ELC & Kindergarten
Japanese Teacher
Mina Nakamura
#01 Reasons for application
Impressed with unique curriculum that does not only focus on language
After studying kindergarten education, I worked at a Japanese nursery school, and went to Germany. During my stay, I volunteered at a local kindergarten, and I was shocked with educational differences between Japan and other countries. I realised language is only a tool, and I strongly felt I didn’t want to work at institutions that teach only language, which led me to Kansai International Academy which offered a unique curriculum after returning from Germany.
Perceiving English as a communication tool, building up necessary skills, bilingually. It was unique to its own as I knew more about KIA. It’s pointless being able to speak multiple languages, more importantly based on my experience it is “what to learn and what can be done”. I wanted to take part in this education, and I aspired to join KIA.
#02 Rewarding
Sharing Growth
One of the most heard rewards in the educational field is “when we see children grow”. However, at KIA, we as a staff and parents get together as a team to see children grow, but all staff including class teaching partners and teachers from other classes as a team also share information, communicate, discuss, train, and evaluate each other to get involved with all the students. We not only share what we discover about children through daily conversations and conferences with parents, but also we share those moments with staff members which builds a strong bond between staff members.
#03 Unique
Staff trainings and evaluations with warm comments
KIA offers a great learning environment not only for children but also for adults. Including the nursery I used to work at, teaching-scenes are always busy, making it hard to focus other than what is in front of us. KIA has an organised PDR cycle, offering training and evaluations, a backup system, which enables us to reflect on lesson plans and receive objective opinions. When we think of “evaluation” people tend to take it offensive, however, it’s not like that in KIA, where we receive so many ideas to improve, and it always leaves a positive feeling “I want to put that into practice soon!”.
KIA offers a great learning environment not only for children but also for adults. Including the nursery I used to work at, teaching-scenes are always busy, making it hard to focus other than what is in front of us. KIA has an organised PDR cycle, offering training and evaluations, a backup system, which enables us to reflect on lesson plans and receive objective opinions. When we think of “evaluation” people tend to take it offensive, however, it’s not like that in KIA, where we receive so many ideas to improve, and it always leaves a positive feeling “I want to put that into practice soon!”.
#04 Relationship
Teamwork with lots of laugh
The Staff at KIA communicate a lot, and we laugh everyday (laugh). We mostly communicate with teaching partners, however, we communicate about activity plans and also observations on children to make things better. In the staffroom, we talk across homeroom grades, often talking about children, including adorable scenes, children who are working hard, and more. Even in those small talks, we give each other ideas, thoughts and advice. It is a stress free environment for us as we get to ask for help from any staff.
#05 Message
Stimulative environment, increasing my curiosity everyday
It may take courage to join a new environment, however I would like you to be honest to what you want to do and what they want to challenge themselves. After being a part of KIA, I have increased my curiosity, overflowing my bucket list both at work and private. I am very grateful to be a part of this environment, and to the encounter. I am excited to work with you!