Jill Rutherford (Owner/Teacher, Smith’s School of English – Kotoen)
Thanks Mark, for all your support over the years we have been in the Smith’s system. From the start back in April 2003, you have supported me politely, diligently and successfully throughout this time. Your door was always open and I received courteous and down to earth practical advice.
I like the attitude of you Mark Smith and SSE. At it’s core is the belief in being fair both to the English students here in Japan and the English teachers too. Giving the students good English lessons at a fair and reasonable fee, whilst the teacher can make a decent living too.
Yes, there have to be some rules, because this is a franchise system and sometimes that can be a little frustrating, but for people who are willing to work within the framework of a franchise system, them I can say this system works.
I believe that the curriculum is just great, especially for the kind of student who lacks confidence in speaking. With the SSE system, all students can find a lot of confidence quickly. This is the most rewarding and satisfying for me. I get immense job satisfaction from seeing my students improve every week. Also, for me, it is great that the curriculum is all set out and I don’t have to worry about setting lesson plans every lesson.
The training and support I received when I joined SSE was good, I have no complaints. Once you receive the training then it’s up to you to develop from there, make your own style and develop your own style of school. You have to work hard, nothing comes from nothing as they say, but if you are willing to work hard, put yourself whole heartedly into making a success, if you really believe in what you are doing, then you will succeed. It’s up to you how far you want to go with it.
Thanks Mark, between us, I have a great school of which I am very proud!
Jill. Smith’s Franchise owner
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