Welcome!

In language education in Japan and around the world, almost every teacher's career path takes the form of a unique and eventful journey. We often take this for granted, but it is exactly these journeys, these narratives of teacher identity formation, that enrich our profession and serve our students.

At this, the eighth annual Teacher Journeys Conference, we aim to explore the winding but meaningful paths of teachers in our field towards greater self-awareness and improved classroom practice. Our featured speakers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the conversation, and will offer insight into the kind of professional narratives and practices that enrich EFL teaching.

Whether you teach at a primary or secondary school, a cram school, university, or eikawa, chances are your identity as an English teacher has been enriched by personal and professional journeys. You may be a Japanese teacher of English whose experience studying abroad kindled a passion for English that you still convey to your students. Or maybe you are a sojourner who has taught in many other countries and cultures before landing in Japan.

No matter where you are in your journey as a teacher, we hope you will join us on Saturday, June 29 at Sojo University in Kumamoto to tell your story through either empirical research or personal narrative, or to listen to the stories of other teachers trekking along on a similar path.