26 Hillsborough Schools Shown Appreciation By Sylvan Learning

APOLLO BEACH, FL — In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Apollo Beach's newly opened Sylvan Learning delivered gift bags to teachers at 26 public and charter schools in Hillsborough County.

"I have great appreciation and respect for teachers because I know it's not an easy job, and it's something you do from the heart," Dr. Vanity Barr-Little, executive director of Sylvan Learning, said in an interview with Patch. "They're answering their call. It truly takes a special person to be in the classroom, and to be a teacher."

Hillsborough is the seventh-largest school district in the nation, Barr-Little said, which made it a big task to visit so many schools, but she said it was worth it to see the smiling faces of school staff when they received thanks for the work they do for the children and community.

Erin Messano, center director, was also excited about how well-received they were at the schools.

Each gift bag had candy, a pen and an appreciation note. Also included in every delivery to the schools were coupons for free Sylvan Insight Assessments, which were worth a total of $2,000.

"Our Sylvan Insight Assessments not only provide insight into any skill gaps children have, but also students' current habits and attitudes toward school," Barr-Little said. "We're open year round, and I encourage parents to enroll their kids over the summer for our core programs of reading, writing and math so that they can start the school year with success. We also offer a study skills camp so that students walk into the classroom ready to learn for the 2021-2022 school year."

Barr-Little said that in the four weeks they've been serving the Hillsborough County community, she sees that even though a student may be struggling in reading, math or writing, they really do want to learn and become a better student.

If you are a certified teacher or a retired educator, Barr-Little is currently hiring those who feel called to help students gain confidence in the classroom by teaching them improvement skills. To apply or for more information about Sylvan's tutoring, visit its website here. Sylvan Learning is located at 7130 Big Bend Road, Suite #110, Gibsonton.