JALT Event

This hands-on workshop is designed for teachers who seek to turn their lived experiences and translingual identities into teaching and research. In the first half of the workshop, I introduce autoethnography, a research method for critically analyzing our teacher identities and experiences. I then invite attendees to reflect on their teacher identities and experiences, express them in creative forms, and connect with other attendees. In the second half, I demonstrate how to turn the reflection into pedagogy, research, and self-care by drawing on the concept of translingual identity-as-pedagogy and showcasing my ongoing action research project. Attendees will then collaborate to explore the links between their translingual identities and experiences with their teaching and research, as they discuss how to enrich their pedagogy and create a community for solidarity and care.

Abstract: This interactive workshop introduces digital tools designed to streamline collaboration, engagement, and learning in a variety of educational environments. These tool are either completely free or have a free option. Busy teacher know how important it is to have a few tricks up their sleeve. In this practical workshop participants will be guided through hands-on demonstrations of five key platforms: Padlet, LingoLive, Classroomscreen, Mentimeter, and Wordwall. Each tool offers unique features, there is something here for everyone. Padlet facilitates collaborative information sharing and organization; LingoLive specializes in personalized language learning experiences; Classroomscreen offers a customizable virtual classroom management dashboard; Mentimeter enables engaging, interactive presentations through real-time polling; and Wordwall helps create interactive and fun educational activities. The workshop will provide practical applications, tips for effective usage, and strategies for integrating these tools into daily routines to maximize productivity and engagement.

Bio:Kathryn Akasaka has lived and worked in Iwate for more than 30 years. She graduated from Earlham College majoring in Education. Having taught all ages and levels she currently divides her time between a private combined Junior High and Senior High School and four universities a part-time teacher

Abstract:
While discussions on inclusivity in Japan’s education system often focus on students, the challenges faced by educators with disabilities remain largely overlooked. This presentation explores the barriers these educators encounter—including accessibility, workplace support, and policy implementation—and why their inclusion is crucial for fostering true diversity in education. Originally inspired by my colleague Gavin, who was diagnosed with ALS while teaching, the research highlights personal experiences taken from interviews with educators across Japan. This information is relevant for teachers, administrators, and policymakers seeking to create more inclusive school environments.

日本の教育制度におけるインクルージョンに関する議論は、主に生徒に焦点が当てられることが多い一方で、障害のある教育者が直面する課題は十分に議論されていません。本プレゼンテーションでは、教育者が直面するアクセシビリティの問題、職場でのサポート、政策の実施状況などの障壁を探り、真の多様性を育むために彼らのインクルージョンがいかに重要であるかを考察します。本研究は、ALSを発症しながら教鞭を執っていた私の同僚ギャビンの経験に触発され、日本全国の教育者へのインタビューを通じて得られた実体験を基にしています。本発表は、よりインクルーシブな学校環境の構築を目指す教師、管理職、政策立案者にとって、有益な視点を提供するものです。

Bio:
Teresa Stockwell from Okayama University is currently researching the experiences of educators with disabilities in Japan through interviews with teachers. She is particularly interested in how diverse educators contribute to a more equitable and representative school system.
岡山大学のテレサ・ストックウェル氏は、日本の教育現場における障害のある教育者の経験について、教師へのインタビューを通じて研究を行っています。彼女は、多様な教育者がより公平で包括的な学校制度にどのように貢献できるかに関心を持っています。

This spring, join NaraJALT for a fun day out on Mount Ikoma, featuring wood-fired artisan pizza, easy-grade mountain hike, and exceptional spring views.

Times, Locations and Links:
11:36 Ikoma Cable-car Tori-mae Station
12:00 Kumotei Stone-Oven Mountain Pizza Restaurant
14:00 Ikoma-sanroku Park

Lunch
Following the annual NaraJALT MyShare event, participants will walk to the Ikoma Cable-car Tori-mae Station, and catch the 11:36 cable-car to the Hozan-ji Station. From Hozan-ji, it’s a short walk to the secluded Kumotei restaurant, where participants will enjoy the most delicious pizza set-lunch.
Cost: ¥3,630

Hike
After lunch, participants will set off on a 30-min easy-grade hike to the Ikoma-sanroku Park, where they can enjoy the afternoon among the cherry blossoms with spectacular views. For the return journey, participants can take a bus to Ikoma Station, or opt to hike the more challenging 60-min return-leg down the mountain.

You will not want to miss this unique opportunity to savour, stroll, and soak in the views of the beautiful Mount Ikoma in spring. Lunch reservation is limited and registration is essential, so be sure to fill in the form to reserve your spot.

Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Venue: Hachinohe Gakuin University – Hachinohe Art Museum Satellite Space, Hachinohe, Aomori

The 10th Anniversary of MEES

“Foundations and Frontiers of EFL: Past Lessons and Future Solutions”

We welcome any proposals with relevance to language use, learning, and teaching for any age group within the ELF context. Submissions may include action research conducted inside or outside the classroom, works in progress, teaching strategies and pedagogy, pilot studies, as well as proposals for discussion sessions and workshops.

Sessions are set at 30 minutes (including questions). Please advise us on your session format: formal presentation, workshop, discussion, or demonstration. Also, if you would like more than 30 minutes, let us know.

Abstract Submissions: Abstract must be no longer than 300 words in English, in either MS Word, Mac Pages, or PDF file.

Send all abstract submissions to: MEESjapan@gmail.com

Proposal Abstract Deadline: Friday, May 9th, 2025.

Join us for an incredible opportunity to network with local educators from around the Kyushu area. We will have games, trivia, snack and much more.

We hope to see you at this professional powwow. 

More information to come.. 

Professor of applied linguistics in the TESOL Program at Hawaii Pacific University. Her research interests include interactional competence development, second language learning, conversation analysis, classroom discourse, and Vietnamese applied linguistics.

How do second language learners improve their language while getting their job done at a workplace? This presentation addresses this question by analyzing a guest-relations officer`s social interaction with international guests at a hotel in Vietnam focusing on her changes and pronunciation of the word massage over 10 months. The findings provide implications for language, teaching and workplace communication skills training.

Teach For America`s regional supervisor, CQ Wilder, joins us to talk about teacher coaching, peer mentoring, and how vital it is for successful practice. 

"I'll focus on coaching and areas that TFA focuses on when coaching our teachers and what an ecosystem of support looks like "

Meeting will be held via zoom.  

Join us for a family friendly picnic / fund raiser 

Games, food, drinks, and community. 

Kokura castle garden area