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and the latest news.

May 2013
Volume 2,
No. 2

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUEAATJ Facebook

1

Making the Most of Your Summer Travel to Japan

Co-Presidents’Message 1
Important Dates
2
AATJ Annual Fall
Conference
Information
4
AATJ Annual Fall
Conference Schedule
5
Professional
Development Grants
Information
6
National Japanese Exam
9
News from Affiliates
10
Call for Papers

12

Job Opening
Announcements
14
AATJ Endowment
22
AATJ Sponsors

22

AATJ Membership
Application Form 23
AATJ Board of
Directors

Co-Presidents’ Message

24

As we enjoy the last month of another school year, many of
us are busy preparing for summer travel to Japan with students.
We salute all of you who are taking the time from your own summer
rest to embark on these journeys. These trips are some of the best
advocating that we can do for our programs. This month, wethought it might be fun to consider how to maximize your students’language learning experience while in Japan and offer some ideas forlanguage materials you can collect while on your trip. We know that many of you have evenmore creative activities that you have used over the years. According to students’ language
level, teachers can increase or reduce the difficulty of each of these activities. Please join the“conversation” about this topic on the AATJ Facebook page. Also, there are examples ofall of the activities listed here available at http://
ctworldlanguagesk8.wikispaces.com/Summer+Travel.
What Students Can Do While in Japan
1. Find a person who… Bingo. Create a bingo template in which students have tofind people in Japan who have various jobs, are various ages, etc. Students have to get theperson to sign their bingo sheet in the appropriate box. Students who fill in all of the boxes
get a prize (or a 100% grade on their first quiz in the fall). See a sample at our examples page
listed above.
2. Kanji Bingo. Create a bingo page with various kanji that may occur in context as
you travel around Japan. Students must write under the kanji where they saw it and what itmeans in that context. Students must fill in all of the boxes, or two lines of the bingo sheet,depending on difficulty. See a sample at our examples page listed above.
3. Authentic Materials Activity Creation. Students must find at least two authentic items that have Japanese written on them (newspaper, sale advertisement, poster,brochure, etc.) and make up English questions for their peers about the content of the authentic item. Students should also include answers to the questions (to prove their own comprehension). Students hand this in a week or two after the trip. The teacher can set up these
activities in folders in the classroom in the fall for students to complete when they finish work
early or as extra credit homework assignments.
4. Record yourself…. According to the students’ language level, teachers assign
students to record themselves having an authentic conversation such as introducing themselves, talking about foods, talking about family, asking directions, etc. Most students have
iPods or cell phones that record. Teachers can use the directions on the examples page listed
above.
(Continued on Page 2)

Page 2

Important
Dates

AATJ Fall
Conference
Early-Bird
Registration
Deadline: July 10,
2013
Professional
Development
Grant Application
Deadline:
September 10,
2013
AATJ Fall
Conference
Advance
Registration
Deadline: October30, 2013
AATJ Fall
Conference :November 22-24,
2013
Japanese
Language
Proficiency Test:
December 1, 2013

5.

“Get the Picture” Scavenger Hunt. Students must get their pictures taken at various
sites and/or with various people (a Japanese high school student, an older person, a train
conductor, etc.). The first student to get all the photos and bring them to you wins a prize.
You can make a bulletin board of this when you arrive back, grouping similar pictures together. See a sample list at our examples page listed above.
6. 6. Self-Guided Project. Before students leave, they choose a topic on which to focus
while they are in Japan. See a list and sample directions on the example page. While inJapan, students collect information about the topic for a multimedia presentation in thefall.

What Teachers Can Do While in Japan
1. Collect realia. We are certain you all do this already, but this year, look carefully
for authentic reading and listening materials that you can use regularly in class. The Common
Core, AP, and ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines all require that students have more and more
exposure to authentic materials in order for their proficiency to increase. Look for brochures,
menus, posters, etc. that are high interest and fit into the units you teach.
2. Record authentic conversations. Students are always more engaged when the
person speaking is not their everyday teacher! As much as possible, record people saying selfintroductions, discussing likes and dislikes, and discussing any topic that you cover in yourunits. It takes time, but it will make your lessons much more engaging for students.
3. Think about your curriculum. As you travel through Japan, notice “holes” inwhat the students are able to do in terms of survival skills. Perhaps they need more practicewith directions, or different vocabulary for conversations than your textbook offers. This is
your chance to observe them in the ultimate “assessment” situation and adjust your curriculum accordingly.
4. Take lots of pictures to promote your program. Think advocacy, advocacy,
advocacy. Perhaps you can have a travel blog while you are in Japan or at least take lots ofpictures to post afterward (with student permission). You could also offer to send postcards
from Japan to the students in the school who couldn’t go on the trip (charge them $1 or $2 forpostage).
This is just a short sample of someof the things many of you have been doing
all along. Most importantly, while you are
in Japan, don’t forget to eat your favorite
foods, visit the 100円 shop for classroom
supplies, and take some time to rest with acup of tea in a beautiful place. You deserve it!
Happy summer!
Jessica Haxhi
jhaxhi@waterbury.k12.ct.us
Y.-H. Tohsaku ytohsaku@ucsd.edu
Co-Presidents

Have You Renewed Your AATJ Membership?
We thank the many AATJ members who have renewed their memberships for2013. If you have not yet done so, please take a moment to renew, either online (goto http://www.aatj.org/membership) or using the paper form that can be found on
page 23 of this issue of the newsletter.
If you are not sure whether you need to renew, please contact the office at
aatj@aatj.org, and we will be happy to check for you.
Don’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.

ANNUAL FALL CONFERENCE: 2013, Orlando FL

Page 3The second annual 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 22 through Sunday, November
24, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo will feature over 600 educational sessions covering a wide spectrum of the language profession addressing thetheme New Spaces, New Realities: Learning Any Time, Any Place. The ACTFL Convention is an international event bringing together over 6,000 language educators from all languages, levels and assignments within the profession.
Online registration and housing is now open.
Registration: Early-Bird Registration By Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Advance Registration By Wednesday, October 30, 2013
OnsiteAfter Wednesday, October 30, 2013
To register for the ACTFL Convention, please go to the website (http://www.actfl.org/convention-expo/2013-actflconvention-world-languages-expo/registration). AATJ members are strongly encouraged to register by choosing
Option 2: Co-sponsoring Organization (AATJ) Member Registration.
Housing: The AATJ presentation sessions and luncheon will be held at Rosen Centre Hotel (9840 International
Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819). Therefore, Rosen Centre Hotel is the most convenient place to stay for AATJ members. For
details regarding hotel reservations, please look at the website (http://www.actfl.org/convention-expo/2013-actfl-convention-world-languages-expo/housing).
Official Hotels: Rosen Centre Hotel, Peabody Hotel, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Hilton Orlando
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 isto provide some assistance with the expenses associated with attending the convention. To apply, go to (http://
www.actfl.org/convention-expo/scholarship-opportunities/actflvista-higher-learning-first-time-attendee-scholarship).
ROBERT J. LUDWIG SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Robert Ludwig, former ACTFL President in 1989, left abequest to ACTFL to create the Robert J. Ludwig Scholarship Program, which annually awards three foreign language teachers with a $250 scholarship that is to provide assistance with the expenses associated with attending the convention. Scholarship applicants must be ACTFL members, first-time attendees of the ACTFL Annual Convention & World Languages Expo,and within the first three years of their teaching career. To apply, go to (http://www.actfl.org/convention-expo/scholarshipopportunities/robert-j-ludwig-scholarship-program).
Presentation Sessions: This year, AATJ will sponsor three concurrent sessions including 12 research paper presentations and 33 one-hour learning sessions, which will be held in the Mezzanine Meeting Rooms at the Rosen Centre Hotelover the three days of the conference. Three AATJ special sessions have been planned: (1) Special Panel: “Expanding Japanese Teacher Community Through AATJ Special Interest Groups” (3:45-4:45 p.m. on Fri, 11/22); (2) Panel: “Teaching Literature in the Japanese Language Classroom” (5:00-6:00 p.m. on Fri, 11/22); and (3) Special Event: “Long Traditions, New
Directions: 50 Years of Japanese Professional Collaboration” (5:15-6:15 p.m. on Sat, 11/23).
For the full schedule, please see pages 5 - 7 in this issue of the newsletter.
General Membership Meeting and Reception: The AATJ General Membership Meeting (4:00-5:00PM) and
AATJ Reception (6:15-8:15PM) will be held before and after the special event cerebrating the 50 th anniversary of AATJ
(Formerly ATJ) on Sat, 11/23.
Luncheon: The AATJ Luncheon will be held in Grand Ballroom B of the Rosen Centre Hotel from 12:30-1:45PM on
Sat, 11/23. This year, the students from the University of Florida and the University of South Florida will present a dance forthe attendees of the luncheon. The tickets are $49 or $56 after 10/30. Please purchase the luncheon tickets when you registerfor the conference. AATJ will not sell tickets at our booth. If you
have already registered but did not request a luncheon ticket, pleasecontact ACTFL or purchase your luncheon ticket from the on-site
registration desk.
Sumie (Japanese Ink Painting) Performance andWorkshop: The Association of Florida Teachers of Japanese willconduct a Sumie Workshop during the Exhibit Hall Visit Free Time
(10:00-11:00AM on Fri, 11/22; 9:00-10:00AM, 3:00-4:00PM on Sat,
11/23; 9:00-10:00AM on Sun, 11/24) at the Exhibit Hall of the Orange County Convention Center. In addition to the Sumie performance and workshop, Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) of students studying Japanese in the state of Florida will be exhibited in the Japan
Pavilion.
Local Affiliate Council Meeting: A local affiliate council
meeting will be held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fri, 11/22 in Salon 19 of
the Mezzanine Meeting Rooms at the Rosen Centre Hotel.

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6Cheng & Tsui Professional
Development Grants for 2013

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 andseminars 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 2013 Cheng & Tsui
Professional Development Grant should submit the following:
1. An application describing how they would use the grant (download from the application form fromhttp://www.aatj.org/prodev/C&TProfessionalDevelopmentGrants.html );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 theylearned. Applications will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers selected by the American Association ofTeachers of Japanese 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,
2013.
AATJ is grateful to Cheng & Tsui Publishers for their support of teacher professional development.

Page 7National Japanese Exam 2013

Page 9The 2013 National Japanese Exam was taken by 1,475 students at a total of 108 high schools and middle
schools across the country.
Congratulations to everyone who participated, and especially to the students who placed first among the testtakers in the several categories (Regular, Additional Japanese Experience, and Other) in the two levels of the test:
Haruka Aoki (St. John’s School, Guam; teacher: Fumiko Harada Ziemer)
Ashlee Grove (Punahou School, HI: teacher: Junko Ady)
Taeka Hayashi (High Tech High School, NJ; teacher: Akemi Dobkin)Kaleigh Lukacs (Central York High School, PA; teacher: Ellen Bearn)
Tak Chi Wan (Stuyveasnt High School, NY; teacher: Chie Helsinki)
Samantha Wong (International School of Beaverton, OR; teacher: Hideki Watanabe)
Keita Yoshida (Father Duenas Memorial School, Guam; teacher: Wakana T. Burnham)
The first-place winners will receive medals and certificates from AATJ. All teachers whose students participated in the test will be able to download certificates for their students at 4 levels of achievement, from the AATJ website at
http://www.aatj.org/studentactivities/nationaljapaneseexam/certificates.html .

2013 Nengajo Contest
The winning entries in the 2013 Year of the Snake Nengajo Contest can be viewed on the AATJ website(http://www.aatj.org/studentactivities/nengajocontest/2013/index.html ). Congratulations to thewinners at the elementary, middle school, high school, and (new this year) college level, who received
amazon.com gift cards and online recognition for their efforts.

JLPT to be Administered in the US by AATJ in 2013
Beginning with the 2013 test, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験) will be administeredby AATJ. The JLPT is given once a year, in early December, at sites around the world. Five proficiency levels of are offered, for learners at levels ranging from beginning to advanced. In the United States, the test is given at 13 sitesaround the country, and this year’s test will be offered on Sunday, December 1.
Information on this year’s test is online now at www.aatj/org/jlpt . Please encourage your students to findout about the JLPT and consider taking it as a way of testing their skills against those of students of Japanese worldwide.

AATJ Spring Conference 2013
AATJ’s annual spring conference, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Association for AsianStudies, took place Thursday, March 21, 2013, in San Diego, California. Approximately 250 AATJ members and others attended the conference, which featured a full day of seven concurrent sessions of paper
and panel presentations by more than 100 AATJ members.
Other special events included a textbook workshop sponsored by a group of supporting publishers fromJapan and a special session on developing materials based on the 3/11Triple Disaster in Japan, sponsoredby the Inter University Center 9T+Yokohama) and the Japan Foundation.
The complete conference program, including abstracts of all presentations and the program of the textbook workshop, can be found online at http://www.aatj.org/conferences/spring/index.html .
The keynote speech, by Professor Catherine Lewis of Mills College, focused on developments in Japan’s
education system, particularly the use of lesson study for teacher professional development. You canview Professor Lewis’s PowerPoint presentation by clicking on the link at http://www.aatj.org/
conferences/spring/index.html .

Page 10

News from Affiliates
NCJTA
The Northern California Japanese Teachers Association (NCJTA) held its Spring conference
April 28, at San Francisco State University. NCJTA invited Bradley Wilson from ArizonaState University, and his talk wasentitled "Incorporating Pop Culture in the Language Learning Environment." Takeshi Yoshida of "New People," a San Francisco based film distributor, also gave atalk about a new learning material "Happy Family Plan" (supported by the Japan Foundation). Yukie Hikida of Henry Gunn High School, in Palo Alto, also gave abrief talk.

WATJ 20th Annual Conference
On February 9, 2013, members of the Washington Association of Teachers ofJapanese (WATJ) met at Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Washington for our 20 th
Annual WATJ Conference. Over sixty elementary-, middle-, and high school teachers andcollege professors spent the day networking, sharing ideas, and attending workshops.
`With the theme of “Teaching Culture and Communication in a Japanese Classroom,” Minako Takahashi and Chikako Misener, Conference Co-Chairs, coordinated aworkshop with Dr. Hiroko Kataoka, Professor of Japanese at California State University, Long Beach, entitled Teaching Culture in a Japanese Classroom: StandardsBased Instruction (and How to Cope with Stereotypes and Overgeneralization), and a
training session with Dr. Michele Anciaux Aoki, World Languages Program Supervisor, OSPI, entitled Linking World Languages to Common Core State Standards.
The day concluded with the presentation of the Leslie Birkland Award for
Leadership and Excellence in Japanese Education. This award, established in
2005, is presented to one member of the Japanese teaching community in Washington
State each year who embodies the passion and dedication it takes to be an effective leader
and teacher.
This year’s award was presented to Ms. Yayoi Brown, Japanese teacher at University Prep. Brown sensei is known for her dedication to teaching Japanese, her passion
for working with students, and her exceptional ability to lead the Japanese-teaching community. Since the beginning of her teaching career in 1998, Brown sensei has been a member of WATJ, WAFLT, AATJ, and NCJLT. She served seven years as an elected board
member of the Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese, and was the driving force
in establishing the now-annual Middle School Japanese Language and Culture Immersion
Camp.
Brown sensei understands and applies the most current teaching methodologies
and philosophies. Her gift to the Japanese teaching community is her ability to share her
strategies, successes, and struggles in ways that help educators better reach their students.
In the last five years, Brown sensei has presented over eleven workshops. Topics ranged
from technology to standards-based instruction and assessment to community collaboration. A passionate and highly skilled teacher, Brown sensei has continually demonstrated
her commitment to language learners at all levels and to the support and professional development of her colleagues.
Brown sensei’s strengths are her humor, honesty, willingness to take risks to improve her craft, and her dedication to student learning. She mentors young teachers toensure quality education, and she shares her deep understanding of student learning with
us all.
We are pleased to recognize Ms. Brown’s leadership and excited to share the newsof her award.

Page 12

CALL FOR PAPERSAATJ Japanese Heritage Language SIG On-line
JournalThe Japanese Heritage Language (JHL) SIG invites submissions to its on-line journalof teaching and learning Japanese as a heritage language. This Web-based journal
provides a forum for educators and researchers in the field of JHL to publish theirresearch as well as their practical ideas such as curriculum design, classroom activities, assessment, and experiences related to teaching and learning JHL. Research articles or reports can be submitted at any time to the journal, and the reviewed articles
are added to the website on an ongoing basis. The language of manuscripts is English
or Japanese. Articles should not exceed 20 pages, double-spaced on US letter-size
format. For details, please refer to the AATJ-JHL Journal webpage: http://
www.aatj.org/SIG/heritage/ejournal/index.html. Authors should submit articles via
electronic mail to the Chair of Editorial Board at hoketani@emich.edu.

Page 14

Job Opening Announcements
Bates College
Bates College invites applications for the position of Japanese Language Learning Associate starting September 2013 and ending April 2014. The candidate must have native fluency inJapanese, experience teaching Japanese, and hold a B.A. degree. An M.A. in language pedagogy ishighly desirable. Responsibilities include drill instruction, tutoring, and supporting extracurricular
activities. The position is full-time. In addition to a salary, the Learning Associate is provided withroom and board, travel expenses, and health insurance.
Applicants should submit electronically in PDF format to Nancy LePage, Project Specialist,
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 R2136 in the subject line of all submissions. Review of applications begins April 8, 2013.
Bates College and the Program in Asian Studies are committed to enhancing the diversity of
the campus community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged
to apply and identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Bates is an Equal Opportunity/
Affirmative Action employer. For more information about the college, please visit the Bates website http://www.bates.edu.
Brown University
The Department of East Asian Studies at Brown University invites applications for a twoyear position as visiting lecturer of Japanese language, effective July 1, 2013. M.A. degree,or the equivalent, is minimally required. Native or near-native fluency in Japanese, competency inspoken and written English required. Candidates should have experience teaching Japanese language
to English-speaking students at the college level. Experience directing Japanese language courses isalso desirable.
Please provide a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a teaching portfolio (including a list ofcourses taught, syllabi, and an example of classroom teaching on DVD (or a link to video available
online), and three letters of recommendation. Applications should be sent to: Search Committee forJapanese Language, Box 1850, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912. Please direct inquiries and all
digitally submitted materials to eas-search@brown.edu. Priority will be given to applications received
by May 15, 2013.
Brown University is an EEO/AA employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
University of California, San Diego
The Program in Japanese Studies at the University of California, San Diego, is committed toacademic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff, and student body and invites applications
for a full-time lecturer position in Japanese language starting July 1, 2013. The initial appointment is one year with the possibility of renewal on a yearly basis based on performance and funding availability.
Qualified candidates must have native or near-native proficiency in Japanese and English,
have extensive experience in teaching all levels of Japanese language courses and in supervising andtraining teaching assistants. The successful candidate is expected to work with existing faculty members to design and develop content-based courses, thematic-based courses and/or Japanese language
for special purposes. The preferred candidate will have demonstrated strong leadership or a commitment to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in an academic setting.
Selection Criteria:
a. Japanese language and culture competency (high enough to function effectively in teachingsituations and play a role model for students);
b. higher degree in Japanese language, foreign language education, or related field;c. demonstrated teaching experience (above a teaching assistant level);d. expertise in language pedagogy, theories in second language acquisition, cognitive development (especially, current foreign language teaching approaches including content-based instruction,
project-based instruction, thematic units, etc.);e. expertise in language assessment strategies;
f. knowledge and skills to analyze students' needs and develop courses based on the needs
analysis;g. abilities to create and manage a classroom environment conducive to Japanese language
learning and to develop and employ multiple strategies to engage students actively in learning Japanese language and culture;h. abilities to identify, select, adapt, and use a wide variety of instructional resources andtechnology to enhance students' learning and to accommodate multiple students' needs with diversified backgrounds;

Page 15

i knowledge and skills to link between Japanese language courses and the contents of other courses offered by JapaneseStudies Program;j. Affirmation that Japanese language learning is appropriate for all students; regardless of language background, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and other factors;
k. Willingness to maintain and improve knowledge and teaching skills constantly;
l. Abilities to communicate and advocate the value of learning Japanese language;m. Understanding the sequential nature of our curriculum and articulate the program by working effectively with colleagues.
Eligibility for U.S. employment will be required prior to employment (Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986). For
applicants interested in spousal/partner employment, please visit the UCSD Partner Opportunities Program website
http://academicaffairs.ucsd.edu/offices/partneropp/.
The Program in Japanese Studies coordinates a variety of campus offerings related to the culture, history, political economy,
and language of Japan and offers students the opportunity to major or minor in Japanese Studies. It offers six levels of Japanese language courses, including Advanced Japanese and Written Japanese.
A Ph.D. is desirable, but not required. Salary is commensurate with teaching experience and is based on University of California salary scales.
To apply, please submit an application letter, curriculum vitae, three references, course evaluations and a separate statementsummarizing past or potential contributions to diversity (for further information about contributions to diversity statements, see
http://facultyequity.ucsd.edu/Faculty-Applicant-C2D-info.asp) to the UCSD on-line application collection system, AP-On-Line Recruit, at: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/apply/JPF00345.
Review of applications will begin on April 30, 2013, and continue until the position is filled. UCSD is an equal opportunity/
affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to excellence and diversity (http://diversity.ucsd.edu).
Clemson University
The Department of Languages at Clemson University invites applications for the position of Lecturer of Japanese. This isa full-time, annually renewable position beginning August 15, 2013.
Qualifications: A master's degree or higher, preferably in Japanese language
pedagogy, applied linguistics, or a related field in education or Japanese studies. We seek candidates who are committed to Japanese
language education, open to new methodologies and technologies, and wish to join an active program that offers a major in MLA andL&IT (Language and International Trade). Native or near-native fluency in Japanese as well as an excellent command of English isrequired. Preference will be given to candidates with sufficient experience in teaching Japanese at various levels at an American college or university.
Responsibilities: Teaching elementary to advanced level Japanese language courses. Teaching load is 4 courses/sections persemester. Other responsibilities include student advising, curriculum development, advising, and participation in student activities aswell as departmental events like the Clemson Declamation Contest and Annual L&IT Conference. Competitive salary is commensuratewith qualifications and experience.
Applicants should submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation by April 5, 2013,
to Chair, Japanese Search Committee, Clemson University, Department of Languages, P.O. Box 340535, Clemson, SC, 29634-0535.
Clemson University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual
or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or
genetic information.

Eckerd College
Eckerd College seeks a Continuing Part-Time Instructor of Japanese, to start September 2013. PhD or ABD in a Japan-related discipline and college-level teaching experience preferred. Candidates with MA in appropriate field considered. Near-native
fluency in Japanese and English required. This position is paid a 5/7 share of a full salary and includes a benefit package including
health care. Five courses per year, including elementary to advanced Japanese language and possibly a thematic course in the candidate’s specialization. Eckerd College, the only independent national liberal arts college in Florida, has a tradition of innovative education and teaching/mentoring excellence.
Submit letter of application, vita, recent teaching evaluations, graduate transcripts, and contact information for two references via www.eckerd.edu/hr/employment. A digital video clip of classroom teaching, if available, and inquiries should be sent to Prof.
Eileen Mikals-Adachi, mikalseb@eckerd.edu. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until position is filled.
Qualified candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for the College.
EOE. Applications from women/minorities encouraged.
Grinnell College
Grinnell College announces a one-year part-time position in the Department of Chinese and Japanese (Japanese
language and literature). Ph.D. preferred; M.A. possible. Candidates with background in language pedagogy are especially welcome to apply. The teaching schedule of four courses over two semesters will include Japanese language courses at different levels andpossibly a course in Japanese literature or culture.
For complete description and application instructions go to https://jobs.grinnell.edu. To be assured of full consideration,
all application materials should be received by April 5, 2013. Candidates will need to upload a letter of application, cv, transcripts

Page 16

(copies acceptable), and provide email addresses for three references.
Questions about this search should be directed to Professor Mariko Shigeta Schimmel, JapaneseSearch@grinnell.edu,
or 641-269-3141. AA/EOE.
Illinois Wesleyan University
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures at Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications forthe position of Visiting Assistant Professor of Japanese/Lecturer in Japanese. This is a two-year, full-time position (20132015) to begin in August 2013. Candidates should be able to demonstrate expertise in teaching Japanese language, literature, linguistics and culture at the undergraduate level. Will teach 3 courses per semester. For more information about the department, visit
http://www2.iwu.edu/mcll.
Please send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy statement, transcript, and three letters of recommendation to: James Matthews, Chair, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Illinois Wesleyan University, 201 E. University, Bloomington, IL 61701. Review of applications to begin on June 1, 2013. Illinois Wesleyan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to a Diverse Work Force. See http://www2.iwu.edu/iwujobs/ for more information.
Illinois Wesleyan University is a highly selective, small, liberal arts institution with 2,100 undergraduates. It is located inCentral Illinois in a twin cities of 125,000 inhabitants.
University of Iowa
The Department of Asian & Slavic Languages and Literatures in the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Culturesat The University of Iowa invites applications for a one-year position in premodern Japanese at the level of Visiting Assistant Professor or Visiting Instructor beginning August 2013 with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate willshow evidence of an active research agenda and will be prepared to teach courses in premodern Japanese literature, modern Japanese language, and a general-education course, Asian Humanities Japan. The teaching load is three courses per semester.
Education requirement: MA in Japanese literature, or language pedagogy with coursework in Japanese literature; PhD
preferred, ABD considered.
Required qualifications: Native or near-native fluency in English and Japanese, and college-level teaching experience. The
successful candidate will collaborate with our faculty in programmatic service.
Candidates should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and an article-length writing sample to the Search Committee
online at http://jobs.uiowa.edu and must submit three e-mail addresses of recommenders online to the same link. Refer to requisition number 62597. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Screening begins immediately,and preliminary interviews may be conducted by telephone or teleconference.
The Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures, the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are strongly committed to gender and ethnic diversity; the strategic plans of the
University, College, Division, and Department reflect this commitment. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer.
Knox College
The Asian Studies Program at Knox College invites applications for a full-time, visiting (non-tenure track) positionin Japanese language and area studies beginning September 2013. The position will have an initial one-year contract with apossibility of renewal. Knox is an independent, highly selective liberal arts institution with a diverse student body and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. The successful candidate will join a thriving Japanese language program and teach Japanese
language courses and Japanese studies courses in the candidate’s area of specialization. Preference will be given to candidates whose
expertise will augment Asian Studies course offerings in such areas as Japanese literature, art history, and/or pre-modern history
and culture. The successful candidate will also contribute to the College’s occasional off-campus study/travel programs in East Asia.
(e.g. http://www.knox.edu/academics/distinctive-programs/japan-term.html). For information about Knox, consult theCollege's website at www.knox.edu or contact mschneid@knox.edu.
Qualifications: PhD or ABD; native or near native fluency in Japanese and English; demonstrated excellence in teachingrequired. In keeping with the college's 176-year commitment to equal rights, Knox actively encourages women and members ofother underrepresented groups to apply.
Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching ability (including teaching evaluations, sample syllabi forcourses you have taught or would like to teach, a teaching demonstration video, etc.), a description of current teaching interests, andthree letters of reference to: Professor Michael A. Schneider, Chair, Asian Studies Program, Knox College, Box K-24, 2 East South
St., Galesburg, IL 61401-4999. Electronic submissions accepted at mschneid@knox.edu.
Review of applications will begin April 26, 2013, and continue until the position is filled.
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
The program in Asian Languages and Literatures of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, University of
Massachusetts Amherst, invites applications for a position as Lecturer in Japanese. One-year fulltime, renewable position
to begin September 1, 2013. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in proficiency-based language instruction
and native or near-native command of Japanese. M.A. in Foreign Language Pedagogy, Second Language Acquisition or a related
field is required.
Please send a c.v., three letters of recommendation, a statement of teaching philosophy, and a 40 minute video of yourclassroom teaching to: Japanese Search Committee, Asian Languages and Literatures (LLC), 440 Herter Hall, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-9312. Review of applications will begin April 5, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled.

Page 17

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. The department is committed to developing a more diverse faculty, student
body, and curriculum.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a member of the Five College Consortium along with Amherst, Hampshire,
Smith, and Mount Holyoke Colleges and is also a member of the Academic Career Network, a resource for dual career couples. The
University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer; applications from women and membersof minority groups are encouraged.
University of Minnesota
The Department of Asian Languages and Literatures in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota seeks to filla full-time appointment to teach Japanese starting fall semester 2013. The position will be full-time for the fall semester2013 (08/26/13 - 01/08/14) and/or spring semester 2014 (01/09/14 - 05/25/14). There is an option for teaching summer courses. The
position is for day, evening, or a combination of day/evening courses, taught on a semester basis. Full-time appointments are eligible
for benefits. Salary range is competitive based upon qualifications. The position may be annually renewable depending on departmental need, funding and performance.
Full description and application procedures are found at: www.umn.edu/ohr/employment. Search for requisition number
184315 and follow the instructions.
Applicants are required to submit the following materials (a) – (e) electronically to the above site.
a)letter of applicationb)
current curriculum vitaec)names and contact information of three referencesd)description of your teaching philosophye)samples of teaching materials (e.g. syllabus, teaching plan, exams, handouts, handouts of ppt slides, etc.)
Additional materials may be requested for further evaluation. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Universityof Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to: Michiko Todokoro Buchanan at buch0119@umn.edu.

University of Notre Dame
The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures invites applications for a visiting assistant professor in modern
Japanese literature and culture, beginning August 2013. Area of specialization is open; preference will be given to candidates
who can offer courses in modern fiction, film, and/or popular culture. Ph.D. degree preferred by date of appointment, but ABDs areencouraged to apply. The position may be renewed for a second year. Responsibilities include teaching two undergraduate courses persemester, active programmatic involvement, and close collaboration with our faculty to advance our Japanese language and culture
program.
Applications should include a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and three letters ofrecommendation. Review of applications will begin April 15, 2013, and continue until the position is filled. Applications and inquiries should be directed to Dayle Seidenspinner-Nunez, Chair, Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, University of Notre
Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (dsnunez@nd.edu); application materials may be submitted electronically.
An international Catholic research university, Notre Dame is an affirmative action employer with a strong commitment tocultural, racial, and gender diversity. Persons of color, women, members of under-represented groups, and those attracted to a university with a Catholic identity are encouraged to apply. Information about Notre Dame is available at http://www.nd.edu; information about the Program of Japanese Language and Culture and the Department can be found at http://eastasian.nd.edu.

Pennsylvania State University
The Asian Studies Program is searching for a full-time lecturer in Japanese beginning August 2013. The position
offers benefits and a one- or two-year contract with the possibility of renewal. Salary is competitive. Responsibilities include teaching
introductory through advanced Japanese language courses (and perhaps some culture courses), as well as participation in programmatic service such as advising, supervision of graduate assistants and adjunct instructors, and curriculum development for our B.A.
program in Japanese.
Minimum requirements include Master's degree in Japanese or related discipline and near-native ability in both Japaneseand English. Preference is given to those who have appropriate teaching experience and evidence of high quality pedagogy. We especially welcome candidates who are interested in further developing our technology-enhanced instructional environment and in collaborating with other colleagues who are teaching languages.
To apply, please submit a letter of application, CV, and a video of the candidate's teaching at the following website: http://
www.la.psu.edu/facultysearch/. The names of three references should be sent to Jamie Frazell at jlf47@psu.edu . If unable tosubmit electronically, please send to Jamie Frazell, The Asian Studies Program, School of Languages and Literatures, Pennsylvania
State University, Old Botany, University Park, PA 16802. Applications can also be sent by Fax to: 814-863-3528. ATTN: Jamie Frazell.
We will begin reviewing applications as they arrive, and plan to interview via Skype. Applications received by April 25,
2013, are guaranteed full consideration, but all applications will be considered until the search is completed.
Visit our Web site: <http://asian.la.psu.edu/> http://asian.la.psu.edu. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity,
and the diversity of its workplace.

Page 18

University of Virginia
The Department of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Virginia seeks applications for a
one-year non-renewable replacement lecturer position in Japanese language during the 2013-14 academic year. The
successful applicant will teach up to 15 class contact hours of Japanese Language courses per semester. We are seeking a highly
skilled language instructor with native or near-native proficiency in Japanese and English, and demonstrated success teaching
Japanese at the college/university level in the U.S. An M.A. degree in teaching Japanese as a foreign language, linguistics, second
language acquisition, or related field is preferred. Candidates must have a strong commitment to teaching. Applications will beconsidered immediately.
To apply, please complete a Candidate Profile online through Jobs@ UVA (https://jobs.virginia.edu), and electronicallyattach the following: a current CV, cover letter, and complete contact information for three professional references. In addition,please attach a sample syllabus where "other" document is indicated. Search for posting 0611797.
Questions regarding this position should be directed to Michiko Wilson (434-924-4642; mnw5m@virginia.edu ).
Questions regarding the online application process should be directed to Maggie vanEkeren (434-982-2665;
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 affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Wake Forest University
The Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Wake Forest University is seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor of Japanese Literature and Culture for the 2013-14 academic year. Review of applications for the visiting position begins immediately. The successful candidate will teach three courses a semester. A Ph.D. degree in Japanese Literature is desired, but
ABD candidates will also be considered.
Applicants are required to submit electronically to https://wakejobs.silkroad.com a letter of application, curriculum
vitae, and three references. We may request additional materials (such as graduate school transcripts, course evaluations, syllabi,statement of teaching philosophy, etc.) later.
For additional information about Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, visit http://college.wfu.edu/
ealc/. Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate
and professional education. Founded in 1834, the University is ranked among the top thirty national universities. With 4,300
undergraduates and 2,200 graduate and professional students, the student-faculty ration is 10:1. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities and an active athletics
community. The University has a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. For quick
facts about the University, go to http://www.wfu.edu/visitors/quickfacts.html.
Wake Forest is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, part of the beautiful Piedmont Triad metropolitan region
which has a population of more than 1.5 million and is listed among the top 35 best places to live in North America by Cities
Ranked and Rated.
Winston-Salem offers a vast array of arts experiences ranging from music venues to galleries to theatre and film festivals.
The city is also ranked among the top 50 US cities for affordability on national surveys.
Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.
University of Wyoming
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages at the University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY) welcomes applications
for a part-time, benefited Japanese lecturer for the 2013-2014 academic year, beginning in August, 2013. M.A. degree inJapanese language or linguistics preferred; native or near-native fluency in Japanese required. Applicants should have teachingexperience at the university level and must demonstrate excellence in teaching. Duties include teaching undergraduate level Japanese language courses at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.
To apply, send a letter of application, vita, and 2 letters of recommendation to: Mr. Dwight Hicks, Dept. of Modern andClassical Languages #3603, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071-3603. For any questions withregard to your application, call 307-766-4177 or email dhicks@uwyo.edu.
Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until position is filled. All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check. The University of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer.

Page 20

Opportunities
Seeking Cooperation from Secondary School Teachers for
Research on the Image of a Good Japanese Language Assistant
Yamaguchi Prefectural University, has, since 1997, been sending our students in its
TJFL (Teaching Japanese as Foreign Language) program every year as teaching assistants toschools and universities in Canada, the United States, China, Ireland, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand where pupils and students are learning Japanese as a foreign language.
These teaching assistants have benefited greatly from the teaching assistantship abroad.
In an effort to improve the quality of the TJFL program, the faculty of Yamaguchi Prefectural University is conducting a survey on the image of a good Japanese language assistantfrom the viewpoint of Japanese language teachers’ point of view in secondary schools in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United States. They ask for the assistance of secondary school teachers of Japanese in completing an online survey.
The data will be used for statistical purposes; all personal information is confidential
and will not be used except for the purpose of the study. The various qualities that are gleaned asa result of the study will be shared through presentations or published articles. Those who respond to the survey will be able to access a trial version of the university’s latest Kanji learning
program.
Responses are requested by May 31, 2013. To participate:
1. Open the following URL in your web browser: http://zouni.ypu.jp/survey
2. Fill in Username and Password, and log in.
Username: assistant
Password: Japanese
3. Click on “Questionnaire for a Survey on Japanese Language Assistants”
4. Choose English version or Japanese version
5. Answer questions.
6. Click on “Submit your answers”.
For further information on the survey or the project, contact Professor Hizuru Furubeppu at bcd000484192@cnc.bbiq.jp.

Introducing LinguaeLive.ca – a free tool for eTandem toprovide students with opportunities to learn from international peers
Jennifer Hosek and Mayu TakasakI, Queen’s University

Is your class benefitting from the power of eTandem learning? Are you looking for ways to increase your students’ opportunity for authentic communication?
LinguaeLive.ca offers an easy new way for you to get your students involved in peer-to-peer language exchanges using Voice over IP (such as Skype). LinguaeLive.ca allows any instructor to find and connect with international colleagues teaching complementary languages.
They can then link their students for peer-to-peer communication.
This site is free and open to all, thanks to an SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council of Canada) grant. eTandem is a great way to help students improve theirlanguage and cultural skills and make connections abroad. Go to www.LinguaeLive.ca to see
how you can easily find a partner class, make pairings, and track students’ session times. The
website accommodates any language pairings.
If you have questions, please contact Professor Jennifer Hosek, the founder of LinguaeLive.ca (jhosek@queensu.ca), or Mayu Takasaki (mayu.takasaki@queensu.ca).

Page 22

Contributions to AATJ Endowment
AATJ has joined the ranks of other non-profit organizations in establishing an endowment fund. Contributions of any amount to this fund, which are tax-deductible, will help to ensure that the Association can continue to provide services to members in the future. Please consider donating when you next renew yourmembership, or by mail at any time. For more information, contact the AATJ office.
Endowment contributions for May 2013 newsletter:
Natsumi Ito
Yuki Johnson
Machiko Romaine
Robert Russell
Yumi Yoshida

Support Our Sponsors
Nippon Express Travel USA is a corporate sponsor of AATJ. Nittsu Travel wants to help teachers
take students 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.jtbusa.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 tofind out about Nagoya’s Global 30 International Programs taught in English.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF JAPANESE
1424 Broadway・UCB 366・Boulder, CO 80309-0366
303-492-5487/Fax 303-492-5856 aatj@aatj.org・www.aatj.org

Membership Application/Renewal
Membership in AATJ is on a calendar-year basis and entitles you to:• receive four issues annually of the AATJ Newsletter and other publications• present research at and attend the annual AATJ Conferences in conjunction with AAS and ACTFL• nominate students for induction into the Japanese National Honor Society• read and post job opening announcements and other information on AATJ website• participate in activities of regional/state affiliates and Special Interest Groups• benefit from the Association's ongoing efforts to promote Japanese studies and enhance the quality ofeducation in Japanese language, literature, linguistics, and culture.
The categories of membership and the corresponding dues are indicated below. Please return the form with yourcheck (US dollars) or VISA/MasterCard number to the address above. Online registration is also available atwww.aatj.org/membership.html.
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Student Member:q $20
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California (CAJLT)
California-north(NCJTA)
Colorado (CJLEA)
Florida (AFTJ)
Georgia (GATJ)
Guam (JALTA)
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Indiana (AITJ)Inter-mtn (IMATJ)
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American Association of Teachers of Japanese, Inc.
1424 Broadway, Campus Box 366
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0366

AATJ Board of Directors
Co-Presidents:
Jessica Haxhi (Maloney Magnet School, CT)
Yasu-Hiko Tohsaku(University of California, San Diego, CA)
Vice-President/Treasurer:
Susan Tanabe (North Salem High School &Chemeketa Community College, OR)
Vice-President/Secretary:
Motoko Tabuse (Eastern Michigan University, MI)
Spring Conference (AAS-affiliated) C0-Directors:
Joan Ericson(Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO)
Masahiko Minami(San Francisco State University, CA)
Fall Conference (ACTFL-affiliated) Co-Directors:
Noriko Fujioka-Ito (University of Cincinnati, OH)
Yasuko Takata Rallings(Wake Forest University, NC )Professional Development Co-Directors:
Eiko Ushida (University of California, San
Diego, CA)
Yasuko Ito Watt (Indiana University, IN)
Advocacy and Outreach Co-Directors:
Janet Ikeda (Washington & Lee University, VA)
Mamiya Worland (Fairfax County Public
Schools, VA)
National Exam Co-Director:
Nobuko Hasegawa(LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, NY)
Tomoko Takami (University of Pennsylvania)
Activities and Awards Co-Directors:
Lynn Sessler Neitzel(Menasha Joint School District, WI)
Shingo Satsutani (College of DuPage , IL)
Publications Director:
Emi Ochiai Ahn(Mesa Community College, AZ)