Instructor Spotlight: Nicole Martin-Baker
Before opening the doors to Virginia Beach’s second-ever Kumon Center in 2011, Nicole Martin-Baker was a Kumon Parent herself. Her journey with Kumon began in 2006 when she enrolled her then elementary school-aged children in the program. Nicole first learned about Kumon on a family vacation in the Bahamas.
“My children’s cousins brought their Kumon Worksheets on vacation with them, and that’s how I got to witness first-hand the benefits of daily practice,” said Nicole. “Their cousins completed their work daily, quickly, and with confidence. I was so impressed watching them solve math equations so quickly. It was that very moment I decided to enroll my children, as well.”
After returning from vacation, Nicole looked into enrolling her children in Kumon. To her surprise, the closest Kumon Center to her house was a 90-minute drive each way. Despite the distance, Nicole truly believed in the power of the Kumon Method and made the long drive.
Four years later, Nicole was inspired to bring a Kumon Center closer to home to enable other children to experience the benefits just as her children did. Taking a leap of faith, she decided it was a time for a change from her successful career as a school counselor.
This year, Nicole, Instructor of Kumon of Virginia Beach – Kempsville, will be celebrating her 10th anniversary as a Kumon Instructor. Her dedication to the Virginia Beach community is unmatched and she continues to be inspired by her students’ success.
“While there are many joys to my job, I tell most people that I don’t “go to work”,” said Nicole. “Running my Kumon Center does not feel like work on most days. The pride and joy I get to see on my students’ faces as they meet and exceed goals is what excites me.”
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a Kumon Instructor?
The most valuable lesson that I’ve learned thus far is that I will never stop learning. Each student and situation teaches me how to guide other students better in the program.
Can you describe an instruction moment where you made an impact on a student who may have been struggling?
I think my greatest impact I’ve made is motivating my students to persevere. I hold all students to a high standard and let them know that I believe in them – whether their goal is to complete the program and do whatever it is they set their minds to accomplish.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a Kumon Instructor?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that each student is different and there are no templates for how you should work with or plan for them. Just like there aren’t any shortcuts to getting better at math, there are no shortcuts for working with students. Every student deserves and requires your utmost attention and care in order to develop their confidence and ability.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is my children. They motivate me every day to be a better version of myself. I want them to see that any obstacle can be overcome.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to read, make scrapbooks of my children’s lives, and visit the beach often. The beach is my happy place!
What is a fun fact about you that people may not know?
I love cats! I currently have three cats and would absolutely rescue more if I had the room for them. When I retire, I hope to have lots of land to adopt many cats and dogs.
Learn more about the Kumon Franchise opportunity and discover additional franchisee success stories.