* 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
* Membership chair
Catherine Oki
* Publicity
Justin Harris, shadowed by Malcolm Harding
* Web Publicity
Barbara Sakamoto
* Publications Chair
Martin meadows, shadowed by Glenn Davis
Glenn says: I'm an elementary school ALT in Aichi prefecture. I previously
taught in Korea before coming to Japan and am interested in using songs
and music in the classroom. I'm very excited to be shadowing the position
of Publications Chair and would like to promote more research into teaching
young learners.
* Program Chair
Kim Horne, shadowed by Kristin Shitara
Kristin says: Hello to all TC Sig members. I made the switch to teaching
children about 9 years ago when I started an English school with my husband
who is also an English teacher. Previously, I had taught in intensive English
programs for adults and university students in America, Japan and Ecuador.
I am excited to be a part of the inner workings of the sig and have quickly
learned that it is run by some very talented and dedicated people. I hope
I can keep up! I look to the TC Sig to help support me professionally and
hope I can do my part as future program chair to help the TC Sig accomplish
this for others. When I’m not teaching English, I enjoy being with my two
daughters, reading, walking, golf, traveling and aromatherapy.
* Treasurer
Aleda Krause, shadowed by Keith Kitano
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!
Written in 2006
* JALT Junior Program Chair
Kim Horne
Kim says: I'm the JALT Junior and the TC SIG Program Chair. In my JALT
duties at this time, I'm mostly responsible for scheduling the JALT Jr.
presentations as well as assisting our chosen plenary speaker in preparation
for the conference. I'm originally from South Carolina, USA and have been
in Japan teaching kids or training teachers since 2000. I live in Ogaki
City in Gifu prefecture and work at a family owned and run private kindergarten
in Gifu City. My background in drama, radio and TV serves me well in my
job where I manage to do some musical theatre every day! I so love being
in kindergarten again! My hobbies include photography, working out, listening
to radio mysteries and writing haiku.