AATJ Advocacy S.O.S

Japanese language teachers are working hard to make their classes exciting and rewarding for students, and interest in learning Japanese has never been higher.

But Japanese language programs are facing many challenges. School districts around the country are cutting budgets, eliminating programs, and declining to replace teachers who retire or move away.

So, on top of their efforts to be the best teachers they can be, Japanese language educators are often required to be advocates. Sometimes they have to be in “crisis mode,” fighting for their programs’ survival. But even when they are not directly endangered, teachers have to be champions for their programs.

AATJ’s officers and Advocacy directors have developed a guide manual for teachers who are advocating for their students and their programs.

Click here to read and download the “Advocacy S.O.S.” guide.

Why Learn Japanese?

Did you know that Japan has invested more money in America, and created more jobs for Americans than any other country?  Did you know that Japan buys more American products than any European country? Those are just two reasons why Japan is so important to the United States.  And did you know that Japan created the laptop computer, the LED screen that we see on our electronic devices, the digital SLR camera, the QR code, and so many other other things that we use everyday?  And of course, there is sushi, and anime, and sudoku, and Hello Kitty.

The point is, Japan is an economic, cultural, and technological powerhouse around the world. And Japan is America’s most important ally and partner in Asia.

Download the Poster

To learn more, please feel free to download the poster in PDF format created based on Amb. Malott’s article. If you would like it in a PNG format, please contact AATJ’s Advocacy Director, Noriko Otsuka (nlvankeuren[at]fcps.edu).
Why Learn Japanese poster

10 Reasons to Learn Japanese

A poster for classroom use created by Kazumi Yamashita-Iverson. Please feel free to download.

The information is from the Top 10 Reasons to Learn Japanese in 2018 – inlingua

What You Need to Know to Advocate for Your Japanese Program

What would you do when your Japanese program faces budget cutbacks? How would you build community support? What action plan do we need to have to deal with the teacher shortage? See Lessons Learned from J-LEARN.

Join Our Network on Social Media