Our Founder's Story
Mina Kondner is an educator and innovator who has dedicated her life to improving the educational opportunities for children, regardless of their circumstances. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Ms. Kondner's journey in education began at the prestigious Tehran University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. However, her passion for teaching and her deep concern for children facing adversity led her to take a unique path.
While pursuing her studies at Tehran University, Ms. Kondner also started working with young children in destitute areas. This dual commitment to education and community service shaped her perspective and inspired her to address what she saw as a critical issue – the deficiencies in the teaching methods, particularly in the basics of education. She firmly believed that many learning disabilities stemmed from inadequate teaching methods rather than inherent limitations in students.
Motivated by this realization, Ms. Kondner embarked on a mission to develop an effective teaching methodology that could empower all children, regardless of their circumstances, to master the foundational skills necessary for success in further education. Her dedication and hard work resulted in the creation of the "STEP" method, an innovative approach to teaching phonics and math. The STEP method is designed to reach children of all ability levels and guide them toward excellence in reading and mathematics.
After many years of teaching and refining her methodology in Tehran, Ms. Kondner emigrated to the United States. Her success with the STEP method provided the foundation for a tutoring business that she established from her home in 2005. Recognizing the growing demand for her expertise and the positive impact of her teaching approach, Ms. Kondner responded to parents' requests by founding "Mina’s School of Great Falls" in 2014.
Through Mina's School of Great Falls, Ms. Kondner continues her mission to bridge the educational gap and address the deficiencies in teaching methods. She firmly believes that regardless of whether children come from destitute areas in Tehran or affluent neighborhoods in Great Falls, Virginia, they all deserve access to high-quality education and a teaching method that fosters their full potential.
Mina Kondner's remarkable journey from Tehran to the United States is a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children through innovative education methods. Her dedication to creating equal opportunities for all students has left a lasting impact on the field of education and the communities she serves.
While pursuing her studies at Tehran University, Ms. Kondner also started working with young children in destitute areas. This dual commitment to education and community service shaped her perspective and inspired her to address what she saw as a critical issue – the deficiencies in the teaching methods, particularly in the basics of education. She firmly believed that many learning disabilities stemmed from inadequate teaching methods rather than inherent limitations in students.
Motivated by this realization, Ms. Kondner embarked on a mission to develop an effective teaching methodology that could empower all children, regardless of their circumstances, to master the foundational skills necessary for success in further education. Her dedication and hard work resulted in the creation of the "STEP" method, an innovative approach to teaching phonics and math. The STEP method is designed to reach children of all ability levels and guide them toward excellence in reading and mathematics.
After many years of teaching and refining her methodology in Tehran, Ms. Kondner emigrated to the United States. Her success with the STEP method provided the foundation for a tutoring business that she established from her home in 2005. Recognizing the growing demand for her expertise and the positive impact of her teaching approach, Ms. Kondner responded to parents' requests by founding "Mina’s School of Great Falls" in 2014.
Through Mina's School of Great Falls, Ms. Kondner continues her mission to bridge the educational gap and address the deficiencies in teaching methods. She firmly believes that regardless of whether children come from destitute areas in Tehran or affluent neighborhoods in Great Falls, Virginia, they all deserve access to high-quality education and a teaching method that fosters their full potential.
Mina Kondner's remarkable journey from Tehran to the United States is a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children through innovative education methods. Her dedication to creating equal opportunities for all students has left a lasting impact on the field of education and the communities she serves.