Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara D Culp.
Barbara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started Amyra in 2013 after being very disturbed about the high number students who I had encountered who were deficient in reading and math skills. Students who if not given immediate one-on-one support would not be able to graduate from high school. As a retired educator, I could not continue to ignore the problem. With the help of a dear friend who knew the business, I was able to get my license to operate a tutorial service within six months. Shortly thereafter, I gained the contract for an elementary school where I have been for the past four years. I am happy to share that the contract renewal has been continuous due to our success with students.
I credit our tutorial success to the dynamic retired educators who work for Amyra. These ladies have no expiration date on their drive and motivation to help student who learn best in a smaller setting.
Our theme at Amyra is: “Where Experience, Expertise, and Exquisite Services Meet”
In addition, during the last three years, I have written six books to support the educational community. The first five books are a part of a series titled, Words of Wisdom, and the sixth book is The Art of Appraisal. I am in the process of finishing a seventh book on Professional Learning Communities. My publisher is Rowman and Littlefield Educational Publishing House.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, the road has not been smooth. My main struggle was with identifying the “right” staff. I wanted people who were called to teach. People who wanted to help children more than they wanted the pay check. People who brought their own resources to bear, who came to work because they knew children were depending on them. People who would not give up on any child, because they know that sometimes caring superseded teaching.
By the way, I have some of the best tutors in the world working for Amyra!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Amyra Tutorial story. Tell us more about the business.
Right now, my company is small with plans to expand throughout metro Atlanta in the near future. I am a retired educator who spent 43 years in education with experience at all levels. I believe I am known for my no-nonsense approach and for getting honest results.
I am most proud of the way we at Amyra track our results with students so that our end-of-year report to the principal shows that “together” we assisted with the overall improvement of students’ math and reading skills and scores.
First, I would think that working smart, genuinely caring for students, tracking and documenting their progress continuously sets us apart from other tutorial programs. Second, I think because we go into the school and work with identified students on the same goals and objectives as the other students, we develop and strengthen skills and knowledge. The key for us is smaller step with a deeper concentration to yield a greater outcomes.
Also, we provide other educational consulting services such as; parent involvement, observation/feedback, coaching/mentoring, and classroom design. Under professional services, we provide training and seminars on many topics, classroom management, differentiated instruction, and professional writing.
We are truly vested in this business!
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
I see rapid growth over the next 10 years because of educational demands on schools and evidence of student progress. Too many of our children fall behind for a number of reasons and the pace and gapes don’t seem to get any better. I think the biggest shift is going to be with the charter school movement. These schools must be able to show that they can do a better job than the “traditional” public schools. To do so, they too will need the help and support of tutors like us who are committed to working together to achieve the desired results.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Amyrallc.com
- Phone: 404-245-3619
- Email: barbara@amyrallc.com
- Facebook: Barbara D. Culp
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