Introducing Our Program Chair

A Message from Joyce Cunningham
doycie@mito.ipc.ibaraki.ac.jp
Tel: (029)228-8455
FAX: (029)228-8499


Hi Everyone,

I've only just recently arrived in Japan and am delighted to have come across this lovely group of professionals. I really enjoy this opportunity to work more closely with both dedicated, concerned Japanese teachers and foreigners from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

I look forward to our REGULAR meetings where I break away from my routine and relative isolation and can network with people who are inevitably friendly, supportive and willing to give me much of their time. I appreciate learning about pedagogical issues, methodologies and new and different materials in a stimulating atmosphere. I feel excited and happy to be part of this Chapter and I hope you will too when you join us. I hope we can make you feel as welcome as I have been made to feel.

As Programme Chair, I am responsible for contacting local members of our Chapter as well as others further afield to inquire if they would be interested in contributing a workshop or mini-presentation on a technique or an approach to teaching they might want to share. I do not twist arms and there are no screams of fright. Members simply have a lot to exchange, especially when encouraged and valued. I also am grateful for the many suggestions given to me in these contacts, ideas that enrich our yearly programme greatly. In addition, I write up monthly reports to inform one and all of future meetings and make summaries of our monthly meetings. I submit these to our Chapter Newsletter and the national journal.

This year, with the help of our members and the Committee, I am trying to put together a programme that will be useful and informative to all. Our Chapter is striving to reach out and interest Junior and Senior High School teachers. Ours is a healthy, vibrant, alive Chapter. Please do come and see for yourself. Your talents, input and experience are most welcome! Ohairi kudasai!!! Mina-san ni goshokai shimasu kara!!!