I'm Jennifer from Osaka, Japan! Because I have an American father and a Japanese mother, I grew up speaking both languages. In Japan, I worked as an English pre-school teacher, using books and games to keep lessons engaging and manage a large group of 30 kids. I learned the importance of classroom control by coming up with creative teaching materials.
I've always had the desire to teach Japanese, my first language, so I completed a 420-hour Japanese teacher training course through Human...
I'm Jennifer from Osaka, Japan! Because I have an American father and a Japanese mother, I grew up speaking both languages. In Japan, I worked as an English pre-school teacher, using books and games to keep lessons engaging and manage a large group of 30 kids. I learned the importance of classroom control by coming up with creative teaching materials.
I've always had the desire to teach Japanese, my first language, so I completed a 420-hour Japanese teacher training course through Human Academy, approved by the Ministry of Education, in 2022. I began teaching Japanese online in one-on-one and small group settings. After moving to the United States two years ago, I expanded this to teach over 2,000 hours of live Japanese lessons. I have taught students ages 4-10, 13-16, and adults of all ages.
I specialize in beginner-level students and develop a personalized learning plan for each one, since everyone learns differently. For visual learners, I write everything down as I speak, so you can follow along. If you prefer structured lessons, I typically use a book called "Minna no Nihongo" to cover all the grammar you need to speak fluently, skipping any parts you already know. Anyone is welcome, even complete beginners! I provide slides and materials you can review before or after each lesson, and I'm always open to adjusting materials or approach based on your suggestions. Typically, we start with vocabulary as homework, then use those words to practice grammar in class. I encourage making mistakes and keep lessons judgment-free and fun.
I am currently pursuing a degree in East Asian Languages online and made the Parkland College Honors List, maintaining a 3.5 GPA. I'm always working to become a better, more knowledgeable teacher.
