Returners and Recontractors Conference 2014
The 2014 Akita Returners and Recontractors Conference (平成26年度再任用者及び帰国者研修) was held on June 6, 2014 at the Prefectural Education Center in Tenno, Katagami City.
JETs were split up into two groups: returners (those leaving JET) and recontractors (those staying another year). Returners learned about topics such as how to receive their pension refund, how deal with your Japanese taxes, and what are the rules regarding returning airfare etc.
Recontractors Workshops
How to Be a Good Sempai
- Keith Ikoma/Sally Coons
When you started on JET, were you welcomed by your predecessors and follow JETians? Did they seem more like angels sent from heaven or Namahage sent from, well, Oga? In this session, expect a few words on the importance of learning mentoring as as a skill and a few practical “do”s and “don’t”s. We want to hear from you, too
Presentation Notes
Beginner Akita-ben
- Masahiko-sensei
Having trouble understanding Akita-ben? This unique Tohoku dialect sounds foreign even to many native speakers of Japanese. But don’t worry; there is some reason to the madness that is Akita-ben. Come and learn the basics of the phonetics and grammatical differences behind the dialect! You will also learn new vocabulary and useful phrases that will be sure to help you in your everyday lives.
Classroom Management Implementation for ALTs
- Kassidy Cook
Do you have an unruly class? Is your JTE getting run over by the students? Wish you could have those perfect angels that you assumed you would have but didn't get? This session will teach subtle, yet effective, ways to help manage a classroom, change the classroom atmosphere, and ultimately make learning English more enjoyable for all without overstepping the line as an assistant teacher.
Distance Learning
- Alexia Nelson
We often have many personal and professional expectations as well as goals for ourselves as we play our Assistant Language Teacher roles. Therefore, there are many things to consider when one seeks to embark on any distance learning initiative, especially while here in Japan. If undertaking distant education is one of your desires, do you have a clue what you need to consider before taking the leap? What thoughts you are having etc.? This presentation seeks to discuss how to assess yourself, the market and then take action to make the distance education plan a reality while here in Japan or maybe afterwards.
Mnemonic Devices in the Classroom
- John Lennon
This presentation will be focused on demonstrating the importance of mnemonic devices, and how they help us to quickly recall what we have learned. And, at the same time it will introduce Memrise, a free online learning program, which uses mnemonic devices and interactive learning techniques to aid in retaining what has been learned. It'll introduce coursework and how to make new courses, while outlining the various ways it can be applied to teaching English and implemented in Japanese schools.
JET Bucket List
- Lynne Francis
During your time on JET, whether you’re staying for two years or five, we all have things we want to do, places to travel, or Kit-Kats we want to eat (there’s over 200 flavors!). Now that we’re approaching the anniversaries of our arrival and new contracts, it’s a good time to think about what we have done and still want to do during our brief period on JET. During this discussion, there will be space to share your accomplishments and what you still want to do. There will also be a plethora of information on how to “check-off” something on your surely extensive, adventurous list!
Community Involvement
- Discussion/AAJ
Getting involved in the local community is a large part of a fulfilling JET experience and can open the doors up to many opportunities to establish lasting relationships. Come and participate as we discuss what forms community involvement can take and what we can do to give back to our local communities. Also, learn about the activities of the Akita Association of JETs and their plans for this year!
Japanese Independent Study
- Tierra Tank
Come learn how that silly brain of yours ticks and how to make it work for you! Whether you're studying for the JLPT or don't know where to get started, we've got tips and tricks for everyone. よろしく！
Last Lecture
- Todd Horner/Wil Lentze/Neil Fanning/Jon Stimmer
Only the elite, select few ever make it to their fifth year on the JET Programme. Guardians of the JET community, warriors of the English education system, knights in shining armor in their community, these fine young gentlemen have given their sweat and tears to fulfill both the “teaching” and “exchange” aspects of what it means to be on the JET Programme. Come and listen as they reflect on their experience and recount the highlights of their past five years in Japan!
Life After JET Video Presentation
Every year people come and go on the JET Programme. Find out what your former peers are doing now that they have left Japan and moved back to their home countries.
Returners Workshops
Life After JET: Culture Shock & Job Hunting
- Joshua Drewry, Randy Umetsu, Stephanie Hupp
- Reverse Culture Shock
- Networking
- Reference Letters
- Results Based Resume
- Interview Skills
- Elevator Pitch
- STAR Answer: Situation Task Action Result
Vince Ricci résumé, cover letter and interview tips
University of British Columbia - Common Interview Questions
How to Perfect the Elevator Pitch
Leaving Japan: Tax/Pension Refund, etc.
- Randy Umetsu and Taylor Fustin
Settling Your Affairs, Pre-departure & Preparing for New Arrivals
- Randy Umetsu and Joshua Drewry
Q&A
- The PA Team
Farewell Speeches & Letters in Japanese
- Masahiko-sensei
Details
- Schedule
- Check in time: 9:30-9:50
- Opening Ceremony: 10:00
- Lunch: 12:00-1:00
- Closing Ceremony: 16:45
Lunch tickets at the education center are prone to running out, so it is in your best interest to arrive slightly early and purchase a lunch ticket.
See also
| Akita ReOrientation Conference | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returners & Recontractors Conference | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | ||
| Akita ReOrientation Conference | 2018 | |||||||||
