Who's Who at Kumon
Jean Byrne, Director
Jean Byrne has been a Kumon Instructor since 1994 and has achieved the status of “Elite Kumon Instructor,” one of only 39 Gold Level Instructors of the more than 1400 Kumon instructors in North America.
Jean received her Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and retired from Kent State University with over 35 years of service. Along the way she was twice named one of the “Top 10 Instructors” for the University. She also received the “Outstanding Faculty Award” for the Masters in Public Health Program at Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine three times.
From the vantage point of the program coordinator, she saw how deficits in math and reading hindered students reach their full potential. In some cases she saw students drop majors because they were afraid of the “gatekeeping” math courses. She also saw how students who had a strong foundation in math and reading possessed the confidence and skills to succeed in college and beyond.
Jean first discovered Kumon in an attempt to help her fifth-grade son who was struggling in math at that time. As soon as she found out about the Kumon method, it was love at first sight! She enrolled her son, who went on to be named the “Outstanding Student” in his high school class of 500; and Jean went on to a second career as a Kumon instructor!
Jackie Gross, Office Manager
Jackie is the heart and soul of our Centers. She is the friendly voice that you hear on the phone and the even friendlier face that your children see when they enter the Center. Whether she is congratulating them for work well done or encouraging them to be neater and more careful, Jackie has the knack to say it just right!! After a number of years in the banking industry, Jackie went back to her true passion and recently graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Kumon Center Assistants
Jean employs ten to twelve assistants to work with the students at each class session. Many of these staff members have been with her for over 10 years. At the time of their application for employment all staff are screened to ensure that they have the needed qualifications to assist your child in the Kumon program. Jean then personally trains all staff members to ensure uniformity.
At the present time the staff includes two Ph.D.’s along with four individuals with Master’s Degrees and four individuals with degrees in Education. Rounding out our staff are four university students and four members of the National Honor Society, including two assistants who are bound for Harvard University and the University of Chicago this fall.
Most of all, Jean looks for staff who related well with students of all ages and who can share their enthusiasm for learning.
