Interview 01
4th Grade Homeroom Teacher
With 32 years of experience as an international teacher, including 29 years at international schools and 13 years at boarding schools, I teach mathematics to 4th to 6th graders at JINIS and am actively involved in sports and English clubs.
At JINIS, the small class sizes allow me to spend quality one-on-one time with each student. This is an experience that is rarely available in typical public elementary schools. Recently, after working individually with a student who struggled with maths, they were finally able to tackle complex word problems. Seeing him concentrate for over an hour and thoroughly understand the essence of the problem, I could clearly see his progress.
In this way, being able to interact deeply with each student and see their growth up close is a great source of satisfaction as a teacher.
The most impressive thing about working at JINIS is learning how Japan has built a society full of harmony and support. In contrast to practice in many other countries countries, JINIS does not use sanctions or penalties. I feel that a culture of dialogue, where children face their own choices and reflect on them, is deeply rooted here.
Another important lesson has been the experience of teaching alongside Japanese colleagues. By observing my colleagues' lessons up close, I have been able to learn their teaching methods, how they build trust with students, and how they show mutual respect. This is the first time in my career that I have had such close team meetings with colleagues.
Work at JINIS is different from the typical 9-to-6 workday. However, I am able to take breaks between classes to walk the dog or meditate, which allows me to refresh myself.
My “special place” on campus is the parking lot near the gate. My daily interactions with the cheerful security guards help me maintain my motivation to continue learning Japanese. Although it is a little far from the school building, it is surrounded by trees and is the perfect place to enjoy nature.
I enjoy golf and often visit the golf course and driving range near JINIS. JINIS is surrounded by beautiful, lush countryside, so I also enjoy running along quiet roads and walking my dog. The road leading to JINIS is a scenic spot that attracts many people for drives.
There are many things I like about Japan, but I am particularly impressed by the honesty of the people.
Recently, my wife accidentally left her wallet at an amusement park, but it was returned to her with all the cash and cards still inside, which was quite surprising. The excellence of Japan's medical system is also worth mentioning. I have received treatment for injuries and dental care, and both were of high quality and cost very little. Before coming to Japan, I was concerned about language barriers, but thanks to translation apps and the kindness of Japanese people, I have been able to live here without any issues.
If you are visiting Japan for the first time, I recommend asking for help if you have any questions. Someone will surely help you.
JINIS is located in a somewhat isolated area, but it is surrounded by nature and offers a relaxed lifestyle. I think it is the perfect environment for those who enjoy the outdoors and new experiences.
What I like about JINIS
The charm of JINIS is, without a doubt, the kindness of my colleagues. One particularly memorable episode was when my son's car broke down. Even though they were in the middle of a meeting, my colleagues took an hour to arrange a tow truck and contact the insurance company. I feel truly fortunate to have met colleagues who support each other in times of need.
