Districts sought to host Japanese teachers
School districts throughout the state are invited to apply to host a visiting teacher from Japan. The Japan-
Wisconsin Education Connection, now in its 12th year, gives a select number of K-12
Wisconsin school districts the opportunity to host a talented elementary, junior or senior
high school teacher from Japan. The program is sponsored by the Department of Public Instruction and WEAC's Professional Development Academy.
Through in-class presentations and shared experiences, visiting teachers introduce
Wisconsin students and teachers to schools, culture and daily life in contemporary Japan.
They also explore educational practices, community activities and family life in Wisconsin.
Participating teachers and members of their host school communities value this
opportunity for international education and friendship.
In general, smaller, more rural districts host a teacher for four weeks during the month of
October (September 27 – October 25) while larger, more urban districts host a guest
teacher for four weeks in November (November 1-30). Hosting an international visiting
teacher leads to many intercultural discoveries and new perspectives for teachers, students,
host families and the school community.
The relationships and knowledge fostered through hosting a teacher from Japan last a
lifetime.
Program applications are due June 6, 2008. Please notify us by May 23 of your
intent to apply so that we may reserve a placement for your district. A complete
application contains the following:
Host school and district Information, designated coordinator and committee, host family
information, and an overview of goals and expectations.
Links to program details, application forms and directions are listed below. To
summarize, your district is asked to:
- Design local goals and expectations for the visit.
- Find one or two host families for the teacher.
- Provide a list of committee members who will help make this a successful experience.
- Attend three events: 1) program orientation for host families, administrators, coordinator
and committee representatives; 2) the welcome lunch and planning meeting September 22
(two or three representatives), in Madison; and 3) the farewell event December 6 (six to 10
representatives), in Madison.
- Provide teacher transportation to and from Madison.
A small stipend is provided to schools, host families, and coordinators to help cover program
related expenses.
Program related questions may be directed to:
Pam Delfosse, World Languages Education Consultant pamlela.delfosse@dpi.wi.gov (608)
266-3079 or Gerhard Fischer, International Education Consultant
gerhard.fischer@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9265.
Program description (pdf file)
Application guidelines (pdf file)
Program application (pdf file)
Posted May 19, 2008