Prefectural Education Center
The Prefectural Education Center (秋田県総合教育センター) and Personnel Training Center (自治研修所) are facilities in Katagami City run by Akita Prefecture to improve the quality of Akita's civil servants. They are commonly called "The Center" because they are beside each other. However, they are different buildings with different administrations for each (even though the actual buildings are mirror images of one another). When facing the Center, the 総合教育センター is to the left and the 自治研修所 is to the right. If you arrive and don't find the conference you expect, try next door.
The ALT PA works at the Education Center and is appointed by the Prefectural Board of Education (BoE).
Most JETs confuse the Center with the Prefectural BoE building (秋田県第二庁舎) Akitakendainichousha, which is located 30 minutes away by car in Akita City.
Unlike the BoE, The Center is for training new and veteran teachers in various academic subjects. It does not create or implement policies.
Prefecture-wide conferences are usually held at one of these two facilities. Some English Camps are also held at the Prefectural Education Center.
Before COVID-19, Government employees could spend the night at the Center for multi-day conferences. There was also a cafeteria at the center where you could buy lunch, an onsen to relax, and a gym. However, post-COVID-19, the Education Center no longer permits overnight stays, an open cafeteria, and an onsen due to budget cuts and other reasons.
In the event that the Education Center returns to pre-COVID-19 conditions, the following is a list of items you should bring to stay overnight:
- A towels(s)
- Shower amenities - only soap and shampoo are provided
- Cash (there is no ATM at the center)
- Athletic shoes and a change of clothes - if you plan to use the gymnasium
Location
Akita Prefectural Education Center (秋田県総合教育センター）
〒010-0101 秋田県潟上市天王字追分西２９−７６
☎ 018-873-7206
