Instructor Spotlight Aoi Fujiyama

Instructor Spotlight Aoi Fujiyama Instructor Spotlight: Aoi Fujiyama Aoi Fujiyama, Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of McClean -West Meet Aoi Fujiyama. She’s celebrating her 17th anniversary with Kumon this year, including 15 years as the Company Center Instructor for Kumon of McClean West near Washington DC. Aoi always had a strong interest in children’s education, so she jumped at the opportunity to become a part of the Kumon family over a decade ago. The thing that she loves about Kumon the most is that the core mission is not solely focused on the academic success of students. She really connects with Kumon’s mission to create sound and capable people through the Kumon Method, thereby contributing to the greater good of society. This personal conviction is truly felt at her center. She doesn’t just focus on the grades or academics, she takes pride in helping her students grow. Because of that, she really appreciates the personal growth that she feels while working with Kumon. Over the past 17 years, Aoi has studied our founder Toru Kumon’s beliefs. In an essence, she’s been a student herself. She’s taken in all of the resources and has operated her Center in a way that she felt Toru Kumon would want her to. Aoi recently had an incredible opportunity to host Mrs. Makii at her Center. She was thrilled for a chance to sit and learn from someone who worked directly with Toru Kumon. “It felt very good to know that Mrs. Makii’s general feeling was that our center is following the method and spirit intended for Kumon,” said Aoi. Aoi was gracious enough to answer a few questions for this month’s Instructor Spotlight. What is it about being an Instructor you enjoy the most? What I enjoy most is the opportunity to see Kumon students grow over time. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a Kumon Instructor? From my time as a Kumon Instructor, I value the lessons I have learned from experiences with students, staff, and others. All of which have contributed to my personal growth. What achievements are you most proud of? I am very proud of my program completers and how they have continued to develop, even after they have left Kumon. It makes me very proud seeing them as happy and mature young adults. I’m also very appreciative of how supported I feel by so manyâ€"those in my team and mentors I have had in Kumon. What is a fun fact about you that people may not know? I am a licensed ski instructor in the U.S., New Zealand, and Japan. I also have my scuba diving license. I have thirty five grandchildren in Honduras and two grandchildren in the US. What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to travel in my spare time. You might also be interested in: Instructor Spotlight: Alex Tang Instructor Spotlight: Grace Sim Instructor Spotlight: Jennifer Ju Instructor Spotlight: Ann Quigley