Sylvan Learning welcomes new Director of Education

COLUMBIA, SC – Malai Pressley joins Sylvan Learning Centers of the Midland’s NE Columbia location as Director of Education. She is responsible for ensuring the educational integrity of the Sylvan Learning programs and successful outcomes of each student through daily interactions with the Sylvan teachers, the students, the families, and the student’s school teachers. Pressley will be partnering with the existing Director of Education, Brandi Carpenter, who will be taking charge of the Edge programs and community outreach. The NE Columbia location is led by Sandy Lawyer, the Center Director, and the three will continue to build the business and provide their top-notch customer service through one-on-one support to families and students throughout their entire Sylvan experience.

Pressley is a proven leader with a background in education. She spent the last seven years as a teacher at Pontiac Elementary in Elgin and was instrumental in starting their fourth grade Project-Based Learning classes and becoming a certified Montessori teacher in the Montessori Magnet Program. While a part-time teacher at Sylvan, Pressley found great value in the curriculum; and, in turn, decided to join the Sylvan team full time.

“Along with her professionalism and her impressive organizational skills, Malai brings a great energy and enthusiasm to our team,” said Sandy Lawyer, Center Director of NE Columbia. “Her experience with educational technology is the perfect overlay with the SylvanSync™ program because she can ensure our teachers blend their instructional skills with the latest technology to get the best out of every student,” said Amy Gardner, Sylvan Learning of the Midlands President.

Pressley earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina and obtained her master’s in Elementary Education and an EdS in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Cambridge College in Massachusetts. She also serves as Director of The Center for Women at NorthStar and a mentor at the Columbia College Institute for Leadership and Professional Excellence.

With more than 35 years of experience and more than 750 locations throughout North America, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan also leads the way with Sylvan EDGE — STEM and accelerated courses and Sylvan Prep — college and test prep courses. Sylvan supports their families through every stage of the academic journey. For more information, visit www.SylvanLearning.com or SylvanLearning.com/blog.  ~