Interview 03
1st Grade Homeroom Teacher
With 32 years of teaching experience, I have worked in the UK, South Korea, Italy, Qatar, and Kenya. At JINIS, I am a homeroom teacher and also serve as the English literacy coordinator.
Seeing students who entered school unable to speak English at all gradually begin to converse in English is incredibly rewarding. Recently, I was deeply moved to see a student who once declared, “I hate English!” quietly reading an English book in the library.
There are also many memorable events outside the classroom. The time spent at a temple during a spring field trip, the night we went to see fireflies, and the moment we looked up at the full moon are all special memories with the children.
In my previous teaching experience, I had relatively free rein in structuring my lessons. However, at JINIS, I work in a team with Japanese colleagues, so I feel that advance planning and division of roles are essential. For example, when my Japanese colleague is responsible for “knowledge” and “content,” I focus on “English vocabulary.”
This is my first time teaching in a bilingual environment, but I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the classroom. I look forward to seeing the students master both Japanese and English and move on to the next stage of their lives.
As teachers, we also serve as “parents” to the children. I find great fulfilment in being able to impart “life skills” that go beyond textbook knowledge.
Since starting at JINIS, I feel like my daily routine has become more structured. In my case, I only have dorm duty once a week at night, so I can enjoy my free time on other nights and weekends. I like to go out and play or play games, so having free time is one of the attractions of this job.
I really like the quietness, beauty, and tranquility of the area around JINIS. I enjoy taking walks and running around the neighborhood as part of my daily routine. I also find it a small pleasure to feel the changing seasons through the seasonal ingredients available at the local farmers' market. Living in the country allows me to find moments of wonder and healing in the ordinary days of life.
When I first arrived in Japan, my colleagues and friends were very helpful in assisting me with necessary procedures such as setting up a phone line, opening a bank account, and obtaining a credit card. Now that I have become accustomed to the routines and systems of daily life, Google Translate has become an indispensable tool.
To those who are planning to come to Japan, I would like to encourage you to adopt a “let's just give it a try” attitude. There may be times when you don't understand something or have questions. However, by first trying to adapt to the Japanese way of doing things, you will naturally become accustomed to them.
For example, ordering a “set meal” at a restaurant is the best choice. The portions are generous, nutritionally balanced, and the combinations are always excellent.
To be successful at JINIS, I feel that it is very important to have the ability to work collaboratively, understand the feelings of colleagues and students, be patient, and have a supportive attitude toward others.
Before applying, I was worried about whether I would be able to communicate in English, but now I am continuing to study Japanese little by little every day to deepen my understanding of the language.
What I like about JINIS
The appeal of JINIS is, above all, its beautiful location surrounded by nature. Another appeal is the presence of colleagues who provide learning opportunities for students and teachers by utilizing the connections with the local community and nature.
For example, at the “JINIS Farm” within the school grounds, students can plant, grow, harvest, and taste vegetables with their own hands—a truly valuable experience.
Additionally, staff members take us on trips to see fireflies at different times from the students and introduce us to beautiful local gardens, helping to expand our connections with the community.
