More About The Better Learning Center
Better Learning Inc. was established in 2017 as an academic service to the local and international community by Dr. Julie Anderson-Manrique and Jonathan Manrique to accommodate a rapidly growing number of students needing greater attention than they were receiving to that point, as well as provide training for instructors here and abroad.
The learning center grew out of a commitment that was made more than 20 years ago to improve student achievement, meaningful learning, in a caring environment.
In response to declining performance indicators nationwide in comparison to other industrialized nations, Better Learning Inc. began a research initiative that culminated in the launch of the Academy For Better Learning and thereafter its Better Learning Center. The doors to Better Learning Inc. as a k12 academic institution opened in November of 2020 with 7 students.
Of the worldview from which will come a balanced personality and a proper understanding and acceptance of each person’s role in life at home, work, play, and worship our philosophy is to build positive character traits in each child and promote high academic standards while providing a foundation and understanding of Judeo-Christian principles. We encourage all students to set goals, pursue excellence, and a seek hope for their future whether it be in a technical school, entrepreneurship, or college-bound training. Our training meets the whole person: intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
The 501c3 nonprofit Better Learning Inc was established in 2017 to serve the local and international community. As time passed, the founders realized that a rapidly growing number of students would get greater attention if we opened our own training facilities.
Better Learning Center grew out of a Decision to expand services and establish our vision: reaching learners of all ages with a focus on student success through independent yet monitored learning in a caring environment.
In 2020, Better Learning opened its first sk12 school with 7 students.
Our vision at Better Learning is to model God’s love to each child and their family. In collaboration with the student, their guardian, and our staff, we carve out a path for the student to meet academic, spiritual, and social-emotional goals and growth.
Better Learning is a kindergarten through twelfth grade school that: aids in the development of student character using a christ-centered curriculum taught by dedicated christian teachers.
We believe that each child is unique in his/her strengths and weaknesses. We promote a safe learning environment where children can face challenges without ridicule.
Dr. Julie Anderson-Manrique has served learners since 1983. She has worked in South America, Central Kentucky, and South Florida. In 2017, urged by son Jonathan, Dr. Julie opened Better Learning Inc, a 501c3 purposed to serve children, youth, and their parents to have a better academic experience–learning better. Her vision has been to serve the whole family. Dr. Julie holds a phd in education, a masters degree in elementary education and a second masters degree in administration of tesol and bilingual education. Her undergraduate degree is in communication. She is also certified as a national trainer with time to teach. She has specialized in administrating and teaching bilingual and speakers of other languages (esol). She has been trained to work with traumatized youth.
Director Jonathan Manrique has been Better Learning’s director and school principal since 2020. He is the co-founding member of Better Learning. He holds a ddiv in spiritual divinity, ordained missionary, certification for culturally and linguistically diverse learners, certified in ell and special needs group, and a bachelor’s degree in child psychology. He also held a national championship in chess in Ecuador in 2002.
We have been told that we are the best kept secret in Manatee and Sarasota counties. We are Better Learning, a k12 private, character-building, bibliocentric school, working with children of all walks: those who are couch-jumpers, have single parents, academically behind; those with special needs; and those who are excelling. Our curriculum prepares students for real life through opportunities to build resumes, role play, goal-setting, and mastery learning. We want to train them to be caring adults, interdependent, and full of hope for their future.
Our model is one learning coach for every 12 students. Each child moves at their pace. We encourage peer tutoring and service to each other. And, because we also believe in community service, we offer the presidential award, not only to our own students but also to our volunteers and others in the community. Better Learning provides the opportunity for children’s lives to be transformed; to find hope where it was lacking; to find purpose where there was chaos; to find a place to belong.
Better Learning Inc is a non-profit 501c3 organization, certified by the state of Florida in the United States of America. Better Learning encourages student-led learning from an early age and social development through play, creative activities, and other interactive exercises. We stress the growth of the whole child. Better Learning serves children with attention deficit disorder, autism, and intellectual disabilities an opportunity to experience hope and the fullness of life and learning potential through individual, one-on-one, and small group interaction. Learn about employment opportunities
All instructional staff at Better Learning has one or more of the following: bachelor’s degree or higher 3 or more years of k-12th grade teaching experience specialized skills, knowledge or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in k-12th grade subjects.
Dallas has been with Better Learning from its beginning as an academy. She has been certified to work with children from k12 through a.c.e., and trained to work with at risk and trauma victims as well as work with special needs individuals.
Mario has worked with youth for many decades. He is a founding member of Better Learning. He is trained in our curriculum and class management. His forte is sports as he is a former professional soccer player from Ecuador.
Sherri joined us in 2021 as a board member and became impassioned with our work and the need for more help. She serves as business and financial manager for the office, Ms. Small holds an Mba.
Better Learning admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, and other school administered programs. Better Learning is maintained for the purpose of education, spiritual instruction, and building of Christian character.
Establishing a code of ethic for educational professions is a step toward creating an ethical environment. Each person within the organization must operate within its moral boundaries.
Ethical leaders must seek first godly wisdom, knowledge, and guidance. Through prayer and interaction with others, ethical leaders can gain wisdom to guide their decision making. Wisdom is the foundation for leadership and its co-leaders are visionaries with a passion. They see the bigger picture and they look towards creating and improved future for all their followers.
Their leadership power for the present existed because of their vision for the future (Maxwell, 2002). These leaders led with passion, with confidence, and with resolve. Educational leaders must have a vision for improving the educational system and opportunities for children and teachers under their direction and educational matters.
Educational leaders must conduct themselves with an ethical consciousness. They must be self-disciplined to, “do what is right, even when it is difficult. Character is moral maturity. Character is our level of commitment to doing the right thing, even when it costs us something. Character what we should do and what we want to do. Effective leaders have developed the habit of character aligned with proper values and therefore do the right thing when it comes to leading their people.
Ethical leaders are not only well-spoken, but also truthful; they listen to all sides and their words are encouraging and motivating to their people. Leaders also know when to speak and what to say. Speaking tactfully is a skill that educational leaders must do. Being a master communicator is an essential leadership skill.
Ethical leaders are servants. They seek ways to meet the needs of their followers and to build leadership skills within those followers. To humble oneself is necessary to become servant leader. A servant leader cannot allow pride in one’s position or level of authority to prevent serving others.
A strong work ethic is a characteristic of an effective, ethical leader. Educational leaders must work hard. The challenges of the job often require long hours and much thought. Leaders ask others to put in full effort to ensure their educational organization’s goal are met.
Ethical leadership is more than merely following a prescribed code of ethics. Ethical leaders have a “moral obligation to know enough to do the job right” (Sheldon). This requires a commitment to learning, and learning is a life-long process. Educational leaders should continually seek knowledge and incorporate that into their daily operation. Building specific skills for the job and deciphering the laws, rules and regulation associated with schools are just some of the things that school leaders to criticism and learn from their mistakes.
Commitment, because it is a character trait, is revealed, not built, by adversity.” Until situations become difficult, commitment is typically easy. It isn’t “until things get tough” that one’s level of commitment is tested, and is, therefore, revealed. Values are what drive your choice; they transcend your talents and skills and they stand up under the test of adversity”
Therefore, educational leaders influence a vast number of people, from students, to teachers, to parents. No matter what leadership style or combination of styles one adopts, leaders must realize that their influence is what counts. A leader in this environment contacts many people daily.
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