off. Of course that could work against you on snow days--being hourly meant if you don't work you don't get paid. I worked at two different schools, being at one 3 days a week and a different school 2 days a week. Which is also a pro- you could choose to just work a 3 day week at one school or add days at another school like I did. There were days when the schools didn't want us there because of testing or practice testing, etc. That could eat into your pay. At the same time if a class went on a field trip or had an assembly, the students would not show up and you got paid for a free period or more. There were some days we only saw kids 2 periods out of 5 or 6 because the kids were tied up with some other activity. Be sure to take a book or something to do. We always stayed in the classroom because sometimes the kids would show up for half the period. Another good thing is that there is usually 3 to 4 teachers in a classroom, teaching 3 or fewer students each at a table. So you are not alone, if you run into a problem. If you're lucky to be assigned with good people it can be a great experience. I guess if you're unlucky and get stuck with bad people it could backfire. Luckily at both schools I was with great people. We are on summer break right now so the program has ended. We were told to reapply in July for next school year. Management spoke as if they would bring back those who wanted but there was no guarantees given. So I consider myself still employed but just on hiatus. However if you want guarantees and solid commitments then this program would not be for you. It's an environment for those who don't like supervisors looking over your shoulder. We communicate with management by emails, phone calls, texts and only one day a week would a supervisor come to the campuses and always on a set day. We clocked into work by phone into a computerized system, we did have a "lead teacher" at one of my campuses, but it was an informal position, we all contributed to decision making as to what happened in the classroom. Sylvan gave us a free hand at working, because we were all certified, experienced teachers they provided the curriculum materials but it was up to us to how to teach it . And we all had our own style that blended well in my case. We rotated students sometimes and we had periods where each teacher kept the same students to be consistent. Most periods we had no more than 12 students, usually 9 or so. We had the capability to do one on one with some students who had more problems. We saw the same kids for the whole year with a few exceptions and we ended the year with some very positive results. At least at the two schools I worked at, I was lucky enough to work with some very fine teachers. I am a twenty year veteran who taught all levels from K through adult and retired. And that would be my advice as to who might benefit from this job. A retired teacher who wants to supplement your income. If you need 40 hours a week every week all year long then I would look somewhere else. I worked with one other retired teacher and the others were 15 year plus experienced who needed part time teaching for various reasons. If you're in a similar position, you might like this job.

Sylvan Learning in Hamilton changed ownership over 3 years ago and I have been an employee ever since. The atmosphere is professional, encouraging and motivating. I love working here and seeing that "ah ha moment" with all of our students.