Interview 04
3rd Grade Homeroom Teacher
After working at a public high school in Yokohama for eight years, I worked at a Japanese school in Singapore for four years. I joined JINIS in 2022 and am currently working as a homeroom teacher for 3rd graders.
At JINIS, homeroom teachers work in pairs, one “International Teacher” and one “Japanese Teacher.” As the Japanese teacher for the 3rd grade, I primarily teach Japanese, mathematics, science, and social studies. Additionally, on weekends, I teach ethics to 3rd and 4th graders. While collaborating with my partner to manage the class and plan lessons can be challenging, I feel a sense of fulfilment when we work together effectively to create engaging lessons.
I also oversee weekend activities (Weekend) on Fridays and Saturdays, where I plan special sports like tennis and golf, as well as activities like pottery and trampoline for all students. Sometimes we go to amusement parks, watch movies, or even go hiking. Seeing the children learn enthusiastically and enjoy themselves is the most rewarding part of my job.
Since starting at JINIS, my English skills have improved. I also think my way of thinking has changed. Even when I was in Singapore, I gradually began to feel that “there can be many correct answers, and it's okay for everyone to be different,” but that feeling has become even stronger since coming to JINIS.
Most of JINIS students will go on to study abroad in the future. I constantly ponder what skills are most important to cultivate in them. Of course, academic ability is essential, but so are personality, life skills, self-presentation skills, and the ability to accept others. At JINIS, which is a boarding school, students learn about daily life as well, so I feel it is important to lead by example and convey these values to them.
Life at a boarding school seems like it would be a clear fit for some people and not for others. It’s an ideal environment for those who love people and nature and enjoy diversity. Additionally, those who can embrace differences and changes, as well as creative individuals, should find it a fulfilling experience.
Personally, I feel very fortunate to have chosen JINIS as my lifestyle, and I hope to continue working here for as long as possible. JINIS provides an environment where I can focus on my work, and the burden of daily life has been reduced. The commute takes only 10 seconds, I don't have to cook, and if I live in the dormitory, the cleaning is done once a week. The time I used to spend on household chores and shopping is now available for sleep or my hobbies. As a result, I feel more mentally and physically stable than before.
Having previously lived in a shared house in Singapore, I was able to adapt to dormitory life relatively quickly. On workdays, I can switch off as soon as I enter my room. On weekends, I relax and don’t go out or travel much. However, when I feel stressed from work, I make sure to spend some time alone, such as reading at a café outside the school.
On workdays, I sometimes eat with my coworkers or go out to nearby restaurants. Teachers who live in log cabins also invite me to barbecues and parties. When someone's birthday is coming up, I go out to celebrate after work, so I enjoy my time after work as well.
JINIS is a school with a high degree of diversity and freedom. I think it is a stress-free and comfortable working environment for people who enjoy taking on new challenges without being bound by rules such as “this is how it should be done.”
What I like about JINIS
I grew up surrounded by nature, so I find my current environment very appealing. When I was working in the city, I was very stressed and would go camping occasionally to relax, but now I live in the great outdoors every day, just like camping. For example, after studying insects, stag beetles might fly into the school, and the children can touch them. Some children who were initially afraid of insects developed an interest through the lesson and became comfortable touching them. Seeing such moments where learning and experience connect is truly wonderful.
My favorite place on campus is the Japanese garden in autumn, when the foliage is stunning. The view of the sea of clouds during certain seasons is also breathtaking.
