Delaware-based educational entrepreneur and founder of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. recently lobbied the U.S. Senate and Congress in Washington, D.C. in support of S.744, The Affordable Tutoring of Our Children Act.
Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced S.744 on March 31, 2009 in order to give middle class families the financial means to pay for educational assistance through their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). In the simplest terms, the bill will amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from an employee's gross income any supplemental instructional services assistance. Parents would be able to put away up to $5,000 each, annually, in a Flexible Spending Account for dependent care and tutoring using pre-tax dollars.
"At a time when families are struggling, this is one way we can help parents make sure their child won't fall behind in school," says Senator Nelson.
Specifically, the bill defines supplemental instructional services to include instructional or other academic enrichment services that are provided in addition to instruction during the school day and are specifically designed to increase academic achievement. The bill also includes the core academic studies of English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, social studies, and geography. Instruction in these areas must be provided by a state certified instructor or accredited organization.
"The specifics of this bill speak directly to the American family and the serious struggles many face today. In order to provide the highest quality education for our children, bills like S.744 are crucial," explains Beverly Stewart. "I was honored to take part in this effort and make the Senate and Congress aware of the issue's importance and its potential for long-term effects."
Stewart is the President and Director of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware, a tutoring service and private school. Founded in 1985, Stewart began her business as its sole employee. Now, over 24 years later, her firm employs over 80 professional, degreed tutors, offers 60+ subjects for children and adults, and has served the varied educational needs of approximately 11,500 students in the tri-state area.
In addition to her efforts to promote S.744, her passion for education has made her a leading industry expert for educational publications, as well as radio and television. Stewart's insights have been featured in such national publications as Entrepreneur Magazine, The New York Times, and Consumer's Digest, and local publications such as The Philadelphia Business Journal and Delaware Today. In addition, her story has been highlighted in nationally-released books including The Educational Entrepreneur: Making a Difference, What No One Ever Tells You About Financing Your Own Business, and The Connectors: How The World's Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life. Stewart has been a regular guest contributor for Your Morning on CN8, focusing her segments on a variety of educational and parenting topics.
In addition, her 30 years in the field of education make her a much sought-after public speaker on various aspects of education philosophy and practice. She has been honored for the last eight years to be asked to address the international elite in education at the annual Education Industry Association EDventures conference. Other speaking engagements include the annual New Castle County Chamber of Commerce Women's Entrepreneurial Expo, the Delaware Women's Conference, Women's Referral Network of Chester County, and the National Tutoring Association. Beverly frequently addresses diverse local groups as a motivational and keynote speaker, as well as speaking at University of Delaware and Wilmington University to both undergraduate and graduate classes.
