JFMF MTP 2006 Final Report

My experience in the JFMF MTP 2006 program has been overwhelmingly positive. I have made so many new friends and new connections in America and in Japan. The pair project went well and now we have a recycling program in place at Cheyenne East High School. I have also seen growth in my students and in my self.

We all know that teens can be fairly self involved at times. Due to their age and brain development, there is no changing that. Because of the connection and regular monthly internet meetings with our partners in Japan, my students now have more of a world view and are better able to consider people in other parts of the world. We have hopefully considered how our actions do not always just affect us, but sometimes have greater implications for the whole world.

Our pair project involved administering a community survey regarding environmental issues. The Japanese are already more involved and aware of the environment in general. The "Green" movement and taking care of the planet is catching on a little later with the majority of Americans. I think that the differing results in our respective surveys revealed this. Kitakyushu is already into recycling in a big way. By implementing a recycling program at East we can begin to make some small steps and progress towards the goal of sustainability. My hope is that we are able to continue and build on the recycling program over the years. Perhaps students will even influence their parents and begin recycling at home too.

We also have a new and growing Japanese club at East High School. One of our goals is to travel to Japan as a group. We hope to do fundraising and save money in order to do this the summer of 2008. Our club is a diverse group. We work on language one day a week and culture one day a week. I am in no way qualified to teach Japanese language, but I have taken two semesters worth of classes at Laramie County Community College. The language days are a good way to help me to remember vocabulary and pronunciation. Fortunately this year, we also have a Japanese student at East who is also a tremendous help.

I really appreciate the fantastic opportunities that MTP 2006 has provided for me. I am continually expanding my world view. Without a doubt it has helped make me a better teacher.