Coordinator
Jane Takizawa
Although I introduced myself when I started working with Naoko McLellan in June of this year, let me say a few words along this line, as I was officially elected to this position at the annual general meeting (AGM). My husband, an industrial translator, and I run an English conversation school and provide translation and interpretation services. I also teach part-time at the local national university, the municipal nursing school, one of the largest industries in Muroran, and I am just starting to help with the introduction of "English Activities" in the local elementary schools.
I'm based in Hokkaido, where we often feel far from the center of what is "hot" in language teaching. I imagine many teachers who live away from the urban areas in Japan are having the same experience. The Teaching Children SIG is trying to provide a means where those "in the know" can share with those who are searching for more information and ideas.
It is my sincere desire that as we start a new year, each one of us will
look at what we are doing to see what we can give to others, and what we
need to look to others for help and direction.
I look forward to working with each of the officers, and I welcome any
comments from the members at any time as to how we can make this SIG a
better group for all.
From snowy Hokkaido
Introduction from TLC 13.4
Program Chair
Lesley Ito
Two years ago, when I was Program Chair, I embarked on an ambitious project to contact both heads of JALT chapters and eager TC SIG members to set up presentations. As that proved to be an unsuccessful approach, this year my focus will be on giving advice and sharing know-how with TC SIG members who would like to make a presentation at either JALT Junior or a JALT chapter meeting, but don’t know where to begin. Thank you for your support.
Introduction from TLC 13.4
Membership chair
Anne Mayeda
Greetings from your new membership officer! This is my first report for the TLC and I am please to report that the current membership total stands at 133 (as of October ’08). Compared to last year at the same time, we are up by 12 members. After the successful conference in Tokyo, I expect to see an even greater increase in the months to come.
It is interesting to note that approximately one-third of our members are Japanese teachers of English. Should this number be significant? Well, it can be if you look at some of the domestic teaching organizations catering to young learners. Three influential groups, the Japan Association for the Study of Teaching English to Children (JASTEC), Japan Association of English Teaching in Elementary School (JES), and Zenkoku Shogakko Eigo Katsudo Jissen Kenkyukai are made up of over 95% Japanese members. Last July I attended the JES conference in Fukushima for 2 days where there were approximately 60 presentations and attended by over 300 teachers. Of these, I counted one non-Japanese presenter and forum panelist each and possibly five non-Japanese participants including myself. If we are looking to increase our membership and get more balanced representation, we might want to look into expanding our presence at these conferences and reaching out to these teachers. If any of our TC SIG members are members in these organizations, please do contact me.
Introduction from TLC 13.4
Treasurer
Aleda Krause
Aleda says: I'm the TC SIG Treasurer. I'm also a teacher, teacher trainer, textbook writer, talker, taskmaster, and tickler. I'm not a tiptoer, teetotaler, or trendsetter. I'm turned on by tearjerkers, tongue twisters, Turkish coffee, trivia, traveling, the truth, and tomorrow. I have one daughter (23), three dogs, and a cat named Turtle who dominates us all. Tell us about you!
Publications Editor
Cynthia Keith
Cynthia Keith has been teaching young children for over 10 years. She has a background in performing arts and loves encouraging her student to talk! She has been living and teaching in Kagoshima since 1993, she runs her own English school and is a lecturer at Kagoshima University, Kagoshima Kenritsu Tanki Daigaku and Kukita Nursing College. Cynthia has held various JALT chapter and national positions and is currently the National Vice President. However, what she enjoys most of all is relaxing with friends and family at the many onsens in and around Kagoshima.