Kumon is an education company that hires older teens, or young people at least 18 years old. Because the company requires certifications and degrees for many of its jobs, you have a better chance of obtaining a job as a tutor, director, or assistant when you have finished your college coursework. The following topics are covered in this article:
- An Introduction to Kumon
- Minimum Age Requirements for Employment
- Jobs that are More Open to Teen Employment Candidates
- Jobs Offered at Kumon besides Tutoring
- Prerequisites for Getting Employed
- Types of Applicants
- How to Apply
- Kumon Benefits
An Introduction to Kumon
Established in Japan in 1954, Kumon is an educational organization that emphasizes tutoring for children in reading and math. The company, which is located in 50 countries throughout the world, features over 1,700 centers in North America alone.
Minimum Age Requirements for Employment
Anyone who is interested in education can find a spot at Kumon, provided they meet the basic requirements, including the minimum age for employment. Typically, if you are a teen, you cannot work at Kumon as a tutor or as a field rep. or another educational job until you are at least 22 years old. However, you may be able to gain a spot on the payroll by applying as an assistant instructor or assistant director – two jobs that are more open to teens, or individuals who are at least 18 years old.
Jobs that are More Open to Teen Employment Candidates
Assistant Instructor
One of the more readily available jobs at Kumon is that of assistant instructor. This individual is responsible for guiding learners through programs and grading and preparing paperwork. Assistant instructors are required to review student study habits and regularly report their findings to lead instructors.
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, want to work with children of varying ages, and possess strong organizational and details skills, you may well fit in with this type of position. Assistant instructors must be flexible about their hours as they are expected to work between 15 and 30 hours per week.
Be advised that this job is primarily one where the employee grades paper. So, if you find this process boring, the job may not appeal to you. However, if you have the right attitude, this job can be used as a stepping stone to a tutorial job or another higher-ranked assignment when you are older.
Assistant Director
This administrative job focuses on student enrollment and the management of staff. Assistant directors work in both part-time and full-time capacities. Employees in this position are expected to run the daily operations of the tutoring center.
Assistant directors take care of daily scheduling and may also conduct new parent orientation, manage homework preparation, and meet with students and parents to review educational progress. While an undergraduate degree is preferred, some candidates, who have a broad history in teaching, tutoring, or managing employees, may find success in this job.
Jobs Offered at Kumon besides Tutoring
While the main focus is on tutoring, other positions are available in the following capacities:
- Educational researcher
- Digital marketing coordinator
- Center director
- Reading center assistance
- Education assistant
- Grader/Assistant
Prerequisites for Getting Employed
Using self-learning methods versus traditional passive learning instruction, Kumon actively incorporates varying techniques to assist children learn at a pace more attuned to their individual needs and progress. In order to accomplish this, the tutoring company hires and maintains a staff that each play an active role in their client’s education.
While no formal post-secondary education may not be needed in some of the entry-level jobs, instructor positions require certain certifications or degree prerequisites, based on the location. Because Kumon is a franchise company, most of the learning centers hire employees, based on state regulations and requirements.
Types of Applicants
That is because each location establishes its own set of rules for operation. Many of the facilities include after-school hours and weekends in their work itineraries. Therefore, educational associates must demonstrate a desire for scheduling flexibility and availability in order to be a part of the Kumon team. Some of the hours appeal to college students, teachers, and retired teachers. The hours may also draw recent high school graduates who are looking for seasonal employment.
How to Apply
Because each Kumon franchise presents varying opportunities for applying, a candidate should contact the preferred employment location to find out how to apply. When filling out a regular paper application, make sure the hiring details are current, concise, and correct. Dress professionally when dropping off your employment application and resume as you may be interviewed on the spot. Most of the online applications, when used and reviewed, employ third-party job boards to short-list candidates.
Obtaining a Response – Follow-up Interviews
The hiring personnel usually respond to application or resumes within two weeks of their receipt. Applicants either are asked to interview in person or by phone. Again, candidates must pass standardized pre-employment testing. The tests show the strengths of applicants for specific areas tutoring as well as assist in the job placement process.
Kumon Benefits
Besides a reasonable pay rate (about $2.00 above the minimum wage for most jobs), employees at Kumon enjoy flexible scheduling. Kumon also offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees, who are eligible, enjoy access to dental, medical and vision coverage, including prescription drug plans.
In addition to flex spending accounts, associates are also offered life insurance alternatives and short-and-long-term disability coverages. Paid personal time, sick time, and holidays are part of the benefits package as well. Many workers like the tuition discounts as well as the company’s healthy match on 401(k) retirement plans.
Most young people, who work at Kumon, are pursuing a degree in education. Kumon helps them with their college expenses as well as opportunities for future employment. So, what do you think about the company? Do you think you would like pursuing the employment opportunities offered by this franchise firm? What specific area or job is a good fit for you? Do you think you would enjoy working as a tutor? If so, what subject or subjects would you like to teach?
