When Nadia Shamim completed her master’s degree in elementary education, she had a clear picture of what she envisioned for her career.
Molding minds and fostering a love for learning was the goal. As a teacher in several public-school districts that included Chicago, Morton Grove and Wilmette, she was succeeding in that goal.
At the same time, Nadia saw her nieces excelling in the Kumon Math and Reading Program, which led her to research the supplemental after school program. That led her down the path of how she could transition from an employee to an entrepreneur.
Nadia’s research prompted her to start working at nearby Kumon of Glenview as a center assistant when her school day ended. During those after-school hours, she was endlessly impressed by the focus, confidence and independence attending students gained. Nadia decided that opening a center of her own was the next step in her career. Today, she is the proud owner and Instructor of Kumon of Wilmette – Avoca Park.
“Not only does Kumon propel growth in academics, but it also helps students greatly with self-esteem,” she said. “I have a passion for transforming children and helping them blossom, which I know I will successfully do as the Instructor of Kumon of Wilmette – Avoca Park.”
Kumon is an after-school enrichment program, designed to help children achieve more on their own. Through daily worksheet study, qualities of academic confidence, independence, and consistency are continuously nurtured and instilled. Many Kumon Students advance to studying material years beyond grade level, allowing them to shine both in the classroom and during extracurricular activities.
Once Nadia witnessed the Kumon Method in action, she consulted with the Instructor of the center she was working at. Between having that in-person mentorship, along with Kumon’s extensive network of support, opening her own center was nearly seamless. Kumon provides up to $36,400 in startup cost assistance, as well as comprehensive training and dedicated associate.
“During this process, it was integral to have somebody I could call at any time to provide support for a variety of things, including expertise on countless topics related to the franchise,” said Shamim. “Kumon’s support has been an asset to me, and I hope to become the same asset to my community while showing my students that they are able to achieve any goal they set for themselves.”
