Steffanie Sensei

Being a JET teacher is the most fulfilling thing that I have ever done. JET, as you probably know, stands for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme. I teach in a public high school setting, as an assistant language teacher. I teach at 4 schools, and for each class there is a varying degree of what "assistant" means. Most of the time, I have full reign over the classroom. Sometimes (rarely), I'm not even sure why I'm in the class. Most of the time there is a really good balance between me and the Japanese teacher of English. I have a great relationship with all the JTE's that I work with.

Recently, for Valentine's Day, I assigned a homework essay assignment about anything romance related. They could make up their own love story, or write a letter to a crush, or anything they wanted. In almost all of the 160 essays I had to correct, I found that Japanese students seem to REALLY misuse the word love. Almost as bad as Americans do! (lol)

Many talked about their biggest love in Kindergarten, or elementary school. Thus, I decided that I had to teach them about the word "crush"! None of them have ever heard this word before, even the few students who love Western music and movies. When I introduced the word, some of them got out their dictionaries, and stared in horror at the meaning!

Here is me explaining it. But they all know how to use the word crush now!!! I shouldn't have taught it to the rowdy boys who now love to tell me that they have a "crush on teacher".

Usually I pick a theme per class, corresponding with the book if at all possible. But each class I only see once every 2 weeks, so if I don't stick to the book, it's okay, because they use the book the other 9 out of 10 school days.

Below, was my last day of one of the classes. I was so moved by getting flowers and letters from all of them. They are the best kids ever. So awesome. I cry thinking about leaving them this summer.

But JET is really really amazing. I would recommend it to all of you, who may have the opportunity to apply. You need a college degree, and must be under 40 to apply. Besides that, they will look for any teaching experience or passion. If you are interested, please apply. :) It's 1~3 years that you will never forget, ever.

Here are my students performing as SILENT MONKS~~ Cheers!

Any questions about JET or anything else, please comment, and I'll get back to you :)