Why Sylvan's Corporate Team Loves Working for the Brand

Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of personal learning for students grades K-12 with more than 710 points of presence worldwide, has a leadership team that has adapted quickly and effectively to best accommodate the needs of a changing learning environment since the onset of the pandemic. The corporate team recognized the dire need for supplemental and enrichment education and was able to quickly use the brand's established technology solutions, breadth of curriculum and delivery options to accommodate students’ learning needs.

Because of these challenges and accomplishments, the unity within Sylvan's corporate team has never been stronger — with a particular appreciation of the brand’s technology, its emotional impact and its ability to constantly evolve with families and students.

“We've created a team and a set of processes that enable us to react quickly and efficiently so that we're always on top of whatever needs to be done,” said Kate McComiskey, senior vice president and general counsel at Sylvan Learning. “Virtual learning is going to be a major part of the way that education works moving forward. And because of that, Sylvan is really poised to be at the forefront of supplemental education for years to come.”

Sylvan Leaders Value the Brand’s Commitment to Technology

McComiskey explained that the brand pivoted quickly to best meet the needs of its families, and that it was possible because of Sylvan’s effective use of technology and years of experienced teachers gaining the trust of families.

“We were very accustomed to in-person instruction at Sylvan centers, and all of a sudden, that was taken away,” McComiskey said. “So the technology and operations team created this technology and capability to deliver to students. These were the same Sylvan programs that people have come to know and love, but virtually, through Zoom or other similar platforms. It made all the difference because it meant that students could continue to learn with their tutors even if they were doing so from home.”

McComiskey furthered the point of Sylvan proving to be a crucial resource to students moving forward, especially in an age where virtual learning is the new normal.

Sylvan Leaders Love Hearing About the Brand’s Impact

Even though the corporate team often isn’t physically in the Sylvan centers, they hear stories of the impact they are making. That’s what inspires them to continue growing and reaching more students. Susan Valverde, Sylvan’s chief franchise operations officer, said that knowing that her team is playing a part in helping franchisees live the “American Dream” of having their own business that helps communities, families and children is invaluable, and she gets positive feedback every day.

“Every single day, there are emails in my inbox from a franchisee or from a director telling me heartfelt stories — we call them Sylvan moments,” said Valverde. “They share these moments with me because they know I love them but also because they're very proud of the work that they're doing. That, to me, says volumes about how we’re all working together for the greater good, despite any challenge, and focusing on the students. It’s a great way to start the day.”

Sylvan Leaders Enjoy Being Part of a Brand that Grows with Customers

Even as the success stories fill his inbox, Sylvan Learning CEO John McAuliffe knows those emails wouldn’t be there without the brand’s ability to constantly adapt and change with students’ needs.

McAuliffe emphasized that the brand’s leadership has remained constant in its ability to see the big picture and not pigeonhole the curriculum into certain subjects or formats.

“From math to reading, writing, study skills, STEM and beyond, it's our breadth of content and personalized tutoring programs via Sylvan Method™ that really set us apart from everybody else,” said McAuliffe.

Additionally, Sylvan is able to deliver the course material in centers, to satellite locations or to the student’s device at home.

When it comes to gauging customer satisfaction, McAuliffe also noted the brand’s net promoter score (NPS) of over 75.

“That score is the feedback that our customers give our franchisees, and it's pretty amazing,” said McAuliffe. “Being at the corporate office, it’s great to be reminded that we play a part in these people's’ lives even though we might not be in the centers on a day-to-day basis. It's a great reminder of the families that we're supporting and helping out there.”