May 2014

AATJNEWSLETTER
Inside This Issue!President’s Message 1!2014 Annual Fall
Conference!Nomination for Teacher2
Award 2014!2014 Annual Spring 6
Conference Report!Greetings from the New7
Director of JF-LA
8!Cheng & Tsui
Professional
Development Grants
for 2014

VOL. 3
NO. 2

President’s Message
Motoko Tabuse
風薫る５月、会員の皆様はお元気でご活躍の事と思います。これから休みに入り、生徒や学生を連れて日本にいらっしゃる先生
方も多いのではないでしょうか。ベテランの先生方は、日本に行く生徒・学生に日本にいる間の宿題としてスマホを利用して交通機関の車内放送を録音させたり、ホームス
テイの家族との会話をビデオ撮りしたり、
彼らには奇妙に見える物の写真を撮らせたりして、それを編集、整理して秋学期の教材に使っていらっしゃるそうです。生徒・学生が一生忘れられない貴重な記録が教材になるなんて素晴
らしいアイデアですね。
さて、日本に旅行する準備をしていらっしゃる方、特にあまり旅慣れしていらっしゃらない方には役に立ちそうな情報が載っているサイトを見つけました。携帯電話のSIMカード最新情報
やその他のアドバイスが載っています。英語部分のURLをご参照ください。
今月号には国際交流基金ロサンゼルスの高須奈緒美新所長からのご挨拶を始め、春の学会のレポートやNational Japan Bowlのレポート、そして秋の学会のAATJのスケジュールを掲載しました。では、皆様お元気で素敵な夏休みをお楽しみください。

!2014 National Japan 9
Bowl!JNCOLCTL Calls for 10 ! “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” ― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
Spring 2015 Paper 11
hope you are doing well. It is time for many of us to prepare for summer travel to!EFF Seeks Coordinators IJapan
with students. Veteran teachers are doing innovative materials developmentfor High School
Exchange!The Kyoko Selden 11

Memorial Translation
Prize
12

projects taking advantage of their trips to Japan. They have their students record
announcements in the trains and buses they ride, videotape their conversations withhomestay family members and friends, and take pictures that seem odd to American
students, and use them as authentic material for their fall classes. What a wonderful
idea! I found the following two interesting sites that I thought could be useful when we
travel to Japan:!
!AATJ Special Interest http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/06/travel/japan-travel-tips/index.html
http://gigazine.net/news/20140422-so-net-prepaid-lte-sim/
Groups‘ Reports
12!In this issue, we have a message from Naomi Takasu-shocho, the new Director of the!AATJ MembershipJapan Foundation Language Center in Los Angeles, reports from our spring conference,
Renewal18
a report from the National Japan Bowl, as well as our fall conference schedule of the!Job Opening
AATJ sponsored sessions in San Antonio, Texas. Please have a safe and wonderfulsummer!
Announcements
19
!
!!
!
!
Check out AATJ’s Facebook page, and “Like” usto receive updates and the latest news.

Click the link on our home page (www.aatj.org),or search for “AATJ-American Association of Teachers of Japanese” on Facebook.

AATJNEWSLETTER May 20142014 Annual Fall Conference
ACTFL in San Antonio, Texas

The AATJ Fall Conference will be held during the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages(ACTFL) Annual Convention and World Languages Expo, Friday, November 21, through Sunday, November
23, 2014, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The ACTFL Annual
Convention and World Languages Expo will feature over 600 educational sessions covering a wide spectrumof the language profession addressing the theme Reaching Global Competence. The ACTFL Convention is aninternational event bringing together over 6,000 language educators from all languages, levels andassignments within the profession.

!
Online registration and housing reservations are now open.
!
Registration: Early-Bird Registration
Advance Registration
Onsite!

Early bird (by 7/9/14)

By Wednesday, July 9, 2014
By Wednesday, October 29, 2014
After Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Advance (by 10/29/14)

Late/Onsite (after
10/29/14)

Member$200
Non-Member$300
ACTFL Student$110
Member
ACTFL Retired$130
MemberDAILY REGISTRATION

$215
$315
$115

$310
$410
$135

$145

$165

Member – One Day
Member – One Day

$175
$260

$270
$355

FULL CONVENTION REGISTRATION

!!

$170
$255

To register for the ACTFL Convention, please go to the website (https://www.xpressreg.net/register/actf114/
lookup.asp?sc=). WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE, PLEASE BE SURE TO
INDICATE THAT YOU ARE A MEMBER OF AATJ, SO THAT OUR ORGANIZATION AND OUR
FIELD WILL GET CREDIT FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE.

!Housing: For details regarding hotel reservations, please look at the website (http://www.actfl.org/
convention-expo/housing).

!

Official Hotels:
Grand Hyatt Hotel (ACTFL HQ Hotel)
Marriott Riverwalk Hotel
Hilton Palacio del Rio HotelHyatt Regency Hotel
Westin Riverwalk Hotel
Hotel Contessa
Menger Hotel!

$205 Single; $225 Double$199 Single; $215 Double$199 Single; $224 Double$190 Single; $215 Double$179 Cityside; $189 Riverside$189 Single/Double$139 Single/Double

All rates are per room and are subject to 16.75% occupancy tax (subject to change).
The cutoff date for this rate is October 27, 2014.

2

Applicant Requirements:

1. Be a member of ACTFL valid through November 30, 2014 at the time your application is
submitted.

2. Be registered at the full Convention registration rate at the time your application is submitted.

!

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

Scholarship Opportunities:
ACTFL/VISTA HIGHER LEARNING FIRST TIME ATTENDEE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:ACTFL and Vista Higher Learning are co-sponsoring this scholarship program which offers ACTFL members
who have never attended an ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo the opportunity to apply
for a $250 scholarship. This scholarship is to provide some assistance with the expenses associated withattending the convention.

3. Be a first-time attendee at an ACTFL Annual Convention.

Applicants will be notified of the decision in September 2014. Applicants must have met all of the above
requirements before applying. Late applications will not be considered. Scholarship checks must be picked
up at the convention by the individuals awarded the scholarships. The number of scholarships awarded will
be based on the funds available that year. Interested individuals must submit an application to ACTFL by
Wednesday, July 9, 2014.

!

RONALDO HERNANDEZ SCHOLARSHIP FUND: The Rolando Hernandez/ACTFL Scholarship Fundwas created in 2013 with support from four major publishing houses (Cengage, Pearson, McGraw Hill, andWiley) to honor the legacy of Rolando Hernandez who dedicated more than three decades to the service andpassion for teaching languages. A $250 scholarship will be awarded to four (4) world language teachers toprovide assistance with the expenses associated with attending the convention. Scholarship applicants must be
ACTFL members, be registered as a first-time attendee of the ACTFL Annual Convention & World
Languages Expo, and be within the first three years of their teaching career.
Applicant Requirements:

1. Be a member of ACTFL valid through November 30, 2014 at the time your application is
submitted.

2. Be registered at the full Convention registration rate at the time your application is submitted.
3. Be a first-time attendee at an ACTFL Annual Convention.
4. Submit proof with your application that you are within the first three years of your teaching career.
ROBERT J. LUDWIG SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:!

Applicants will be notified of the decision in September 2014. Applicants must have met all of the above
requirements before applying. Late applications will not be considered. Scholarship checks must be picked
up at the convention by the individuals awarded the scholarships. Interested individuals must submit anapplication to ACTFL by Wednesday, July 9, 2014.
To apply, go to (http://www.actfl.org/convention-expo/2014-actfl-convention-scholarships).

!

General Membership Meeting, Special Panel on Assessment, and Reception: The AATJ General
Membership Meeting, a special panel, and a reception will be held from 6:30-9:00PM on Sat, 11/22.

!

Luncheon: The AATJ Luncheon will be held from 12:30-1:45PM on Sat, 11/22. This year, the students whoare high school and university studying Japanese in San Antonio, TX will present a dance for the attendees ofthe luncheon. Tickets are $40 or $47 after 10/29. Please purchase the luncheon tickets when you register forthe conference. AATJ will not sell tickets at our booth. If you have already registered but did not request aluncheon ticket, please contact ACTFL or purchase your luncheon ticket from the on-site registration desk.

!

3

AATJNEWSLETTER May 20142014 ACTFL-AATJ Schedule!

FRIDAY, November 21
Room 1
8:30am –10:00am
10:00am–
11:00am!!
!

11:00am–
12:00pm
12:00pm– 1:00pm!!
!!
!

1:15pm –2:15pmRoom 2
Opening General Session
Exhibit Hall Opening/Welcome Coffee!

Global Competence with Critical Thinking
through Language and Literature
Kazuo Tsuda, United Nations International School

AATJ Local Affiliate Council Meeting!!

The Power of Infographics for Developing
Language and Cultural Proficiency
Noriko Fujimoto Gonzales, Highline Community
CollegeYasu-Hiko Tohsaku, University of California at San
Diego

!

!!
!

2:30pm –3:30pmCurrent Issues and Future Directions:Japanese Programs in Higher Education
Junko Mori, University of Wisconsin at Madison
Nobuko Chikamatsu, DePaul University
Yoko Katagiri, University of Chicago
Sayuri Kubota, Eastern Michigan University!!

The National Japanese Exam 2015:
Promoting Proficiency-Oriented Instruction
Tomoko Takami, University of Pennsylvania
Miyuki Johnson, Elkins Pointe Middle School!

AATJ Research Paper Session I
Utilization-Focused Evaluation for a
University Japanese Program
Shoko Sasayama, Georgetown University!

JFL Learners' Perspective on Kanji Learning
Etsuko Takahashi, Wesleyan University
Hisae Fujiwara, Brandeis University!

Raising Radical Awareness Through the Kanji/Hanzi Storytelling ProjectSuyu Kuo, University of Pennsylvania
I-ling Hsu University of Rhode Island
AATJ Research Paper Session II
Fluency Development of Novice Learners
in Comparison with Native Speakers
Kazumi Matsumoto, Ball State University
Maki Hirotani, Rose-Hulman Institute ofTechnology
Atsushi Fukada, Purdue University!

Acquisition of Requesting Strategies byJapanese Learners
Natalia Konstantinovskaia, UCLA

!

!!
!!

3:45pm –4:45pm!
4!!

Student-Centered Learning through Technology:
Using Smartphones & Tablets
Junko Tokuda, University of Memphis

Formulaic Expressions for Generalization Skills
for OPI Advanced Level
Yumiko Kawanishi & Mayumi Ajioka, UCLAAATJ Research Paper Session III
A Sociocultural Approach to Japanese
Language Education
Xuexin Liu, Spelman College!

Impact of Corrective Feedback Techniques
Instruction on Peer Interaction
Nobuaki Takahashi, Elizabethtown College
Learners’ Experiences with L2 Self-Assessment:
An Exploratory Case StudyNana Suzumura, University of Hawaii at Manoa

5:00pm –6:00pm!!

Digital Applications for Enhancing Mastery,
Entry to AP Level Japanese
Machiko Romaine, Nishimachi International School
Reiko Aya, American School in Japan
Timothy Stout, Waterford School

AATJ Research Paper Session IV
Narrative Mixer: A Short Classroom Task for
OPI Advanced Level
Mayumi Ajioka & Yumiko Kawanishi, UCLA!

Organizational Problems of Japanese Academic
Writing: How can we help?
Sayuri Kubota, Eastern Michigan University
Mari Tanaka, Nagoya University of Foreign Studies!

A New Instructional Method for
Literary Style Writing in Japanese
Masami Ikeda, MIT
ACTFL Awards Ceremony

6:30pm –7:30pm
7:30pm –9:30pmAATJ Board Meeting!SATURDAY, November 22
Room 1
7:00am-8:00am!!

8:00am –9:00am9:00am –10:00am!!

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

!!
!!
!

Room 2JNTO Breakfast
Hosted by Japan National Tourism Organization
Continuing Articulationfrom the Classroom to the Real World
Advocacy and Support with the Japan
Noriko Hanabusa, Notre Dame University
Foundation
Toshiko Kishimoto, Clemson University
Amanda Rollins, The Japan Foundation, Los
Yuka Kumagai, University of Southern California
Angeles!

Exhibit Hall Visit Free Time

A Film Course: Promoting Japanese Communication
and Cultural Competences
10:00am – Hamako Furuhata-Turner, University of Mount Union
11:00am!!

11:15am –12:15pm

12:30pm –1:45pm!

2:00pm –3:00pm
3:00pm –4:00pm!!

4:00pm –5:00pm!!

5:15pm –6:15pm
6:30pm –9:00pmOsu! The Ouendan: Ultimate Motivation,
Collaboration and Advocacy
Mieko Avello, Miami Palmetto Senior HighSchoolKazue Masuyama, California State University
Using Authentic Movies to Empower Cultural
Developing Online Teacher Resources forCompetence and Critical Thinking
Maximizing Students’ Performance
Yuki Waugh, Texas A&M University
Yoshiko Saito-Abbott, California State
Junko Tokuda, University of Memphis
University
Yo Azama, North Salinas High School
Mio Nishimura & Tomoki Kuwana, Alisal HighSchoolAATJ Luncheon
Activity Ideas for Advanced Level Discourse
Suwako Watanabe, Portland State University

Global Classmates: Engaging Students
in Real-Life Language Learning
Shanti Shoji, Kizuna Across Cultures

Exhibit Hall Visit Free Time
Fostering Integrated Communication Skills inJapanese
as a Foreign Language
Keiko Koda, Yasufumi Iwasaki, Yoshihiro Yasuhara &Mamoru Hatakeyama, Carnegie Mellon University

Educating Global Competence throughCritical Thinking in JHL Classrooms
Masayo Ohyama, Fordham University
Kazuo Tsuda, United Nations International
SchoolPhysically Dynamic Exerciseswith a Motion Sensor for Learning Japanese
Yumiko Tashiro, Shinji Shimomura & Kazumi Hatasa,
Purdue University

Digital Realia: 5C Standards in the 21stCentury World Language Classroom
William Paris, New Providence High School
Noriko Gonzales, Kamehameha Schools

AATJ Membership Meeting, Special Panel on Assessment, and Reception

5

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

SUNDAY, November 23!!

8:00am –9:00am9:00am –10:00am

Room 1Room 2

Book Trailer - Reading Activity Using Technology
Kaori Hakone & Machiko Naito, American School in
Japan

MIT-CORNELL Project “Yomimono
Collection” For Making Proficient Readers
Yoshimi Nagaya, Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology
Naomi Nakada Larson, Cornell University
Yasuhiro Shirai, University of Pittsburg!

!

Exhibit Hall Visit Free Time

!!

!

!!

!

Stereotypes to Reconstruction of Cultural Knowledge
10:00amin a Japanese Program– 11:00am Yoshihiro Yasuhara, Mamoru Hatakeyama, Yasufumi
Iwasaki, Keiko Koda, Carnegie Mellon University

Engage Students Online: Best Practices and11:15am –Challenges
12:15pmin Online JPN 101-102
Takako Shigehisa, Northern Virginia Community College!

The Impact: Study Abroad in DisasterAffected
Northeastern Japan
Yayoi Takeuchi, University of North Texas
Masumi Reade, Woodlands High School
Yuko Prefume, Baylor University!

How Japanese Assistant Teachers Can
Upgrade Your Program
Leslie Birkland, The Laurasian Institution
Isabel Espino de Valdivia & Atsuya Yoshida,
Allderdice High School
Karen Hendrickson & Izumi Takeda, Madison
Country Day School!!
!
Nomination
for Teacher Award 2014
Recognize!your!colleague!with!the...!

The!purpose!of!these!awards!is!to!recognize!outstanding!
teachers!of!Japanese!who!have!demonstrated!excellence!in!
teaching,!advocacy,!and!leadership!in!Japanese!educa(on!locally!
and!na(onally.!!

TEACHER AWARD
2014
Two%Awards%for%Outstanding%Teachers%in%Japanese%Language,%Literature,%or%Culture!

! !KE12!Level!

! !Community!College/College!and!University!Level!
!Nomina(ons!and!applica(ons!start!June!1,!2014.!
!
Final!deadline!for!applica(ons!is!July%31,%2014.%!
All!documents!available!online!at!h?p://www.aatj.org/prodevEawardsErecipients!

6

The Annual AATJ Conference Was a Great Success!
by Vice President Yoshiko Saito-Abbott

The Annual AATJ Annual Spring Conference, which was held in Philadelphia on March 27, was a great
success with 250 participants. Thanks to Dr. Joan Ericson and Dr. Noriko Fujioka, co directors of the 2014
AATJ Annual Conference. The conference featured 52 individual papers and 12 panel presentations, a total of
118 presenters, on Linguistics, Literature, Second Language Acquisition, Pedagogy, and SIG-related topics.
The conference closed with the stimulating keynote talk by Dr. Dennis Washburn from Dartmouth College on“Un-translating the Classics: Philology, Language, and Japanese Literary Texts,” followed by an engaging
question and answer session with the general audience.

!The General Membership Meeting chaired by newly elected President, Motoko Tabuse, was also well

AATJNEWSLETTER May 20142014 Annual Spring Conference Reportattended. Dr. Tabuse introduced and welcomed Ms. Naomi Takasu, the new Director of the Japan Foundations
Los Angeles office, who was attending the meeting. Director Takasu arrived on March 18 to take over the
directorship after Director Misako Ito returned to Japan.

!Dr. Tabuse also announced that our long-time member Dr. Shigeru Miyagawa, Professor at Massachusetts

Institute of Technology (MIT) will also serve as Project Professor and Director of Online Education at the
University of Tokyo and offering courses through edX, to deliver Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
She also announced that Dr. William Tsutsui has been named President of Hendrix College, Arkansas.

!Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott, Vice President, and Kathy Ajisaka from the AATJ office reported this year’s

membership status as of March 19. Current membership includes a total of 1,112 regular, institutional, andlifetime members, of whom 787 belong to one of the 22 current affiliates. The numbers are increasing daily,
and they encouraged registering early as membership is for the calendar year (Jan-Dec). AATJ affiliates
receive revenue sharing ($15 annually for each regular member, $10 for a student member). Revenue-sharing
and memberships are reported to affiliates quarterly – in February, May, September, and December). Anyquestions related to membership should be directed to membership@aatj.org.

!Ms. Tomoko Takami, National Japanese Exam Director (NJE), reported on the program’s growth from 2010

to 2014. This was the NJE’s 5th year, and the number of participants has grown from 769 in 2010 to 2380 in
2014. NJE is good for 1) identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses, 2) motivating students to study
Japanese, 4) providing an opportunity for awards and recognition, 5) providing a method to measure learningand teaching effectivess, 6) preparing students for AP Japanese and other assessments, and 7) helping teachers
to advocate for Japanese language education. It only cost $8 per student whose teacher is an AATJ member
and $15 for students whose teachers are not AATJ members. This test has three levels according to the
ACTFL guidelines. Level 1 is equivalent to ACTFL Novice Mid; Level 2 is Novice High. Level 3 isIntermediate Low and can be used for students who are studying Japanese in middle schools to college (endof 2nd year). Ms. Takami encouraged members to plan now for the 2015 exam. Registration is from early
December 2014 to early February 2015, and the exam period will be from early March 2015 to early April
2015. The results will be announced in early May. More information can be obtained at www.aatj.org andinquires to should be send to nje@aatj.org.

!Susan Schmidt, AATJ Executive Director, informed the members about other AATJ projects:
1. Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT):
2.
3.
4.
5.

3983 people registered to take the 2013 JLPT, which was administered in the United Sates. There are
13 sites, and new 2 sites are being added for 2014 (Columbus, OH., and Boulder, CO).
Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS):
2,195 inductees in 152 precollege-chapters and 270 inductees in 40 college chapters in 2012-2013.
Bridging Scholarships for study abroad in Japan:
92 undergraduates were awarded scholarships in 2013, and members were asked to encourage theirstudents to apply for 2014 and 2015 scholarships.
Japanese Language and Literature Journal:
2 issues per year, back issues available online through JSTOR.
Website (www.aatj.org) and Facebook:Job opening announcement and advocacy resources are available on the website.

7

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

6. JOINT Online courses for teachers for basic skills, content-based instruction, reading skills,

classroom technology, and other topics.
The conference sessions were well attended, and it was a great success.
AATJ also sponsored the following panel sessions at the AAS conference:“Translation Reconsidered in the Japanese Language Curriculum,” chaired by Yoshihiro Mochizuki,
University of Michigan, and “Collaboration in the Translation of Japanese Literature: Author and Translator
Partnerships after the 3.11 Disasters and Beyond,” chaired by Joan Ericson, Colorado College.

Greetings from Ms. Naomi Takasu,

the New Director of Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
Greetings AATJ Members! My name is Naomi Takasu, and I took overthe position of Director at the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles at the endof March 2014. This is my first time living in America, and every day I
experience the tortures and joys of using English, which makes me feelclose to Japanese language learners.
Very soon after my arrival, I attended the AATJ Spring Conference aswell as the Association of Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference in
Philadelphia, where I was privileged to exchange opinions with AATJ’s
new director Motoko Tabuse-sensei and other board members, and meet
Japanese teachers from all over the U.S. AATJ and the Japan
Ms. Naomi Takasu
Foundation have already collaborated with a tight-knit synergy in thefield of research and teacher training, and since last year we eventransferred the administration of the JLPT into AATJ’s excellent care. I hope to further the cause of expanding
the future potential of Japanese language education in America, with a far-seeing and holistic viewpoint, handin hand with you.
What fascinates me about the current situation of Japanese language education in America is the astonishingdiversity of learners, motivations, and learning environments. Over a span of 28 years I have worked for theJapan Foundation at posts in countries including France, Belgium, and Senegal. Those positions all involved
Japanese language education, and when I reflect on the multi-lingual, multi-cultural Belgium and Senegal, I
see a symbiosis of languages and cultures which eclipses what we think of as “language education,”
especially in comparison to Japan. And promoting the cutting-edge interest in Japanese culture and Japanesestudies in France is a very worthy aim from the perspective of international cultural exchange. However, since
starting my work in America, I am constantly struck by the differences between the U.S. and other countries.
Perhaps it is because our two countries maintain deep, multi-faceted, and an overwhelming number of ties
between our economies, politics, cultures, histories, and heritage communities. Quite frankly, I feel moved bythese bonds which have been tempered by time and shared experiences.
Above all, the different motivations and relationships with Japan that characterize Americans who arelearning Japanese fill me with wonder. It is also refreshing to see the value that the government places on
Japanese language education by aligning it to its national standards. In addition, immersion and heritage
language education stand in a unique, innovative position. I find it deeply touching that people see Japanese
as a means to enrich the mind, and also as a catalyst for international exchange for future generations.
As a Japanese culture center which keeps an eye on Japanese language education across the country, we wantto constantly contemplate the question: What is advocacy in this America? From the bottom of my heart, I
hope we continue enhancing the collaborative activities with all the teachers who shoulder the responsibilityof Japanese language education at every level and everywhere in America.

8!

高須奈緒美所長

米国の日本語教育の面白さは、その教育環境における、また生活における日本と日本語の位置づけの驚くべき多様性にあるのではないかと思います。私はこれまで28年間にわたって国際交流基金に勤務し、フランス、ベルギー、セネガルなどでも日本語教育に関わってきましたが、ベルギーやセネガルの特殊な多言語・多文化共生環境は、言語教育というものを考える上で大変興味深いものでした。また、フランスという日
本文化に対する「とんがった」関心と日本研究の長い歴史のある国で、日本語教育の促進を国際文化交流の視点から総合的に戦略づけることは、きわめてやりがいのある仕事でした。しかし、このたび初めて米国で仕事をすることになり、改めてヨーロッパやアフリカとは全く異なる、日本との圧倒的な距離の近さといいます
か、長い歴史の中での交錯する、太く深い、そして重い日米の絆に、日々心打たれております。

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

こんにちは。高須奈緒美です。国際交流基金ロス日本文化センターの所長として、この3月の下旬に着任いたししました。米国に住むのは初めてなので、日々英語と格闘しつつ、日本語学習者の苦労や喜びを身にしみて追体験しているところです。着任早々、AATJ／AASの年次総会があり、フィラデルフィアに出張して田伏新会長始め、幹部のみなさまと意見交換をさせていただき、また全米からの日本語教育関係者の皆様とお目にかかれたことを、大変うれしく思っております。これまでも国際交流基金とAATJ
は緊密に連携･協力し、各種調査・研修会等を実施しておりますし、昨年からは新日本語能力試験の事務局をAATJにお引き受けいただいております。今後とも米国全体の日本語教育の促進と発展に、手を携えて、総合的な視点から貢献していければと思っております。

!

とりわけ日本語学習者の日本との関わりと学習動機の多様性には、驚嘆すべきものがあります。日本語教
育が米国のナショナルスタンダードに位置づけられていることも新鮮な発見でした。加えて、イマージョンによる複合的思考の形成、過去の遺産としての継承ではなく、次世代につなぐ未来志向の「継承日本語」な
ど、米国には他に類を見ない先端的な現場があります。日本語教育の促進によって、新しい世代がさまざまな形で将来の日本との架け橋になるという、未来志向の日本語教育のあり方に、深い感動を覚えています。
全米の日本語教育を担当する日本文化センターとして、米国にとってのアドボカシーとは何なのか、さまざ
まに考え、学んでいきたいと強く思う次第です。長年にわたって各地で日本語教育を担い、現場で活躍しておられる全米各地の先生方のご指導・ご協力、そして私たちとの末永い協働作業を、心からお願いします。

Cheng & Tsui Professional Development
Grants for 2014
The Cheng & Tsui Professional Development Grant offers financial assistance to Japanese language teachers
in grades K-16, especially those new to the field, for the purpose of attending training workshops, seminars,
conferences, and other local, national, or international in-service learning experiences. The grant may also be
used to collaborate with a mentor teacher. Teacher training workshops and seminars attended by the applicant
should be focused on pedagogy and issues of teaching and learning. Cheng & Tsui Publishers, the sponsor of
the grant, has designated an annual amount of $1,000 to be divided between at least two teachers each year.
Those interested in applying for the 2014 Cheng & Tsui Professional Development Grant should submit thefollowing:	
  1. An application describing how they would use the grant (download from the application form fromhttps://www.aatj.org/prodev-cheng-and-tsui);
2. The amount of subsidy requested and a proposed budget (included on the application form);
3. A current Curriculum Vitae.

!Applicants must be current members of AATJ. Recipients are also asked to write a brief report after attending

the event for which they were awarded money, summarizing their experience and what they learned.
Applications will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers selected by the American Association of Teachers ofJapanese and who have no professional or personal connections with applicants. The application form and CV
should be sent via e-mail attachment to aatj@aatj.org by September 10, 2014.

!AATJ is grateful to Cheng & Tsui Publishers for theirsupport of teacher professional development.

9

AATJNEWSLETTER May 20142014 National Japan Bowl
by Koji Otani (Thomas Jeﬀerson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA)
The National Japan Bowl is an annual competition for high school students who study Japanese language andculture in the U.S. This year the 22nd annual competition was held in the Washington, DC, area and washosted by the Japan America Society of Washington DC. (JASW) and supported by the Japanese government
and various corporatiions in the area. Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado sent her special message tothe students as the honorary patron for the event.

!The student teams came from around the nation and from as far as Guam. The number of participants is
growing every year; this year there were nearly 250 students from 39 schools and 16 states and territories.
!The competition has three levels (levels 2-4), with three students on each team. All competitors have at least

one year of learning Japanese in a classroom setting. The topics they cover range from politics and history tocurrent events and pop culture. Because of its wide range of topics to cover, many students also study outside
the classrooms. Students often divide up their work and share the study guide with the entire school teams. As
the sponsor of one of the school teams, I generally provide help on the conversation, validate the study guide
they made, and providing current topics.

!Generally, only the top team at level 4 is awarded the top prize of a 10-day special trip to Japan. But this year,

thanks to a special effort by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as many as 45 students were selected
for this trip (the students who placed 5th or higher at each level). This trip is a part of the Kakehashi program,which has been held for a couple of years now. I hope the participating students will come back to the US andshare their learning and discoveries on this exciting trip.

!During the Japan Bowl competition, several cultural workshops and demonstrations were given for theparticipating students. This year, we had taiko, shamisen, rakugo, shogi, Sudoku, and other presentations.
Students also had a reception to get to know each other by exchanging their meishi, or business cards.

!While the students were in the conversation round with the Japan Bowl interviewers, the teachers attended theBenkyo-kai that was started about 5 years ago. One of the main topics this year was the programs forinternational students at Japanese universities. The speakers were representatives from 5 colleges anduniversities. They hope to attract many students from around the world with unique and attractive programs.

!The day after the Japan Bowl was the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade day in Washington, DC. Many

participants stayed to watch the parade and walked around the street festival with lots of food, crafts, andcultural presentations.

!The Japan Bowl is growing every year with many passionate students about Japan. I hope to see more
students and states represented in the future.

10

! The Journal of the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages (JNCOLCTL) is soliciting

articles for publication. The Journal, published annually by NCOLCTL, is dedicated to the issues andconcerns related to the teaching and learning of Less Commonly Taught Languages. The Journal primarilyseeks to address the interests of language teachers, administrators, and researchers. Articles that describe innovative and successful teaching methods that are relevant to the concerns or problems of the profession, orthat report educational research or experimentation in Less Commonly Taught Languages are welcome.
Papers presented at NCOLCTL's annual conference will be considered for publication, but additional
manuscripts from members of the profession are also welcome.
Our general editorial focus is on policy, education, programs, advocacy, and research in the field of Less
commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs). The envisioned coverage of the journal is as follows:!Methodology and Technology, Academia, Beyond Academia, Social Embeddedness!The Journal of the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages invites papers focusing on broader

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

JNCOLCTL Calls for Spring 2015 Papers

theoretical and technological issues in all fields of LCTLs along with reports about research and teaching inacademia, at both the K-12 and collegiate levels. Also included are papers addressing research and teaching ingovernment and industry and issues of a broader social environment, ranging from heritage communities toadvancing LCTLs in federal initiatives and legislation in the USA.

!Manuscript Preparation and Submission

In preparing the manuscript, please use the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (APA), see http://www.apastyle.org/manual/index.aspx
Manuscripts should be:-- A maximum of 20 pages (excluding references, charts, notes, etc.) and submitted electronically via word
(1997-2003)-document e-mail attachment.
-- Double-line spaced throughout, including notes, references, and tables, using 12-point Times New Roman
font with a 1.5 inch left margin. (Please ensure that this specified formatting is followed).
-- Accompanied by a 150-word (or less) abstract and a cover sheet containing the manuscript title, name,address, office and home telephone numbers, fax number, email address, and full names and institutions ofeach author. (Because the manuscript will be blind reviewed, identifying information should be on the coversheet only, and not appear in the manuscript).
All manuscripts should be electronically submitted to the Editor at: Danko.Sipka@asu.edu and copied to theSecretariat at: secretariat@ncolctl.org
Deadline: While submissions are welcome at any point, only manuscripts received
by June 1, 2014, will be considered for the Spring 2015 issue of the journal.

Education First Foundation Seeks Coordinatorsfor High School Exchange
EF High School Exchange Year is hiring local coordinators to place and supervise international exchange
students with caring host families in cities around the United States. Many of the students are from Japan.
This opportunity is part-time and flexible. Coordinators set their own hours and decide how much or how
little they want to work. Many coordinators have full-time jobs.
The coordinator position interweaves with everyday life while also providing supplemental income andfantastic travel incentives. Qualified IECs will travel with EF to Germany and Austria in 2014.
For more information contact Angie Redford at 208-890-3502 or angie.redford@effoundation.org or visit
www.effoundation.org

11

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

The Kyoko Selden Memorial Translation Prizein Japanese Literature, Thought, and Society
The Department of Asian Studies, at Cornell University, is pleased to announce a prize honoring the life andwork of our colleague, Kyoko Selden. The prize will pay homage to the finest achievements in Japanese
literature, thought, and society through the medium of translation. Kyoko Selden's translations and writings
ranged widely across such realms as Japanese women writers, the atomic bomb experience, Ainu life andculture, historical and contemporary literature, poetry and prose, Japanese art, and early education (the Suzuki
method). In the same spirit, the prize will recognize the breadth of Japanese writings, classical andcontemporary. Collaborative translations are welcomed. In order to encourage classroom use and wide
dissemination of the winning entries, prize-winning translations, together with the original Japanese text, will
be made freely available on the web. The winning translations will be published online at The Asia-Pacific
Journal: Japan Focus.

!Submit three copies of a translation and the original text of an unpublished work or a new translation of apreviously published work to the Kyoko Selden Memorial Translation Prize, Department of Asian Studies,
350 Rockefeller Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853. E-mail submissions should be sent toseldenprize@cornell.edu. Please provide both paper and electronic versions of the translation and the original
text. The maximum length of a submission is 20,000 words. The translation should be accompanied by an
introduction of up to 1,000 words. In case of translation of longer works, a 20,000-word excerpt should besubmitted.

!The closing date for the first prize competition is May 30, 2014. Awards will be announced on August 31,
2014. A prize of $2,500 will be given to the author(s) of the award-winning translation.

AATJ Special Interest Groups’ Reports
AATJ has established several Special Interest Groups (SIGs) through which members can discuss and explore
specific topics in greater depth than is possible in the Newsletter. The following messages are from
representatives of each SIG. Please visit http://www.aatj.org/sig to find out and join your favorite SIGs.

!
Japanese as a Heritage Language SIG
by Masako Douglas!As we announced in the previous AATJ newsletter, JHL SIG has created its new web site and it is available to(www.aatj.org/sig-japanese-heritage-language)

our members now. The content of the web site will be continuingly added to distribute JHL related
information efficiently and effectively.

!

We have been asking the JHL schools in the United States to send their information to share with otherschools. We uploaded five school profiles and hope more schools will contribute their information. We would
like to ask the AATJ members who are related to JHL schools to ask them to send us their school profiles. A
template can be downloaded from the JHL web site (log into http://jhlsig.wix.com/jhlsig#!school-list/c1o5g,
and click on “Information-Members only”, and go to “School List”.

!We also ask the AATJ members to share the information of our online JHL journal with their colleagues. We
hope to increase the readership of the journal and to publish more articles on our web site (http://
www.aatj.org/sig-japanese-heritage-language-ejournal).
All AATJ members who are interested in JHL education and research are welcome.
Please send your query to Masako Douglas (masako.douglas@csulb.edu)

12

by Shinji Sato!

Thank you very much for those who came to the Language and Culture SIG meeting at the AATJ in
Philadelphia! Currently the Language and Culture SIG only has a Facebook page, but some people do nothave a Facebook account so we decided to create a SIG mailing list to help with promoting more dialogue
among the members. If you are interested in joining the Language and Culture SIG, please send an email to
Shinji Sato at ssato@princeton.edu.

!We are also thinking about forming a Language and Culture SIG-sponsored panel for the next AATJ meetingin Chicago. The panel theme will tentatively be “Japanese Popular Culture in Japanese Language Course.” Wewould like to form a panel with a language and content specialists as well as students of Japanese who areinterested in Japanese popular culture. If you have creative ideas about the panel, please send an email to
Shinji Sato at ssato@princeton.edu.

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

Language and Culture SIG!

Study Abroad for Foreign Language Advancement SIG
by Mari Noda!

The Study Abroad for Language Advancement (SAFLA) SIG met during the 2014 AAS. Here are thehighlights of our meeting.
(1) We will make our website more useful by(a) encouraging presenters of SA-related papers at AATJ conferences (and others) to submit a pdf copy of
their paper as a resource for others interested in SA in Japan.
(b) developing a bibliography of published research related to study abroad, especially research related to
study abroad in Japan.
(c) posting our mission statement on our website.
(2) We will encourage participation in AATJ conferences through panel organization.
For the spring 2015 AATJ, Sanae Eda will be organizing a panel focused on internship programs in Japan.
Anyone interested in this topic, please contact Sanae Eda <seda@middlebury.edu>.
Please contact Mari Noda <noda.1@osu.edu> if you would like to be on the SAFLA email list.

! !

AP SIG

by Yoshiko Mori!The AP Japanese SIG held a panel discussion titled "Issues in AP Japanese: A Higher Education Perspective"at the Annual Spring Conference of the American Association of Teachers of Japanese in Philadelphia, PA on
March 27, 2014. The panel, organized by Yoshiko Mori, Georgetown University, consisted of four
presentations: Kimberly Jones, University of Arizona, described concrete strategies used at one U.S.
university to recruit students to departments that focus on the study of languages and cultures. Motoko
Tabuse, Eastern Michigan University, reported the findings of an AP Japanese credit acceptance study anddiscussed issues and future considerations in universities’ credit acceptance policies. Yoshiko Mori reviewed
the academic skills and college outcomes of students who took AP courses in world languages and discussed
the potential benefits of accepting AP students for Japanese programs at college level. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott,
California State University, Monterey Bay, discussed issues in designing a new curriculum to achieveadvanced level proficiency that professionals expect of Japanese majors. The panel was well attended andinvited active audience participation. The titles and the abstracts of the four presentations can be found at
http://www.aatj.org/resources/conferences/2014/spring/AATJ2014SpringConferenceProgram.pdf(Session 3 - F: SIG Panel on AP Japanese). The presentation materials are also available in the Resource
Library of the AP Japanese Teacher Community at https://apcommunity.collegeboard.org/web/apjapanese/
home (Resource name: AP Japanese Panel at 2014 Spring AATJ).

13

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

December 31, 2013

AP SIG NEWSA message from the AP SIG chair.

!

Welcome to the inaugural
edition of the AP SIG
newsletter. I’ll start with a brief
self-introduction before spellingout some of the goals I have forthis SIG. I have been teaching
Japanese in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
since 2004. My initial involvement with the AP Exam inJapanese Language and Culture was as a reader in 2008.
In 2010 I was fortunate enough to join the development
committee for the exam, and the following year became
the high school co-chair of the same committee. In mywork in these positions I have met numerous
professionals in our field, and am truly impressed by thelevel of dedication and professionalism displayed by
Japanese teachers. We are truly an amazing group ofpeople engaged in a precession we love and care about
deeply. If you want evidence of what an remarkablegroup of professionals we are and can be, I would point tothat the fact that in two of the past three years there has
been a Japanese teacher nominated as ACTFL teacher ofthe year, with one winning the honor. Given the small
percentage of Japanese teachers amongst world language
teachers across the country, I think that is a pretty
extraordinary feat.

!

The Advanced Placement Exam in Japanese Language
and Culture SIG will support the advancement ofJapanese education through the AP exam and enable
teachers to more effectively raise their students’ level ofproficiency to a degree that will enable them to succeedon the exam. The AP exam in Japanese Language andCulture was first given in 2007. Results of the exam over
the years have indicated that a greater percentage ofstandard students are succeeding in the exam (scoring a 3
or higher). However, the number of test takers suggeststhat there are many teachers unfamiliar with the exam
and/or reluctant to teach an AP course due to the highlevel of difficulty.

The SIGs overarching goals will include, but not belimited to:a. providing support and guidance to thoseteachers hesitant to teach an AP course;
b. providing a forum for productive articulation
between high school and college instructors;c. providing heritage school teachers within
information and resources to facilitate finding test taking
locations as well as test taking strategies that will enable
heritage learners to display the full extent of their
linguistic abilities.
The SIG will engage in idea sharing activities amongst
AP teachers as well as college-level and heritage-school
teachers. Idea sharing can include curriculum building,thematic units, incorporation of sufficient levels ofcultural knowledge, and the ability to discuss culture in
Japanese, incorporation of authentic materials intoclassroom instruction, designing AP classes that will
enable students to make a smooth transition form highschool to college level instruction, the use of formativeand summative assessments, technology in the classroom,and other topics of interest and concern to the members.
The SIG will be comprised of high school, college level,
and heritage schools teachers who will work together via
e-mail, video conferencing, online collaboration, and will
have an annual meeting in conjunction with the AATJ
conference. We will also actively participate in the AATJ
conference by presenting papers on curriculum
development, thematic-based instruction, incorporation oftechnology in the classroom, and vertical articulation.
I look forward to working with everyone and encourage
you to contact me if you have any questions. I can easily
be reached at dancarolin@gmail.com.
1

14

AP Reading in Salt Lake CityThe Scoring for the 2013 AP Japanese exam took place inJune in Salt Lake City, Utah. Approximately 40 secondaryand post-secondary educators from across the US andJapan participated in the scoring. Participants in the reading
work with a team of professionals to accurately score the freeresponse questions of the exam. The process includes aconsiderable amount of collaboration and discussion among
the participants. Those involved in the process often
consider the reading to be a highly eﬀective means ofprofessional development, as it allows hands on works aswell as meaningful interaction with a variety of professionals.
Salt Lake City
During the weeklong scoring session Yo Azama of North
Salinas High School in California conducted a professional
development session of brain-based learning. In addition to the work and the professional development, thereading allows participants an unique and valuable opportunity to network and interact with a wide variety ofprofessionals. For more information on becoming a reader
please refer to AP Central.

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

December 31, 2013!
!

Text chat scoring team

!
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!
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15

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

December 31, 20132013 AP exam results and information!
!

More than 2,200 students took the AP Exam in Japanese
Language and Culture in 2013. Of those approximately
half were members of the standard group, those whohave spent less than a month in Japan or those who do
not use Japanese in the home. Close to 61% of thestandard group scored a 3 or higher, a figure consistent
with previous years. More Detailed information isavailable at the AP Japanese page of AP Central.
Teachers of AP Japanese can find past free response
questions, examples of student answers, andcommentaries regarding the scores the samples
received. This is a highly valuable resource to APteachers as it provides an insight into the requirements
for success on the exam.

!
!
!
!
!
!
!

AP Japanese Language
Student Score Distributions – Global
AP Exams – May 2013
Total Group

Standard Group**
Subject

Subject

Exam Score

Exam Score
N

% At

N

% At

5

995

44.5

5

214

18.3

4

237

10.6

4

136

11.6

3

477

21.4

3

360

30.8

2

165

7.4

2

140

12.0

1

360

16.1

1

319

27.3

1,169

–

Number ofStudents

2,234–

Number ofStudents

3 or Higher / %

1,709

76.5

3 or Higher / %

710

60.7

Mean Score

3.60

–

Mean Score

2.82

–

Standard Deviation

1.50

–

Standard Deviation

1.42

–

**Standard students generally receive most of their foreign language training in U.S. schools. They did not indicate on their answer
sheet that they regularly speak or hear the foreign language of the exam, or that they have lived for one month or more in a country
where the language is spoken.

16© 2013 The College Board. Visit the College Board on the Web: www.collegeboard.org.

3

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

December 31, 2013!
2013 - 2014 Development Committee Members
These dedicated educators play a critical role in the preparation of the Course Description
and exam for AP Japanese Language and Culture. They represent a diversity of knowledge
and points of view in their fields and, as a group, are the authority when it comes to making
subject-matter decisions in the exam-construction process. The AP Development
Committees represent a unique collaboration between high school and college educators.
As of July 2014 Motoko Tabuse will be replacing Sufumi So as chief reader.
Committee Co-Chairs
Daniel J. Carolin, Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Motoko Tabuse, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Committee Members
Yoko Fukuda, Northern Valley Old Tappan High School, Old Tappan, New Jersey
Kimberly A. Jones, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Yoshiko Mori, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Timothy G. Stout, Waterford School, Sandy, Utah
College Board Advisor
Yoshiharu Azama, North Salinas High School, Salinas, California
Chief Reader
Sufumi So, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

!
!
4

17

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

December 31, 2013

UI AP Japanese Camp and Teacher Training Institute!

Since July students of Japanese from across the state of Iowa have taken part in an
innovative new AP study program held at the University of Iowa in cooperation with the Belin-Blank
Center. The program was initiated by Russ Ganim, Director of the Division of World Languages,
Literatures and Cultures at University of Iowa. The program, taught by Hiroko Czuprynski,
Japanese lecturer at UI, began with a two day intensive Japanese study camp which provided
students an opportunity to increase their skills in order to prepare them for success on theJapanese AP exam. The students learned about the test format (question format, length of time,etc), and studied several cultural points such as 贈り物、and 日本のおもちゃ. At the end of thesummer program the students did a "mock test" in the classroom and in the computer lab.
The ten participating students are now engaged in follow-up lessons that will continue
throughout the school year. They meet with Czuprynski for 45 minute Skype sessions that focus on
enhancing the skills necessary for success on the exam.
In addition to the lessons, the program covers fees for taking the AP exam. In 2014 theprogram will expand to a week long course. Information about registration for the 2014 program will
be announced after the new year.

!
!
!
!
AATJ
! Membership Information
Have You Renewed Your AATJ Membership?

!
!We !thank the many AATJ members who have renewed their memberships for 2014. If you have not!
yet done so, please take a moment to renew, either online (go to http://www.aatj.org/membership).

! The paper form can also be downloaded from the same web page: http://www.aatj.org/membership .
! If you are not sure whether you need to renew, please contact the office at aatj@aatj.org, and webe happy to check for you.
! willDon’t miss the many benefits of membership: student participation in the National Japanese Exam,
the Nengajo Contest, and the Japanese National Honor Society; conference attendance at member
rates; publications and professional development activities.

518

Bates College
Bates College invites applications for a Japanese Language Learning Associate starting September 2014
and ending April 2015. The candidate must have native fluency in Japanese, experience teaching Japanese,and hold a B.A. degree. An M.A. in language pedagogy is highly desirable. Responsibilities include drill
instruction, tutoring and supporting extracurricular activities. The Learning Associate is expected to work 35
hours per week. In addition to a stipend, the Learning Associate is provided with room and board.

!Applicants should submit the following documents electronically, in PDF format, to Nancy LePage, ProjectSpecialist, 207-786-6480, at academicservices@bates.edu: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, transcripts
and a minimum of one letter of recommendation. Please include your last name and the words “LAapplication” in the subject line of all submissions. Review of applications will begin March 31 and continue
until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

Job Opening Announcements!Bates is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Bates College and the Asian Studies Program arecommitted to enhancing the diversity of the campus and the curriculum. We welcome applications from allindividuals with the ability to contribute to the college’s continuing commitment to social and cultural
diversity, inclusiveness, and the transformative power of our differences.

!!
Bennington College

Bennington College invites applications for a one-term visiting faculty position in Japanese for spring
2015.

!The candidate must have native/near native proficiency in Japanese and English. Training and experience inJapanese language and culture pedagogy are expected. Responsibilities include teaching three Japanese
language and culture courses and organizing extra-curricular activities. PhD preferred, though ABDs andstrong candidates with MAs will be considered.

!Bennington College is a small liberal arts institution with a deep tradition of creativity and student-centeredlearning. To apply, please e-mail a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, teaching statement, andcover letter to: https://bennington.recruiterbox.com/jobs/32466. The letters of recommendation may also be emailed separately to vjorgensen@bennington.edu, if preferred. Review of applications will begin immediately
and continue until the position is filled. Bennington College is an equal opportunity employer committed todiversity.

!!
Denison University

Denison University's Department of Modern Languages invites applications for the position of full-time
Instructor in Japanese Language for a two-year (academic years 2014-15 and 2015-16) term.

!Candidates will need to demonstrate evidence of native or near-native ability in both Japanese and English.

Teaching responsibilities include six language courses (3-3) per year. The appointee will be expected to teachall levels of Japanese language courses (first-year through fourth-year). The appointee will be responsible forteaching all aspects of each course with mentoring by senior colleagues. The appointee will be expected toparticipate in departmental meetings and events as appropriate. The appointee will not be responsible foracademic advising of students. An MA in linguistics, Japanese literature or Japanese language pedagogy, as
well as experience teaching Japanese language as an instructor at the college level are required. The
application of innovative, adaptive teaching methods using technology and student-centered pedagogy is
expected.

!Submit letter of application, CV, and three references. To be assured full consideration, please apply at

Denison's web site https://employment.denison.edu by March 21, 2014.
Denison University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. To achieve our mission as aliberal arts college, we continually strive to foster a diverse campus community, which recognizes the value ofall persons regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic
background.

19

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

International Christian University
International Christian University, in Mitaka, Tokyo, seeks applicants for a full-time tenure or tenure-track
position in Applied Linguistics in Japanese as a Second or Foreign Language. The position begins April
1, 2015; the deadline for submitting applications is August 31, 2014.
Complete information on the position and on applying can be found at http://subsite.icu.ac.jp/gjg/KOBO/
ouyougengo140414e.html.

!!
Middlebury College

The Middlebury College Department of Japanese Studies seeks to fill a two-year term position at theassistant professor level in Japanese language and modern Japanese literature beginning September
2014. The successful candidate will be asked to offer courses on modern and contemporary Japanese literature(taught in English) as well as contribute to the Japanese language curriculum at all levels. Candidates musthave native or near-native fluency in Japanese, a Ph.D. in hand or near completion, and some experienceteaching Japanese at the college level. Experience teaching Japanese literature is also desirable.
Middlebury College is a top-tier liberal arts college with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in facultyteaching and research. An Equal Opportunity Employer, the College is committed to hiring a diverse faculty
as we work to foster innovation in our curriculum and to provide a rich and varied education experience to ourincreasingly diverse student body.

!Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but applicants are urged to submit

materials as soon as possible. Please indicate in your letter of application whether you will be attending the
Association for Asian Studies meetings in Philadelphia, March 27-30. Middlebury College uses Interfolio tocollect all faculty job applications. Email and paper applications will not be accepted. Through Interfolio,
submit letter of application addressed to the committee chair, Professor Stephen Snyder, curriculum vitae, andthree current letters of recommendation, at least two of which should speak to teaching ability. Moreinformation at http://apptrkr.com/446290!!
University of Nevada, Reno

The College of Liberal Arts, University of Nevada, Reno, is seeking candidates for the position of full-time
Lecturer in Japanese in Foreign Languages and Literatures for the 2014-2015 academic year. This is a
non-tenure-track position that is contingent upon funding and renewable for up to two additional years. Duties
per semester include: teaching 12 credits of elementary, intermediate, and advanced language classes and aculture class. Minimum requirements: M.A. degree in Japanese or equivalent; native or near-native fluency inJapanese and English; college classroom experience in teaching both Japanese language and culture classes
required; knowledgeable in computer-assisted instruction preferred.
For further information and to apply, please visit: http://apptrkr.com/457200. Application deadline is May 9,
2014. AA/EEO. Women and under-represented are encouraged to apply.

!!
University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of North Carolina Greensboro isseeking a dynamic lecturer in Japanese (Ph.D. preferred) for a one-year position with the possibility of
renewal. The area of specialization is open, although a strong background in language pedagogy, web-based
instructional technologies, and/or second language acquisition is highly desirable. Established credentials andexpertise in teaching at all levels of a student-centered language, literature and culture program required.
Willingness to promote Japanese Studies at UNCG through active participation in the major-level
concentration in Asian Studies within the major in International and Global Studies Program is a must.
Evidence of mentoring capabilities desired. Native or near-native proficiency in Japanese and English
required.

!Please submit the following materials via JobSearch: 1) a letter of application; 2) a CV; 3) a statement ofteaching philosophy or teaching portfolio; and 4) three letters of reference, at least one of which specificallyaddresses the candidate's qualifications as a teacher. If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Roberto
Campo, Japanese Search Committee, Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, UNCG, P.O. Box
26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170.
For more details about the department and position, and to apply, please go to job search.uncg.edu (Position#14129).

20

!!
Northern Illinois University

The Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures at Northern Illinois University anticipates hiring a parttime (50%) instructor of Japanese language beginning August 15, 2014. The successful candidate willteach two lower-level Japanese language courses each semester. Applicants must have: native or near-native
fluency in Japanese; an M.A. degree or equivalent in an appropriate field; and evidence of teachingexperience. The ability to teach a proficiency-based curriculum is a must.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires the University to inform you that we can only
employ U.S. Citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required topresent documentation verifying identity and right to accept employment. Members of protected class groups
are strongly encouraged to apply.

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

Review of applications will begin on April 25, 2014, and continue until the position is filled. UNCG is anequal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, disabled persons, and veterans areencouraged to apply.

!Review of applications will begin May 30, 2014, and continue until the position is filled. Please send letter ofinterest, curriculum vitae, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and two letters ofrecommendation to Katharina Barbe, Chair, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Northern
Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115. Northern Illinois University is an AA/EEO Institution.

!!
University of Pennsylvania

The Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania announces theavailability of a position as full-time Lecturer in the Japanese Language Program for the academic year
2014-2015. The appointment will be for one year with the possibility of annual renewal for up to an
additional two years based on satisfactory performance and approval of the Dean. Applicants for the position
should possess at least a Master's degree in Education or Humanities with a primary focus on language andpedagogy. They should have native or near-native competency in Japanese and fluency in English. Preference
will be given to candidates who have experience in teaching all levels of Japanese language at the university
or college level. Duties include teaching language classes (5 courses per academic year), attending meetingsof the Japanese language program, and working with the Director of the language program and Japan facultyon materials development. Knowledge of computer technology application in classroom instruction is highly
desirable.

!Candidates are to apply at http://facultysearches.provost.upenn.edu/postings/196. Submit a cover letter, CV,and statement of teaching philosophy. Also submit the names and contact information of two individuals who
have agreed to provide a letter of recommendation. The University will contact the referees with instructions
on how to submit their letters.The review of applications will begin immediately and the process will continue
until the position is filled. The Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations is strongly committed
to Penn's Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence and to establishing a diverse faculty (for more
information see:http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v58/n02/diversityplan.html.)
The University of Pennsylvania is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

!!
Purdue University

The School of Languages and Cultures at Purdue University invites applications for a continuing lecturer
position in Japanese beginning August 2014. Continuing Lectureships are non-tenure-track teachingpositions, with medical and retirement benefits.

!We seek qualified applicants with the following qualifications:-- An MA or higher degree in Japanese language, literature, or a closely related field;-- A native/near native proficiency in Japanese and English;-- Minimum of three years of teaching experience at the college level;-- Ability to teach Japanese language courses;-- Ability to teach survey courses on Japanese culture.
Desired qualifications include: 1) ability to teach and coordinate upper level Japanese language courses; 2)ability to teach courses on Japanese culture (including literature, film, and/or pop culture).

21

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014

To apply, submit electronically to spencerc@purdue.edu a letter of application addressed to Dr. Madeleine
Henry, Head of SLC, curriculum vitae, transcripts, copies of syllabi of courses taught, summary of student
evaluations, and three confidential letters of recommendation.

!Review of applications will begin on April 7, 2014 and continue until the position is filled. A backgroundcheck is required for employment in this position. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce!!
University of Virginia

The Department of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Virgina seeks
applications for a one-year non-renewable replacement lecturer position in Japanese language during the
2014-15 academic year. The successful applicant will teach up to 15 class contact hours of Japanese Language
courses per semester. Compensation will take the form of full-time salary with full-time benefits.
We are seeking a highly skilled language instructor with native or near-native proficiency in both Japaneseand English, and demonstrated success teaching Japanese at the college/university level in the U.S. An M.A.
degree or higher in teaching Japanese as a foreign language, linguistics, second language acquisition,
literature, or related field is preferred.

!Candidates must have a strong commitment to teaching. After the initial screening, short-listed candidates
may be asked to submit a DVD or digital video of class teaching demonstration.
To apply, please complete a Candidate Profile online through Jobs@UVA, and electronically attach thefollowing: a current CV, cover letter, complete contact information forthree professional references, andstatement of teaching philosophy. In addition, please attach a sample syllabus where "other" document isindicated. Search for posting 0613825.

!Questions regarding this position should be directed to Michiko Wilson at (434) 924-4642 or

mnw5m@virginia.edu. Questions regarding the online application process should be directed to Maggie
vanEkeren at (434) 982-2665 or mvb3q@virginia.edu.
The University will perform background checks on all new faculty hires prior to making a final offer of
employment. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women,
minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

!!
Williams College

The Department of Asian Studies at Williams College invites applications for an open-rank full-time visiting
position in Japanese and linguistics beginning September 2014. The successful candidate will teach fivecourses over two semesters, including at least three language courses. We welcome candidates who can teachall levels of Japanese language and also contribute courses on Japanese linguistics or related topics (taught inEnglish) to the broader curriculum. Minimum requirements include native or near-native proficiency inJapanese; Ph.D. or ABD; strong teaching experience at the college level; and ability to teach all levels of
language courses in close coordination with departmental colleagues. This is a one-year appointment with thepossibility of renewal for a second year. All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of abackground check. Further information is available here: http://dean-faculty.williams.edu/prospective-faculty/
background-check-policy/.

!To apply, please submit letter of application, curriculum vitae and 3 recommendations. Candidates arerecommended to submit a link to a sample video clip of language teaching in Japanese. Review ofapplications will begin April 1, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. More information at
apply.interfolio.com/24527.

!Williams College is a coeducational liberal arts institution located in the Berkshire Hills of western

Massachusetts with easy access to the culturally rich cities of Albany, Boston, and New York City. The
College is committed to building and supporting a diverse population of approximately 2,000 students, and tofostering an inclusive faculty, staff and curriculum. Williams has built its reputation on outstanding teachingand scholarship and on the academic excellence of its students. Please visit the Williams College website(http://www.williams.edu). Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams
College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds
can live, learn, and thrive.

22

24/7 Japanese Channel
Now Available forCollege Campuses
©NHK

©NHK

©NHK

Historical Drama “Strategist Kanbe”
w/English sub-titles©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation

cool japan

w/English sub-titles

J-MELOONE PIECE

w/English sub-titles

EnglishColleges can add the TV JAPAN Channel for only $600 per year
TV JAPAN is pleased to announce a new program for Colleges to add the TV JAPAN Channel to thecampus-wide cable network for only $600 per year. Now all facilities on campus such as dormitories,
offices, labs, libraries, etc. are included in this low annual fee.

Students studying Japanese
can tune-in to TV JAPAN to practice their listening comprehension
and familiarize themselves with
contemporary spoken Japanese.

Professors can use insightful
NHK Documentaries or popular
cultural programs on TV JAPANto complement their lectures

Students and facultyon exchange from Japan cankeep up with current events

The feedback about TV JAPAN on campus has been very positive from students and faculty at these 32 colleges
listed below that already took advantage of this $600 annual fee offer to add TV JAPAN to their campus network:
University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Soka University, Aliso Viejo, CA
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Central Connecticut State College, New Britain, CT
Trinity College, Hartford, CT
Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA
University of Illinois, Springfield, IL
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Tufts University, Somerville, MA
Amherst College, Amherst, MA
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Colby College, Waterville, ME
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
University of Nebraska, Kearney, NE
Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY

SUNY Delhi, Delhi, NY
University of Mt. Union, Alliance, OH
University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
University of Dayton, Dayton, OH
Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA
Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA
Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT
Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

For more information about how to start TV JAPAN service at your College,please contact Scott Hiniker at NHK CosmoMedia America, Inc.
by scott@nhkcma.com or 212-713-8404

23

American Association of Teachers of Japanese, Inc.
1424 Broadway, Campus Box 366
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0366

AATJNEWSLETTER May 2014!

Support Our Sponsors
Nippon Express Travel USA is a corporate sponsor of AATJ. Nittsu Travel wants to help teachers takestudents to Japan. Find out more about their services at http://www.nittsutravel.com/e_index.php .

!

JTB USA is a sponsor of AATJ’s annual conferences. Visit http://www.jtsusa.com to find out about thecompany’s travel services focusing on travel to and within Japan.

!

Nagoya University is a corporate sponsor of AATJ. Visit http://admissions.g30.nagoya-u.ac.jp to find out
about Nagoya University’s Global International Programs taught in English.

!

Yamate Gakuin is a sponsor of AATJ’s professional development activities. Visit http://www.yamategakuin.ac.jp to find out about Yamate’s exchange programs for high school students.