Discover Your Passion: The Kumon Journey with Teacher Yet Severino

“Find joy in the simplest moments as a Kumon Instructor. We always watch out for the aha moments of our students, be it hurdling a simple addition question or listening to their voices in early reading books. It is the simple moments that make our work truly rewarding.” Being able to do something that you are passionate about and finding the joy within are two of the most important things we look for in a career. Some find it in careers that often involve doing acts of service for others such as education. For Teacher Yet, a Kumon Instructor of 20 years, she has found that joy in being a Kumon Instructor.

Discovering the Beauty of Kumon

Kumon was introduced to me by our neighbor when I was looking for a supplemental program to assist our two children improve their math skills. I was fascinated on how the worksheets helped them polish their basic skills in math. During that time, Kumon was recruiting a franchisee to open in Legazpi City. Being a Bicolana myself, I got excited at being able to introduce Kumon in the Bicol Region. The first years of teaching were both challenging and exciting. During that time, we were allowed to offer both Kumon Programs. It was a tough time for me as it was a challenge managing both programs from the very start. However, I am fortunate enough to be assigned with competent Area Development Managers who were dedicated and made my initial years as an Instructor not necessarily a breeze, but very manageable. Over the years, I continue to grow as a Kumon Instructor from the learnings I get from my students and the best practices shared by my fellow Instructors during conferences and special seminars. Mindset: The Openness to Try Anything Throughout my teaching journey, I believe that the characteristics essential in becoming a Kumon franchisee-Instructor include resilience, open-mindedness, and the ability to become an observant. I have always been open to try anything. Be it accepting a very young learner or a senior high school student. I always have this hope inside me that everything will turn out well and they benefit from Kumon. Seeing our students grow up not only physically but also academically keeps me motivated and inspired. Just being a part that made a difference in their lives fuels my passion in teaching year after year.

Touching Lives, Enriching Minds I remember a Grade 2 student who dropped by the Center dragging her mother and begging her to enroll her in the Math Program. She diligently did her worksheets, became an advanced student, and eventually completed the Math Program. She invited us in her debut party and during her speech she shared how her Kumon experiences honed her to the person she has become. The father of the debutante had his speech as well that mentioned his experience as Kumon parent. My husband and I chuckled because it was like having a Kumon Parent Orientation in front of the guests. A Reflection on My Two-Decade Journey Looking back, the rewards I reaped as a Kumon Instructor for 20 years are immeasurable. For me, being a Kumon Instructor makes you look and feel young. To make a noticeable difference in a student’s life, this career constantly required us to be updated with the needs of the current generation of children. Moreover, contributing to their development as an individual and the joy of seeing the students being happy in what they do has brought fulfillment in me not only as a teacher, but also as a person.

At Kumon, we are constantly looking for Instructors that are willing to walk the extra mile and change the lives of children in their communities. If you think you are up for the challenge to find your passion, send us a message to get started on your Kumon franchisee journey today!

Discover Your Passion: The Kumon Journey with Teacher Norie Redor

“Throughout my teaching journey, I believe that the ability to assess the strength and needs of the children is essential in becoming a franchisee Instructor. One should have interest, patience and love of children and the discipline to manage one’s time. Furthermore, it helps to be perseverant and an educator at heart.“

Embarking on a journey to find your purpose often led to fulfilling careers. In the case of Teacher Norie, she found her purpose by joining Kumon and becoming a franchisee-instructor. For the past 25 years, she’s served as a beacon of knowledge in her community that helps children achieve their maximum potential not only in academics, but also in life.

In this article, we’ll take a journey back to Teacher Norie’s 25 years’ experience as a Kumon Instructor and how she touched children’s lives for the better.

The First Day Jitters: From Panic to Routine

Teacher Norie first came to know about Kumon franchising when she was reading the newspaper and came across the ads of Kumon Philippines that caught her interest, especially when it stated that three of my children will be into the program for free.

As a graduate of B.S. Math and a kindergarten teacher for a decade, she knows that she possesses the passion for helping young children conquer their fear of math. Feeling being a Kumon Instructor is the right choice for her career, she attended the orientation and was able to pass it.

Recalling her first day as a Kumon Instructor, Teacher Norie candidly admitted feeling a bit lost and described it as a new adventure and challenge. Over the years, the panic transformed into a routine, making each day’s activities more manageable. From distributing worksheets to bidding farewell to students, the process became second nature, illustrating her growth and adaptability.

With a genuine passion for education, she embraced the responsibility of finding the most effective approach to cater to the unique characteristics and individualities of her students. Fast forward 25 years, and she reflects on her growth, acknowledging the feeling of achievement in positively impacting the lives of many children.

Mindset: Guide the Children with a Positive Attitude

For over two decades, Teacher Norie got by as a Kumon Instructor by instilling in herself a positive attitude and the mindset that she will be helping a lot of children at their young age where they should be guided properly in their studies. “I am happy to see them grow and develop into a better individual,” she mentioned. “With that said, I find fulfillment in teaching children especially in their formative years. I consider this endeavor as my purpose in life according to His will,” she added.

A Treasured Experience: Teaching a Student with Special Needs

For Teacher Norie, the most rewarding aspect of being a Kumon Instructor is the lasting impact she leaves on her students. Former students reaching out, seeking guidance for their own children, validates the depth of the connections she has forged over the years.

Among her most precious memories, Teacher Norie highlighted the joy of guiding a student diagnosed with special needs through the Reading Program. Witnessing the student successfully become a Completer filled her with a sense of accomplishment and underscored the significance of her role as an Instructor.

Lessons and Legacy

Looking ahead, Teacher Norie’s message to her future self is clear – as long as she finds happiness and fulfillment in teaching, she will continue to do so. She advises future Kumon instructors to follow their passion, emphasizing the commitment and dedication needed for a truly fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Her journey serves as an inspiration for future generations of Kumon Instructors. Commitment, dedication, and a genuine love for children – these are the qualities that ensure a fulfilling and rewarding Kumon experience, a legacy that Teacher Norie has upheld with unwavering dedication.

In the end, Teacher Norie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, the enduring impact of a dedicated teacher, and the profound joy that comes from shaping young lives for a brighter future.

Are you looking for your next big purpose? Send us a message to get started on your franchise journey with Kumon.

Discover Your Passion: The Kumon Journey with Teacher Marie Ramos

“As a franchisee, I think it’s very important that you develop grit. When you enter this, you’ve already committed to Kumon and just like your children, we ask the same thing. We ask for their commitment. And the longer you stay, that’s the only time you will be able to see the fruits of your labor.”

Creating a positive impact on the lives of children in your community is a fulfilling yet challenging journey. You must be equipped with a mindset rooted in grit and determination to weather any challenges you are about to face. One of those who took up this journey is Teacher Marie Ramos, who shared her inspiring 25-year journey as a Kumon Instructor.

Pioneering with Kumon

Back in 1997, Teacher Marie Ramos was still a young mom with a growing family. She decided early into her marriage that she wanted to be a hands-on mom in raising her children. However, opening up a school was her passion since she was already a professional ballet teacher at that time.

Toying with the idea, she had thought of opening up her very own Kumon Center to complement her already existing preschool and ballet center. True enough, she decided to open up her own Kumon Center and became one of the first franchisee-Instructors in her community.
Being one of the pioneers of Kumon franchising in the Philippines, Teacher Marie’s passion in teaching young children has grown through the years. “My decision to be among the first in the Philippines to open a Kumon Center for the Filipino children has certainly been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life,” she said.

Mindset: Never Give Up

Starting her own Center is filled with humbling and rewarding experiences for Teacher Marie. There were times that she wanted to stop in the face of adversity. Like any other business, she encountered downtimes in her revenue streams, especially during the pandemic. However, being an Instructor has taught her to never give up even when the going was tough.

She oftentimes likened her dilemma to when she’s teaching and her students are bored. “Do you tell them to quit when they’re bored? Of course not, so you have to try to find a reason to keep them motivated. I also try to do the same thing with myself,” she mentioned. And just like her students, she is constantly seeking out challenges that keeps her motivated to push through. “I have always been challenged by the new techniques and in the process, I was able to witness how Kumon has evolved as an educational system that works despite the different changes we have gone through as a generation,” she added.

Grit and Commitment are Key

As an Instructor, Teacher Marie believes that grit and an unwavering commitment are both needed to ensure a lasting career in this field.
For her, developing grit will allow any aspiring franchisee-Instructor to be unfazed by any challenges they may face. Additionally, being able to commit to the Kumon cause of ensuring that every child grows up to be independent and knowledge-seeking individuals should be a non-negotiable. Being able to commit to this cause has empowered Teacher Marie to stay longer and see the fruits of her labor.

Being A Kumon Instructor: A Rewarding Experience

In more than two decades of her experience, Teacher Marie has had many memorable moments that she treasures.
She mentioned that some of the joys of becoming a Kumon Instructor is meeting up with your former students. “That’s where I feel I get the most joy because I see many of them who started with me as crying young children always complaining about homework and repetition. Now, I see some are doctors, lawyers, or hands-on parents who would bring their children back to me to study under Kumon,” she joyfully said. This brings fulfillment for Teacher Marie – knowing that she has done something right because it gives meaning and purpose to her life.

Find a Partner to Grow Your Business

Like many Kumon Instructors, Teacher Marie found a partner in Kumon Philippines Inc. (KPI) – a partner that is willing to help her and countless others in growing their business.

For instance, when Typhoon Ondoy ravaged Metro Manila in 2009, the Kumon Institute of Education in Japan provided assistance to Centers affected by the tragedy. Another example was during the onslaught of the pandemic in 2020, KPI supported her and other Instructors’ Centers in adjusting to the changing environment. Through various trainings and seminars, KPI helped educated Instructors about remote learning.

The two-decade journey of Teacher Marie shows that grit and determination can lead you to a fulfilling career. Stoke the fires of your fiery passion for change and start making a difference in your community by starting your journey as a Kumon Instructor.

Discover Your Passion: The Kumon Journey with Teacher Elaine Sison

“Being a Kumon Instructor is far more than just a job. It is a calling. It is a way to give back to the community. It is a way to contribute to the future of society.”

Teaching is more than just a profession. For many of us, taking the career path as an educator is answering a calling to give back to their community. Amongst those who have answered this call is Teacher Elaine Santos, who has been a dedicated Kumon Instructor for 25 years.

Answering the Call

She started out as a Center Assistant for her mom, who was also a Kumon Instructor. Teacher Elaine really enjoyed the experience of working with students and helping them achieve their goals, which gave her a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Seeing how her mom’s career made a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of students, she was inspired to follow her footsteps and become a Kumon Instructor too.
Shortly after becoming a full-fledged Kumon Instructor, Teacher Elaine’s Center was filled with optimistic, sweet, and wide-eyed students ready to be guided towards a bright future. They were her motivation and inspiration that kept her moving forward. Now, her former students who are already professionals, doctors, lawyers, engineers, would visit the Center and tell her how Kumon helped them become what they are today. In fact, most of them are Kumon parents now.

Mindset: Persistence and Adaptability

While Teacher Elaine loves teaching, being a Kumon Instructor is filled with challenging tasks – managing the Center, dealing with human resources issues, studying for Instructor’s tests, handling parents and student absences to name a few. However, her unwavering passion to continue bettering the lives of students in her community pushed her to go on. Even during the onslaught of the pandemic, she persisted and adapted that allowed her Center to stay afloat. “I carry with me a growth mindset that I can achieve my goals with persistence and adaptability. I try my best to evolve and improve, when faced with challenges,” she said.

Kumon-ity of Support

Like many business owners, the pandemic was one giant obstacle for Teacher Elaine difficult to overcome. “I think I was forced to adapt. It was sink or swim. If I did not adapt, I would have to close the Center,” she mentioned. But by seeking the help from her fellow Instructors, and with the continuous support from her Area Development Manager (ADM) and Kumon Philippines Inc. (KPI), she was able to survive and recover from the effects of the pandemic.

The community she found within KPI has been very helpful in her Center’s growth. “The company has provided Instructors with informative and enlightening learning opportunities. Our ADMs have given us the much-needed support that make our responsibilities and duties lighter. But aside from these, being in Kumon, is like being in a family, where every member works together toward one common vision and goal,” she added.

Learning is for All

Having been a Kumon Instructor for 25 years, Teacher Elaine has encountered many students that continue to inspire her to continue teaching. She has always believed that learning is for all, and should not be hindered by anything – no matter the challenges her students are facing in life.

“I have a student right now who’s enrolled in my Center. He doesn’t have arms or legs, but he still continues on learning. He’s an inspiration to me and all of my students who can see him, and he has been with me for quite a long time now,” she stated. For Teacher Elaine, this student is a testament that no disability can stop a child who is eager to learn.

Two Decades, To More

Finding inspiration and motivation in her students is an integral part in her journey as a Kumon Instructor. “My current students would constantly challenge and bring out the best in me as I continuously adapt to their new ways. My greatest joy and satisfaction arise from knowing that I have made a difference in their lives,” she said.

Teacher Elaine is looking ahead filled with gratitude and hope. For her, being a Kumon Instructor is an opportunity to show strength, bravery, and perseverance. Do you think you have what it takes to become a beacon of change within your community? Start your journey as a Kumon franchisee-instructor by signing up today!

Discover Your Passion: The Kumon Journey with Teacher Carol Bautista

“Just have faith and just persevere because you will learn, you will understand the Kumon Method, you will appreciate what it is to be a Kumon Instructor, and you will enjoy the benefits and the rewards of teaching children.”

Teaching is a noble profession, and the urge to make a lifetime of career out of it is a higher calling one shouldn’t ignore. Take Teacher Carol Bautista’s 25-year Kumon journey. Let’s take a closer look at her journey filled with perseverance, faith, and excellence.

The Beginning of a Two-Decade Journey

For Teacher Carol, it has always been a dream to take a larger role of developing children in her community. As a young mother, she started to pave her path in the corporate world. However, seeing that her toddler son continues to grow emotionally apart from her, she started looking for ways to earn a decent living without the need to be away from her family all the time.

Having heard from her fellow mommy friends about Kumon’s transformative education, it sparked a desire inside of her to not only help her child, but also the children in her community to develop a love for learning at an early age. She believed that Kumon is the key to achieving this goal.

After successfully opening up her own Center in the 90s, she struggled to introduce the concept of an after-school program within her community. Armed with enthusiasm, perseverance, and faith in the method, she was able to overcome adversity after adversity, and managed to enroll more and more students over the years.

Mindset: Continue to Learn and Grow

When starting out on her own as a Kumon Instructor, Teacher Carol only had faith in the method as she didn’t have the necessary experience. To alleviate this problem, she carried with her a mindset of growth and openness that enabled her to learn the ins and outs of operating her own Center.

Teacher Carol was active in seeking knowledge. She eagerly attended trainings provided by the head office, attentively listened to the sharing of other Instructors, and attended numerous study groups. The things she learned inspired and motivated her to adapt and change. When applying them, there was a lot of trial and error with what did and didn’t work. But the failure she encountered along the way did not faze her. She persevered because, for her, that was the only way to grow as an Instructor and to grow her Center.

On the other hand, she knew that there is one thing that years of experience will teach, and it is that – Kumon works. Her years of experience proved that she trusted the right program.

Perseverance and Faith: The Path to Success

Two things came to mind when Teacher Carol was asked the secret behind the success of her Center over the years – perseverance and faith.
She advised that any aspiring franchisee-instructor must have perseverance because not everything will happen in the first five years. She added that the first ten years of being a Kumon Instructor goes by in the blink of an eye. Then one starts feeling the impact of commitment within the community in the next fifteen. This is the impact of touching and transforming the lives of many students.

Touching Lives, One Worksheet at a Time

In her nearly three decades of service, she has had many memorable experiences and students, but one stood out the most. She has a Kumon Completer who is part of the LGBTQ community that she formed a strong bond with. “He treats me like a second mother, so we have a very close and continuous relationship. So, once in a while (especially during our birthday which falls on the same day), he would call me up and we would go out to have coffee,” she said. This made her feel that she left a positive impact in the life of that student.

Teacher Carol also takes pride in the times she represented the country in international conferences that took place in Malaysia and Australia, and when she became a speaker in a national convention. She recalled, “So, behind that was a lot of hard work, but for me it was a privilege to share what I have and the little things that I have learned to other Kumon Instructors. I think those were the most memorable experiences for me.”

Looking Ahead to an Even Brighter Tomorrow

Educating children is a never-ending vocation. As long as there are children in her community in need, Teacher Carol will continue her journey as a Kumon Instructor. “The only hindrance would be my own physical strength, you know, kung kaya ko pa magturo, kung mayroon pa tayong powers, you know, exercise and eat right, wag magkasakit,” she shared.

Teacher Carol also looks forward in creating more meaningful relationships within her community of fellow Kumon Instructors. “I mentioned that they are my community. We help and encourage each other. If I am feeling down, they cheer me up and I do the same for them. So that’s what is keeping me in Kumon,” she added.

Teacher Carol’s unwavering faith and perseverance led her to a fulfilling life as a Kumon Instructor. Her desire to help children and to stay close with her family sparked a light that became a shining beacon continuously unlocking the potential of countless students in her community. Want to achieve the same fulfillment? Unlock your passion by starting your Kumon franchisee journey today.

Discover Your Passion: The Kumon Journey with Teacher Arlene Coquia

“To future generations of Kumon Instructors, you made the right choice in responding and committing to this noble call of duty to shape the young minds who can become independent learners, who can achieve their own goals because they have not only learned how, but because they have mastered the right way to reach their goals.”

Are you looking for a rewarding and fulfilling career that combines your passion for education with the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners? Teacher Arlene Coquia’s inspiring journey as a Kumon Instructor might be just the motivation you need to embark on your own path to success. Let’s dive into her experiences and discover why choosing Kumon as your franchise could be the best decision you ever make.

A Personal Journey of Passion and Purpose

In 1998, she resigned from a full-time job to be a full-time mom to her two growing kids. Being a graduate of the University of the Philippines, School of Economics, her mom encouraged her to maximize her academic potential by giving KUMON a TRY. She can operate her Kumon Center twice a week and be a full-time mom the rest of the week. After attending the Franchise Orientation, she realized the program’s potential to benefit not only her kids, but also the other children in her community.

Armed with determination, she managed her time as mother, wife and Kumon Instructor. Over time, she evolved to concentrate on being a full-time Kumon Instructor, focusing her efforts on developing a new breed of independent learners in her community.

Finding Motivation in Adversity

By drawing motivation from the parents she interacts with daily, Teacher Arlene was able to recognize that KUMON provides vital support to parents who may be unsure about how to help their children cope up with school lessons and eventually excel academically. Through Kumon they gain the confidence and tools needed to support their children’s academic journey.

Even during difficult and challenging times, Teacher Arlene remains motivated and inspired. She shares how her granddaughter became her renewed source of motivation. Her passion for teaching has been reignited as she strives to nurture and guide her granddaughter to become the youngest Math and Reading Completer in her own Kumon Center.

Mindset: Empower Children of All Abilities

The 25-year journey Teacher Arlene embarked on is filled with unforgettable moments that made her belief in the Kumon Method grow stronger over the years. One significant memory is attending an overseas Kumon conference in Hong Kong, which motivated her to expand her Center. She also represented the Philippines at the Kumon World Conference in 2001, an honor that deepened her commitment to the program.

One of her proudest moments was witnessing a student diagnosed with autism complete the Math Program and, eventually, excel in the subject. This experience inspired her to welcome children of all abilities, knowing that Kumon can help all children develop and achieve their academic potential.

Her dedication remains strong after 25 years because she knows she is making a positive impact on her students, their parents, and her Center assistants.

The Secret Behind Success

To succeed as a Kumon Instructor, Teacher Arlene identifies “Excellence” as a key ingredient. Excellence in all aspects, from paying royalties on time, to effective communication with parents and students, to good staff management and center operations, is vital for creating a positive learning environment for students.

Moreover, support and resources are essential. She highlights how the Kumon Philippines (KPI) corporate team and the timely and relevant learning opportunities they provide, have been invaluable in her journey. Additionally, she gains inspiration and motivation from the center visits of KPI President Mr. Hiroaki Takahashi. She values his gentle reminders to continue to aim for excellence in communicating with parents, providing quality instruction to students, and consistently expanding all Centers nationwide.

Over Two Decades of Dedication

Teacher Arlene Coquia has dedicated 25 years of her life to Kumon, and her experiences are a testament to the Kumon Method’s transformative potential. Her journey serves not only as proof of her dedication but also a story of resilience, personal growth, and the profound impact one person can have on countless lives. Her ability to inspire and empower her students, even during challenging times, is an embodiment of the enduring value of the Kumon Method.

So, if you’re seeking a fulfilling career that combines your passion for education with the opportunity to create a positive impact, consider following in the footsteps of Teacher Arlene Coquia. Kumon’s franchise opportunity may be the doorway to a lifetime of purpose and success, where you can unlock the potential of young learners and inspire them to achieve greatness.