This fall, one of the first people you’ll meet at The Genesis School is Dean Kenneth Tyus, our new Dean of Students. He’s a Cleveland native, a lifelong educator, and a leader who believes every scholar deserves to feel welcome, safe, and supported from day one.
We invited Dean Tyus to share his story with us so we can all get to know him better. We asked how he came to education, what families can expect from his approach to school culture, and a few fun facts about the person behind the title. Here’s our conversation.
Tell us about your background and how you came to The Genesis School.
I’ve been in education since 2014. I started as a paraprofessional in the classroom, earned my licensures and certifications, and worked my way up to lead teacher and then into administration. When my last school closed and I was looking for my next role, I found what The Genesis School had to offer and I knew this was where I wanted to be.
What’s your connection to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio?
I was born and raised right here in Cleveland. My southern accent comes from my family’s roots in Alabama and Georgia. I’m a proud product of Cleveland schools myself, and I’ve worked across several districts over the last 12 years. I’m committed to helping scholars succeed in the same community that raised me.
What do you want every Genesis scholar to know when they walk through the doors on day one?
That they are welcome, they are safe, and they are loved. Scholars will be held to high expectations. Our guidelines, policies, and procedures are all there for one reason: to support academic excellence and prepare scholars for their college future. And they should know there are people here ready to support them every step of the way.
In your own words, what does a Dean of Students do? And what will it look like at Genesis?
The Dean of Students upholds the policies, procedures, and behavior expectations for every scholar and staff member in the building. I try to model professionalism in and out of every classroom. That means fair consequences, honest conversations, and always bringing the focus back to academics. I also help lead social events and create engaging activities for our families, working closely with the Principal and Head of School.
How do you think about discipline and school culture?
Families can expect love, respect, resilience, and responsibility. Our culture is built on conversations and accountability. When something comes up, whether it’s good or bad, we sit down, we talk it through, and we keep the focus where it belongs: on the scholar’s academics and their future.
How can families partner with you during the school year?
Families can meet with me any time they walk into the building, or schedule an appointment for whatever they need. I’m here to serve the scholar first, and then the whole family — because at Genesis, families are part of our community.
A few fun facts about Dean Tyus:
Who was your favorite teacher growing up, and why?
I have two: Ms. Lena Kirby and Ms. Linda Wilson. They talked to me, invited me into their offices, and even came to visit my church when I was singing and directing the choir. They always worked with me to make me better, and they held me to a standard. Because of them, and teachers like them, I now hold my scholars to standards they can achieve and rise above.
What did you want to be when you were in third grade?
A doctor — a pediatrician, to be specific.
What’s your go-to hype song and what’s guaranteed to make you laugh?
My go-to hype music is gospel, especially my favorite artist, Ricky Dillard and New G. And The Golden Girls makes me laugh every single time.
Favorite book to recommend to scholars?
I always encourage our scholars to dig into their class and school books to keep their academics strong. For me personally, my favorite book to read is the Bible.
Favorite and least favorite subject in school?
Honestly, I didn’t have one favorite subject. But I did have a least favorite: English — and that had everything to do with the teacher I had at the time. It’s part of why I care so much about how we show up for our scholars now.
Leaders like Dean Tyus are what make The Genesis School such a special community. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Dean Tyus!
About The Genesis School
The Genesis School is a high-performing, private school enrolling scholars in grades PreK–8 in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded by Marshall Emerson III, a Cleveland educator with a proven track record of launching successful schools across NE Ohio, Genesis offers families a private school experience — rigorous academics, joyful culture, whole-child support, and moral foundation — at no cost to families. Every scholar at Genesis is welcomed, valued, and prepared for college-prep high school and beyond. Our doors open to every Cleveland K-8 scholar this fall. Enroll for 2026-27 and learn more at gogenesisschool.org and on Facebook and Instagram.
