School's out for summer, but with education on every parent's mind, perhaps this season is perfect for embracing learning. Michael Hazen, a Bergen County native and owner of the newly opened Sylvan Learning Center Park Ridge - Montvale, brings a unique blend of legal expertise and educational passion to the forefront. Hazen shares his inspiration behind entering the field of supplemental education.
Hazen's journey to Sylvan has been a long journey, illustrating life's unexpected twists. Reflecting on his shift from law to education, Hazen explains, “After nearly two decades as an attorney, I began exploring supplemental education, which is at the core of Sylvan's mission. That exploration led me to Sylvan, sparking my transition into this field.”
One of Sylvan's strengths, as Hazen highlights, is their dedication to personalized learning. He explains, “We use a method known as Sylvan Insight, which involves a four-step process to best serve the needs of each individual student.” Sylvan Learning Center Park Ridge - Montvale starts with an adaptive assessment that responds in real-time to the student's performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses and pinpointing where their learning journey should begin.
Hazen adds, “From there, we develop an individualized plan tailored to each student, which our certified teachers then use to deliver targeted instruction.” With a focus on ensuring that students not only master the skills in our center but can also apply and integrate them effectively in their regular classrooms.
Hazen emphasizes the importance of building confidence and self-esteem in students, stating, “When a student faces challenges, it can often lead to insecurities in the Classroom. One of the remarkable aspects we observe is that when new students begin our program, they immediately start building confidence as they see tangible results.” Sylvan Learning Center Park Ridge - Montvale also incorporates a motivation element designed to encourage students to work hard through positive reinforcement.
Hazen urges juniors to make use of Sylvan's SAT and ACT practice tests, emphasizing the importance of early preparation. He suggests, “For juniors preparing for college admissions exams, it's crucial to plan ahead for the August test date. Start discussing with someone how to create a study preparation strategy.”
Hazen pictures Sylvan as not just a place for academic enrichment but also a hub for community engagement. He shares, “At Sylvan, we serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. We support their school curriculum and also provide all sorts of opportunities to better kids' education. And we do so by working directly with students or by partnering with their schools to ensure additional support for the local community.”
At Sylvan Learning Center, Hazen and his team are ready to guide students every step of the way, leading them on the path to success with knowledge, encouragement, and support.
For more information you can visit SylvanLearning.com/locations/us/nj/park-ridge-tutoring
“We use a method known as Sylvan Insight, which involves a four-step process to best serve the needs of each individual student.” - Michael Hazen