Resources
We have compiled information here that we think will be beneficial for Japanese langauge instructors. Please look through the information about Teacher's Organizations in the United States, the Japan Foundation's Sakura Network, Licensure data for potential teachers, Immersion Programs, and materials.
Japanese Teachers' Associations
Click Here for information on national and state level Japanese Teachers' Associations in the United States.
Sakura Network
The Japan Foundation (JF) is establishing the “Sakura Network” to enhance Japanese language education overseas because we believe that the link between the JF and the institutions/organizations involved in Japanese-language education throughout the world is very important.
In principle, institutions/organizations that have a working relationships with the JF through our various support programs for Japanese-language education overseas form the "Members" of the "Sakura Network." In addition, institutions and organizations that work on projects that have an extensive ripple effect over an entire region or country in terms of enhancing the establishment and development of Japanese-language education form the "Core Members."
Sakura Network Worldwide Members List
Becoming a Teacher of Japanese language
This section includes information for those who are interested in becoming a Japanese language teacher. The information is broken down into four basic categories including the following:
Teaching in the K-12 Levels
Teaching at the College Level
Teaching in a Different State
Native Japanese Speakers Interested in Teaching Japanese
Becoming a teacher in the K-16 levels in the United States is a very involved process and we have researched this topic extensively to provide you with the pertinent information necessary. Please make sure to read all the information here so you understand what is involved.
Japanese Immersion Programs
Below is a link to information about Japanese language immersion programs we are aware of in the United States. A Japanese program is considered to be a full-immersion program when 100% of class activities in all subjects are conducted in Japanese. Partial immersion programs can consist of any percent of certain classes, or parts of a school day (or combination there of) being taught completely in Japanese. In all cases Japanese is considered the target language / second language. Immersion programs are considered to be the most effective road to fluency among young learners of a foreign language. If you have any questions about a particular program, please contact the school directly. (updated as of 2008)
Japanese Immersion Programs List
Materials
The Japan Foundation has put together a collection of materials for learners of Japanese. In addition, there are publications about all aspects of Japan including exhibitions, film, and Japanese studies/intellectual exchange.
Studying In Japan
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles mainly deals with Japanese language education in the United States. If you are interested in studying in Japan either in a language school or university, please contact the organizations listed in the link below to obtain more information.