Exploring Life & Business with Victoria Sherrard of Sylvan Learning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Sherrard.

Hi Victoria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey with Sylvan in 1993 as a teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at Sylvan locations in Lubbock, several centers in the Boston area, and eventually took the leap into ownership by purchasing my first center in Phoenix in 2006. Shortly thereafter, we opened a center in Anthem, which unfortunately had to close during the Covid pandemic. In 2008, we purchased the Glendale center, and in 2019, we began overseeing the Scottsdale centers as well.

Throughout my time with Sylvan, one thing has remained constant: my passion for helping students reach their full potential—especially those who have been told their abilities are limited. There’s nothing more rewarding than proving that every child can succeed with the right support.

Over the years, our centers have been recognized with multiple awards that reflect both the dedication of our team and the success of our students.

Personally, I’ve been humbled to receive several national honors, including The Phoenix Award and Director of Education of the Year. But what means the most to me is the recognition our entire team has earned. Together, we placed in the National Grand STEM Challenge two years in a row, a testament to the creativity, collaboration, and passion our students and teachers bring to learning every day.

One of my proudest moments was being recognized by astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris, who personally presented me with an award on behalf of our team. Standing alongside someone who has literally reached for the stars reminded me why we do what we do.. . . inspire kids to dream big and believe in what’s possible for their future.

For me, these awards aren’t just plaques on a wall, they’re milestones that remind us of the impact Sylvan has on families across our community. Every achievement belongs not just to our staff, but to the students who come through our doors and discover what they’re truly capable of.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The COVID pandemic was certainly a challenge. We had to quickly pivot from in-person instruction to an online model with very little notice. Fortunately, we already had a digital platform in place. The real task was training our teachers and families to navigate the world of Zoom effectively.

One of the unexpected positives that came out of this shift was the flexibility it gave us. We can now support students even when they’re out of town for the summer, recovering from illness, or visiting family — situations that might have previously disrupted their learning. Instead of experiencing academic regression, students are able to continue making progress, no matter where they are.

Today, we even work with students in states like Ohio and Florida. Thanks to the time difference, we’re able to serve them before our Arizona-based instruction hours begin; turning what was once a challenge into a real opportunity for growth and expansion.

As you know, we’re big fans of Sylvan Learning. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Sylvan, we believe every child has incredible potential, and we’re here to help them see it in themselves. When families come to us, it’s often because their child is struggling with confidence or needs extra support to reach their goals. Nothing makes me happier than watching those same students light up when they realize, “I can do this.”

What we do goes beyond tutoring. Yes, we help with reading, writing, math, study skills, and test prep, but at the heart of it, we’re building confidence. Every student gets a personalized plan made just for them, because no two kids learn the same way. Our teachers use the right mix of encouragement, engaging lessons, and proven strategies so kids not only catch up or get ahead, but also start believing in themselves again.

What makes Sylvan different is how personal it is. We take the time to really know each student and celebrate their progress whether big or small. Parents tell us they love that we’re flexible too, whether their child learns best in our center, online, or a mix of both.

One thing I’m most proud of is the trust families place in us. For more than 45 years, Sylvan has been a place where parents can feel confident their kids are supported, encouraged, and on a path to success. Our name isn’t just about academics—it’s about growth, confidence, and possibilities.

If there’s one thing we’d love readers to know, it’s this: Sylvan is here to help your child gain the confidence to thrive. Whether your student needs a boost, is preparing for a big exam, or wants to be challenged with enrichment, we’ll be right there to guide the way.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about the North Phoenix area (Glendale, N. Phoenix and Scottsdale) is the sense of community and opportunity here. Families are deeply invested in their children’s successes, and you can feel that energy from schools to local events. We also love the diversity of this area. Our city brings together so many different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, which makes it an incredible place for kids to learn and grow. And of course, I can’t leave out the sunshine! It’s hard not to feel motivated with so many bright, sunny days!

If I had to pick something, it would be the heat! Summers can be tough, especially for families trying to keep kids engaged and active. But in a way, that challenge also motivates us—we love being a place where students can spend time productively, in a cool and supportive environment. We are a great place to be when when it’s 110 degrees outside.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SylvanLearning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylvanlearningphoenix/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylvanGlendaleAZ
• Twitter: https://x.com/SylvanLearning
• Youtube: @Sylvanlearning