EvokeEdu
Keota, Iowa, United States
About the store
My name is Jacob, known as JT sensei to my students. I bring a passion for education and a diverse set of hobbies to share with students, including cooking, video games, and gardening. I moved to Japan from the United States after shifting my career from using English in a business context to focusing on formal education. I travel around the country in my free time collecting goshuin stamps from temples and shrines. I currently teach university students in Tokyo, and I’ve also taught Japanese students of all ages, from young children to adults.
Prior to living in Japan, I taught Chinese students remotely during the COVID pandemic. My background in international education has had a strong focus on developing students' STEM skills through English to support the holistic growth of learners.
Aside from thousands of hours of classroom instruction, my academic teaching to date is supplemented by multiple years of formal and informal leadership and mentoring capacities in challenging sectors related to healthcare and insurance. More specifically, I have coached offshore vendor partners in English communication and evaluation strategies in a corporate business environment. I hold an Iowa state board authorization to substitute teach all subjects and grade levels, alongside a 120-hour TEFL certification with specializations in Business English and teaching abroad.
One of my job roles with a past Fortune 100 employer was to lead supervisor & analyst calibration meetings for vendor partners. These vendors were stationed both onshore and offshore (ex: Jamaica, and Manila). Given the broad scope of business inquiries, cultural & language barriers naturally arose when applying English-based quality processes to daily business operations.
To overcome these barriers, we would examine case examples and level set on understanding the meaning, dialogue, and tone of Business English sources to better meet business needs. This, coupled with policy improvements and focused audits, helped facilitate the number of positive outcomes pertaining to consumer interactions and thus helped identify and provide solutions for negative business trends.
When I work for a business or school, I want to help drive the best results possible through identification & implementation of changes needed to reduce waste and rethink routine. For effective transformation to take place in constantly evolving fields, one must question what could be streamlined or re-engineered. For businesses, policy is an extension of these processes, as it influences execution on an operational level. Inefficiencies here will impact critical channels that ultimately decide what the learning/consumer experience will be like. The ideal classroom and work model is one that is simple and effective.
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“What Am I? / If I Were _____” EFL Worksheet
What is it?This resource is a very simple worksheet that can be used as a standalone activity, in conjunction with vocabulary diaries (for reinforcement), or as a "What am I?" brain teaser supplemental activity. This worksheet helps students practice sentence structure and critical thinking. It includes a drawing element to foster engagement and enjoyment for students who are visual-spatial learners. Why is it important/useful?It improves fluency with complex grammar: Hypothetical situations oft
4th - 6th
Creative Writing, English Language Arts
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About the store
Experience
My name is Jacob, known as JT sensei to my students. I bring a passion for education and a diverse set of hobbies to share with students, including cooking, video games, and gardening. I moved to Japan from the United States after shifting my career from using English in a business context to focusing on formal education. I travel around the country in my free time collecting goshuin stamps from temples and shrines. I currently teach university students in Tokyo, and I’ve also taught Japanese students of all ages, from young children to adults.
Prior to living in Japan, I taught Chinese students remotely during the COVID pandemic. My background in international education has had a strong focus on developing students' STEM skills through English to support the holistic growth of learners.
Aside from thousands of hours of classroom instruction, my academic teaching to date is supplemented by multiple years of formal and informal leadership and mentoring capacities in challenging sectors related to healthcare and insurance. More specifically, I have coached offshore vendor partners in English communication and evaluation strategies in a corporate business environment. I hold an Iowa state board authorization to substitute teach all subjects and grade levels, alongside a 120-hour TEFL certification with specializations in Business English and teaching abroad.
One of my job roles with a past Fortune 100 employer was to lead supervisor & analyst calibration meetings for vendor partners. These vendors were stationed both onshore and offshore (ex: Jamaica, and Manila). Given the broad scope of business inquiries, cultural & language barriers naturally arose when applying English-based quality processes to daily business operations.
To overcome these barriers, we would examine case examples and level set on understanding the meaning, dialogue, and tone of Business English sources to better meet business needs. This, coupled with policy improvements and focused audits, helped facilitate the number of positive outcomes pertaining to consumer interactions and thus helped identify and provide solutions for negative business trends.
When I work for a business or school, I want to help drive the best results possible through identification & implementation of changes needed to reduce waste and rethink routine. For effective transformation to take place in constantly evolving fields, one must question what could be streamlined or re-engineered. For businesses, policy is an extension of these processes, as it influences execution on an operational level. Inefficiencies here will impact critical channels that ultimately decide what the learning/consumer experience will be like. The ideal classroom and work model is one that is simple and effective.
Teaching style
My teaching philosophy emphasizes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking development, creativity, and fostering a safe, welcoming environment conducive to growth. As an international educator, I actively immerse myself in foreign cultures, travel extensively, and engage with local community members, continually striving to improve my understanding and teaching abilities.
Education forms a springboard to fulfillment by equipping learners with the fundamental skills to make informed decisions and positive societal contributions. English is an agent of self-development when paired with an adaptable, open mind, so my teaching style prioritizes content where students can infer meaning of some of the learning targets and providing level-appropriate input that builds upon known and learned proficiency. Students are given agency to examine the world through a critical lens and to develop and articulate views. Other methodologies are also leveraged and applied when appropriate, and cross-subject demonstratives are utilized to foster engagement and illustrate core concepts. This teaching mindset is flexible because it can be adapted to fit other frameworks already in place.
A safe, welcoming environment where learners can ask questions and feel valued is needed to accomplish these goals. Dynamic, differentiated learning is ensured by incorporating interactive activities, self-reflection modules, case studies, and discussion opportunities as part of the scaffolding process. Technology is used when available as a resource to stay current with external advancements. Invested, lifelong learners are created by bringing positive energy into each day and by employing engaging audience tools. Applying consistent methods as a growth catalyst will ideally generate greater fun, individual expression, and self-actualization. Learning is a collaborative effort predicated on dedication and respect.
Additional biographical information
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