UK JET alum a finalist for Pearson National Teaching award
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Via the JETAA UK website:
An ex-JET, Crispin Chambers (Hyogo-ken, Awaji-shima), who now teaches Japanese at Tavistock College in Devon has won a teaching award for the South West of England. He is now a finalist for the Pearson National Teaching awards 2013. This is the first time a teacher of Japanese, and an ex-JET has been nominated, and JETAA would like to extend our warmest congratulations!!
Crispin was originally a JET on Awaji Island for 2 years and then became JET programme co-ordinator for a year at CLAIR in Tokyo. After returning to the UK, Crispin gained an MA in Japanese at Sheffield University followed by a PGCE at Nottingham University. He has been teaching Japanese and French at Tavistock since 1996, and has trained several other teachers of Japanese. His lessons are inspiring and fun, and were described by the Teaching Awards judges as “a joy to watch”. You can see his entry and leave him a message here:
You can learn more about Crispin’s fantastic Japanese lessons on a case study of the school written by the Japan Foundation in 2011. Click here orhere to read it.
There are currently two former Tavistock College students on the JET Programme in Saga and Sendai, so Crispin has gone on to inspire the next generation of JETs.
JET alum Jim Gannon continues his work on behalf of JCIE in support of Rikuzentakata and other areas
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Via the Japan Center for International Exchange’s Facebook page. A nice post about the work that Jim Gannon (Ehime-ken, 1992-94), Executive Director of the Japan Center for International Exchange (JCIE/USA), has been doing in Tohoku on behalf of his organization. Jim is also a member of JETAA USA’s Board of Advisors and the JETAA USA Disaster Relief Fund Committee:
JCIE/USA’s Jim Gannon was in Tohoku last week, where he met with grantee AidTAKATA, an NGO that operates Radio FM Rikuzentakata to bring local news, music, and informational programs to people living in this hard-hit area. The station is the only source of local information for many residents in temporary housing, and it is working to strengthen community ties.
During his visit, the station featured a program with a lawyer who provides advice on the legal issues people in the disaster zone have to cope with (rebuilding regulations, insurance settlements, land titles, etc.). They also briefly interviewed Gannon during the program and took the opportunity to express their gratitude to all of the donors to the JCIE fund.
While on air, a small earthquake struck and the announcer immediately provided information on the epicenter and strength and to reassure listeners.
Kiyoshi Murakami (president, AidTAKATA), Jim Gannon (JCIE/USA), Hiromi Abe, and Sakie Musashi at the Radio FM Rikuzentakata station.
Former AJET Chair Announced as Senior Staff of Osaka Prefectural BoE’s New English Education Reform Team
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Former AJET Chair Matt Cook (Osaka-fu, 2007-12) receives his appointment to the Education Reform Team for Osaka Prefecture’s Board of Education.
Former AJET Chair Matthew Cook (Osaka-fu, 2007-12) has been announced as “Shusa” (“Senior Staff”) at the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education. His role will be working with all levels of English Educational Affairs and working as a member of the new English Education Reform Team.
Matt may be the first ever non-Japanese person to hold a senior level full-time position at a Board of Education in Japan*. (If anyone is aware of other examples, please post in the comment section.) Among other things, it is also encouraging to see a JET alum with an opportunity to play a substantive role in English education reform in Japan.
Matt has spent the past ten months working for the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education as a the Program Coordinator for their Native English Teacher (NET) Program (somewhat akin to being a JET Program Coordinator at CLAIR) following his completion of five years as a JET ALT in Osaka-fu and serving one year as AJET’s national council Chair.
Omedetou, Matt-san! Ganbatte kudasai and yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Here’s a link to the article about the announcement in the Yomiuri Shimbun (Japanese only): http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/kyoiku/news/20130522-OYT8T00381.htm (If anyone readers could provide a short summary in the comment section, by the way, that would be greatly appreciated.)
*Note: I learned there have been other former JETs and other non-Japanese who worked as advisors and in other roles for the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education. However, my understanding is that none of them worked at the policy-making level. Here’s a 2003 article from The Guardian that quotes one in particular who seemed to have some good insights into reform and Japanese language education, Huw Olphant: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2003/jan/30/tefl Huw currently works as Head of Society and English Education for the British Council in Japan and was apparently mentioned in Importing Diversity, a book about the JET Programme published in 2000.
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Update 06.01.13
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Thanks to current JET Kevin McCoy for summarizing some of the above Daily Yomiuri article:
このうち、元滋賀県立高英語教諭でハーバード大教育大学院で教育修士号を得た武田浄さん（４６）と、府内で外国語指導助手などを約６年間務めた米国籍のマシュー・クックさん（３４）の２人を、この日、任期付き職員として採用した。他の５人は、英語に堪能な府教委職員で、従来の担当と兼務する。
Two the seven team members, Takeda Kiyoshi (46), a former English teacher at Shiga Prefectural High School, who received his Master’s degree at Harvard University Graduate School, and Matthew Cook (34), an American who worked for approximately 6 years as an ALT for the prefecture, were hired as “shokuin” (staff) with a limited period of appointment. The other 5 members are all staff at the prefecture’s Board of Education with exceptional English skills who will also serve their usual “tanto” (staff) positions.
Kevin also found the following report which is a little more specific with regard to titles:
http://www.nnn.co.jp/dainichi/news/130521/20130521032.html
同チームは７人で構成。これまで英語教育に携わってきた職員に加え、ハーバード大教育大学院で教育修士号を取得し、国内の公立中高で教諭経験がある武田浄さん（46）と、バージニア工科大卒で府教委の外国人英語指導員などに就いてきた米国国籍のマシュー・クックさん（34）を、それぞれ参事と主査で任期付き採用した。武田さんの任期は２０１６年３月末までで、クックさんの任期は２０１５年３月末まで。
The team is made up of 7 members. In addition to staff who have been involved in English education until now, Kiyoshi Takeda (46) […] and American national […] Matthew Cook (34) were each hired as “sanji” and “shusa”, respectively. Takeda’s appointment is until the end of March 2016, and Cook’s appointment will last until the end of March 2015.
The sequel to “Sh*t Gaijin Say.” (Also no JETs involved to my knowledge.)
Just came across this on YouTube. (No JETs involved in this to my knowledge.)
AJET Connect Magazine: May 2013
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Here’s the May 2013 issue of AJET Connect Magazine:
(Download PDF) http://ajetnet.s3.amazonaws.com/connect/2013_May_Connect.pdf
FYI, Editor Jim Kemp and his team at AJET Connect Magazine have been putting together some really good content along with appealing layout. In this issue, I particularly recommend Amelia Hagen’s “29 Things I’ve Learned While Travelling On JET.” But there are also articles on surfing in Japan, the evolution of the kyushoku, and the Tokyo Yamathon among other strong writing about “local” Japan.
Hawaii JET alum seeks to interview Ehime JET alums via Skype
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The below is a request from Eliot Honda (Ehime-ken, 2009-2012) who is seeking to interview other Ehime JET alumni as part of a project aimed at re-establishing the Ehime Kenjinkai in Hawaii:
My name is Eliot Honda, I am a former ALT in Uwajima city. I was there from 2009-2012, I had a blast and learned a lot about Uwajima, and Ehime in my three years. I found out that my home, Hawaii has deep ties to Ehime dating as far back as Japan’s first interaction with a Head of State. King Kalakaua and Date Munenari would meet during Kalakaua’s trip to Japan.
Since returning I’ve attempted to stay active in JET and in international exchange. My wife and I have been working to rebuild the Ehime Kenjinkai (Ehime Prefecture Club.) One of the things we talked about doing is a series of videos on the Ehime area. I wanted to add a bit of JET in there, since I’ve also become a board member of the JET Alumni Association in Hawaii. I wanted to do a screen cap of Skype/Facetime interviews and get former/present JETs to talk about the area in Ehime they lived in. A bit about the history, the landscape, the people, the attractions, and overall lifestyle of the area they live/lived in.
Ehime and JET hold a very special place in my heard, and Uwajima has become a 2nd home for me; a place I can always return to. (And not just because my wife is from there.) I have so many friends, and now family in Uwajima. This prefecture is rarely visited, but has a lot of beauty in it, and the JET Program is constantly on the chopping block, and I think people outside of the program miss the value of the program.
If you’re interested in doing an interview (which will eventually go on YouTube) and also helping to show the beauty of Ehime and just how helpful the JET Program can be for international exchange, please email me.
Thank You,
Eliot Honda
Email: eliot.honda [at] gmail.com
Here are some previous JETwit posts with Eliot’s videos about JET and Ehime. And here is a JQ Magazine “Life After JET” interview with him.
Saitama JET interviewed on CBS News feature on Japanese school lunches
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Update 5/28/13: I originally listed Karl as a Gumma JET before learning that he’s actually based in Saitama-ken. Apologies for the error.
CBS News did a feature on Japanese school lunches this past Saturday morning, May 18. They happened to pick a Higashi Chichibu Junior High School in Saitama-ken where JET Karl Hoeschen works and they ended up interviewing him for the story.
Click the link below to see the video. (The features starts around 07:54:30, after the opening segment on Michelle Obama.)
Here’s another link to the video that also has a written article in connection with the video: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-33816_162-57585156/whats-for-lunch-in-japanese-schools-its-always-healthy/
Job: US-Japan Bridging Foundation seeks Part-Time Project Director to support JETAA USA growth
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A little bit of background on this very unique job posting from http://www.jetaausa.com/2013/05/20/bridging-foundation-recruiting-jetaa-project-director/:
The JETAA USA Board of Advisors, the JETAA USA Country Representatives, and the JETAA USA Working Group have been collaborating with JET alum Paige Cottingham-Streater of the US-Japan Friendship Commission (among others) on the opportunity to grow and strengthen JETAA USA and its chapters. Thanks to Paige’s hard work, the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership has created a part-time position to work for the US-Japan Bridging Foundation to support this mission.
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May 20, 2013
United States-Japan Bridging Foundation (USJBF)
Part-time Project Director Position Announcement
The U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation (USJBF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the ties between Japan and the U.S. through cultural and educational exchanges, is launching a new initiative “Strengthening the JETAA Network and Connecting Next Generation Leaders.” The purpose of the project is to build infrastructure in support of the Japan-Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni Association, United States of America (JETAA USA) and enhance its impact promoting U.S.-Japan relations. The first year of the project will involve fact-finding to collect and analyze information from the JETAA USA Working Group, local chapters and stakeholders in the U.S. and Japanese governments and local communities; enhance the jetaausa.com website, strengthen the online media Facebook and Twitter presence; help coordinate regional and national meetings/ conferences for participants from 19+ JETAA chapters; and other duties as required in order to carry out the mission of this position.
The Foundation seeks a part-time project director to: Read More
JETAA Portland wins the Seattle-Portland Iron Chef Cook-Off
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Every year JETAA Portland invites Pacific Northwest JETAA to join for an Iron Chef Cook-Off. This year, it looks like JETAA Portland was the official winner, though we’re guessing that all the attendees who got to eat the food were the real winners.
Photographic evidence of the event available on the PNW JETAA Facebook group, courtesy of President Cheryl Hou.
Calling all Ex-JETs in the Midlands Area (UK)
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Originally posted to the JETAA UK LinkedIn group by Sarah Parsons:
CALLING ALL EX JETS IN THE MIDLANDS AREA to help with Q & A session for JETS about to go out to Japan and to provide advice and networking opportunities for those who will return this year.
We are holding a pre-departure Q & A session in Birmingham on Saturday 20th July from 3-5pm for JETs about to set sail for Japan so they can ask us more experienced and hopefully wiser JETS anything they want to know about living in Japan.
We are also holding a welcome back reception for JETS returning from Japan in September to offer them a networking opportunity and post-JET careers advice (date yet to be confirmed).
We really need ex-JETS who have used their JET experience whether in Japan related companies or doing something completely different to come along and share their experiences as well as continue to promote the links between our two countries.
E mail us on midlands@jetaa.org.uk, follow us on Twitter @JETAAMidlands or find us on Facebook – JETAA UK Midlands. Thank you.
Akita Global Network Blog
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Akita Prefecture has been publishing a newsletter for the last few years (which has been posted to JETwit) in an effort to stay connected with the community of foreigners who have lived in Akita. Now it’s a blog, and there’s a way for all current and former Akita denizens to contribute. To learn more contact saito-sayori [at] pref.akita.lg.jp.
Also a reminder you can join the Akita Prefecture JET Alumni group on LinkedIn to connect with other Akita JETs. And here’s the link to see all of the Prectural JET Alumni groups on LinkedIn.
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Akita Global Network Blog
秋田グローバルネットワークブログは、秋田県とゆかりのある外国の方々と継続的なネットワーク関係を維持するために、秋田グローバルネットワークメンバーからの海外情報や、秋田県の旬な情報を共有し発信するブログです！
Akita Global Network aims at maintaining an ongoing relationship between Akita Prefecture and foreign people who have been associated with Akita through international exchange projects, etc. We share information about Akita and foreign countries contributed from Akita Global Network members.
What would doubling the JET Program look like?
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A thoughtful post about the implications of an expanded JET Program from the Mutant Frog Travelogue blog. One of the things I like about this piece is that it attempts to concretely think through some of the implications. The other is that it actually factors in different forms of Return On JET-vestment that tend to be brushed aside or ignored in other commentaries or critiques of JET.
What would doubling the JET Program look like?
Here are a few excerpts:
Recent news reports suggest that the LDP is planning to propose doubling the JETProgram in three years and placing JET language assistants in all elementary, middle, and high schools within a decade. There are around 38,000 such schools in Japan, so that’s aLOT of ALTs!
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It also means more “Japan hands,” maybe even double, and this can cut in different ways. I feel like Japan is sorely in need of talented Japanese-to-English translators, so an influx of native English talent that could eventually progress to ace-translator status is a good thing. At the same time, the increased supply in the market could put pressure on prices, and who knows maybe some whipper snapper could come after my job some day.
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From what I gather, the job of an ALT is generally to supplement a Japanese teacher of English by helping with pronunciation and various other tasks. Maybe I just don’t get around enough, but I cannot recall ever hearing someone even try to argue that they are an essential part of the learning process or that what they do has an appreciable benefit to the level of English ability in Japan. I don’t think that is really a problem though because of the program’s other upsides.
On the other hand, what I have heard and experienced is that ALTs can help inspire students to discover the joys and rewards of learning English or encourage them to keep going. I think the value of that should not be underestimated because it is life-changing and the ALTs deserve huge credit for it.
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CLICK HERE to read the full post.
JET alum seeks translators to help with “Rebuilding Tohoku” website project
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Thanks to Owen Rosa (Iwate-ken, 1999-2002) for sharing info about his project. If you’re interested in helping, read below and contact Owen by registering on the website:
The Rebuilding Tohoku website is dedicated to providing information about the changes taking place in Japan in the post Great Northeast Tsunami and Earthquake era.
- This website is trying to create a medium that consolidates information for all subjects related to the rebuilding efforts including but not limited to energy, politics, economics, tourism and philanthropy.
- The site allows for people to join as members and submit articles (in both Japanese and English), pictures, videos, or documents on various subjects or projects related to rebuilding Tohoku.
- The site also asks for Japanese language speakers to volunteer with translations of articles or project information from Japanese to English in order to provide information in English usually not available outside of Japan.
- The overall goal of the website is to provide access to articles and promote projects outside Japan to potential philanthropists, foreign investors or others interested in supporting the rebuilding efforts.
I am reaching out to current and former JETs to ask for your support in volunteering to translate from Japanese to English or provide any information you know about projects supporting the rebuilding efforts. Thank you for your consideration and if you are interested please go to the website at www.rebuildingtohoku.com and register, thank you.
The website was created and operated by Owen Rosa, a former JET (1999-2002) in Iwate Prefecture.
JETAA DC May 2013 Newsletter
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This just in from JETAA DC:
JETAADC Community,
The Newsletter for May is up on our website. Check it out:
http://jetaadc.org/may-
A big thanks to Kat for putting this together!
