Returners and Recontractors Conference 2015

From Akita Wiki

The 2015 Akita Returners and Recontractors Conference (平成27年度再任用者及び帰国者研修) was held on June 8, 2015 at the Prefectural Education Center in Tenno, Katagami City.

JETs were split up into two group: 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 their Japanese taxes, and the rules regarding returning airfare etc.


Recontractors Workshops

Marketing Yourself After JET: What you can do now!

  • Justine Hanif

No matter how long you plan to stay on JET, you—like all of us—will one day have to ask yourself: What’s next? Regardless of what you want to do after JET, there are many things you can do right now to start preparing for this moment. In this seminar, we will look at several real-life examples of people who used their JET experience to land their next job (and often, their dream job). Join this seminar, and start thinking outside of the box about what it means to be a JET!

The State of Modern English: What is happening?

  • Jonathon Morris

We all know languages change, and English is changing too. But how is it changing? Is English changing faster or slower than in previous eras? Are common spelling and grammar mistakes really mistakes at all? Where do new words, spelling and grammar come from, and what can we expect in future? We will discuss and attempt to answer these questions and more as we take a look at the language that is shaping the world.

ALT Basics Re-Imagined

  • Rachel Youngblood

Re-examining and evaluating our roles as assistant language teachers. What we were told this meant vs the reality, and how we make ourselves fit into the system and culture of teaching in Japanese schools. How, with a bit of problem solving and imagination, we can create a functional space for ourselves in school. A space that satisfies both our own needs and desires while still providing unique and helpful language education for students and teachers.

Distance Education: Moving with the Tide

  • Stacie Miller

This presentation will explore the pros and cons of distance education. Answering the question of “Can I undertake this task with my current work situation”.

Can you hear me Major Tom? - Communication Strategies

  • Colin Flinn

Ever get that sinking feeling in your gut right before you talk to your JTE? The anticipation of will it or wont it go smoothly? As non-native speakers, our daily conversations are peppered with miscommunication on both ends. In this workshop we'll learn strategies to help get your point across and to better read between the lines.

An introspective view on motivational techniques for classroom efficiency

  • Sasha Ryan and Chey Parlato

Do you find your students sleeping in your class? This presentation will be an in-depth look at how to motivate your students. We will teach you some techniques to aid your students so that they can be more engaged in English class and study. Please familiarize yourself with motivational techniques that can be shared amongst your peers so we can have an engaging discussion.

Community Involvement

  • Dorene Yamaguchi, AAJ

This block will feature presentations by members of AAJ and Dorene Yamaguchi. The AAJ portion will focus on AAJ’s activities over the past year, future events, and open a discussion with the ALT community regarding future events and other charities for future donations.

Dorene will present on some of the ways she gets involved with her local community as well as ways that you can do the same.

Last Lecture

  • Sebastian Young, Sean Corrigan, Josh Drewry

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!

Akita-ben

  • Masahiko Sato-sensei

Having trouble understanding Akita-ben? This unique Tohoku dialect sounds foreign even to many native speakers of Japanese. 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.

Returners Workshops

Life After JET: Job Hunting

  • Joshua Drewry, Ivy Chau

Vince Ricci résumé, cover letter and interview tips

University of British Columbia - Common Interview Questions

How to Perfect the Elevator Pitch

Settling Your Affairs, Pre-departure & Preparing for New Arrivals

  • Stephanie Hupp, Taylor Fustin

Leaving Japan: Tax/Pension Refund, etc.

Farewell Speeches & Letters in Japanese

  • Masahiko-sensei

Q&A

  • The PA Team

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
VT
Returners & Recontractors Conference 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Akita ReOrientation Conference 2018