Teacher Background Hello! My name is Mr. Schaeffer, and I am a teacher from the province of Alberta. After graduating from the University of Alberta, I spent two years working in Alberta as a math and science teacher. Following that, I accepted a position at a Canadian International school in Qingdao, where I developed a passion for teaching abroad. Since then, I have obtained a master's degree in educational administration and leadership certificate to further enhance my qualifications. While in Qingdao, I served as the vice principal, which eventually led me to my current position here at Kunimoto.

What my class is like! In my classroom, I emphasize the utilization of the scientific method to cultivate students' critical thinking skills. Through a diverse range of activities including labs, research projects, and discussions, I foster collaboration among students. My goal is to ignite a passion for science within each student, empowering them to become innovative thinkers poised to tackle tomorrow's challenges.

A little bit about me! I am passionate about playing sports, including basketball, badminton, golf, and squash. Additionally, I find enjoyment and balance through weightlifting and running. Having lived abroad for quite some time, I've had the opportunity to travel extensively, and I'm excited to continue exploring new places, including Japan!

Teacher Background Hi there! I’ve been teaching primarily Social Studies here at Kunimoto Alberta International School for 2 years. I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, specializing in Second Language Education and Social Studies.

What my class is like! In my classes, I emphasize student collaboration through various games, activities, and assignments. Being able to bounce ideas off of others allows students to further absorb and apply the content, while also developing their English communication skills.

A little bit about me! I enjoy going out for drives, hiking, and reading fantasy novels.

Teacher Background Hello, I’m Mr. Sunga! I have been living in Japan and working at Kunimoto for 6 years now. I am a graduate of York University’s Health and Kinesiology program. I have my teaching licenses with both Alberta and Ontario provinces in Canada.

What my class is like! In my classes, I try to make students become curious about the world, ask questions and think about the “why” and “how” things work. In my math classes students solve word problems and apply their knowledge of mathematics into their daily lives. In science class students participate in a lot of fun activities and lab experiments. In my P.E. classes, I like to introduce new sports and team games with students to develop their teamwork and physical skills.

A little bit about me! I love teaching math and science, playing sports, and traveling to and exploring new places. A place I would like to visit in Japan is the Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki, Kyushu. I have a sweet tooth, so I love trying new sweets and desserts. My favourite animal is a shark and my favorite colour is green. If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to teleport to any place I want.

Teacher Background Hello! My name is Mr. Zits, and I am a teacher from Calgary, Alberta. While I love my hometown, I have spent the last few years combining two of my great passions: teaching & travel. After working in Alberta for several years, I have most recently taught at a British Columbia International School in Cairo, Egypt, and at a wonderful community school in the heart of the territories of the Kitasoo Xai'xais in B.C.

What my class is like! I consider literature to provide the best spaces in which to explore the human experience and philosophical inquiry. It is my absolute pleasure to bring students the very best examples of contemporary and classic literature through which to examine the real and pressing concerns that are facing the world. Collaboration and discussion are at the heart of my class, and you will always find me happily learning alongside my students.

A little bit about me! I hold a Master’s Degree in English from the University of Calgary, and am the author of four books of poetry, most recently the collection, I Wish I Could be Peter Falk, published by the University of Calgary Press in February 2022.

Teacher Background Before coming to Kunimoto, I taught university students in the US (Bowling Green State University, University of Central Florida, Valencia College) and Japan (Kokugakuin University, Aoyama Gakuen University), focusing on academic writing, literature, and media literacy. I have a bachelor’s in English Literature and Media Production from Florida State University (Florida, USA) and a Master’s in Popular Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University (Ohio, USA).

What my class is like! My goal is to get students enthusiastic about learning and using English. I try to connect to students’ sense of curiosity about the world, as well as incorporate their existing interests so that they see English as something fun and useful, rather than a series of tests that they are anxious about passing. I hope my students will feel empowered to use English in their daily lives, such as when watching English movies, listening to English music, travelling abroad, or chatting with tourists in Japan.

A little bit about me! I’m originally from Montgomery, Alabama in the United States, where my parents still live. I previously lived in Atlanta, Osaka, Orlando, and Los Angeles. My hobbies and interests include comedy, museums (art, history, and culture), movies, pro wrestling, and games (card, board, video). I perform in a monthly improv comedy show in Shibuya. My favorite animal is a capybara.

Teacher Background Hello! I'm Jessica Momoh, an assistant language teacher with the JET programme, originally from Alberta, Canada. My academic background includes a BSc in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge, specializing in Cognitive Neuroscience. To prepare for my teaching role, I earned my TESOL certification. Although this is my teaching debut, I am enthusiastic about developing my skills and providing support throughout students' English language learning journeys.

What my class is like! In the classroom, I aim to make the learning process interactive and enjoyable through the use of games and activities. My goal is to create a learning environment where students feel comfortable practicing their skills without judgment and feel empowered to continue applying what they've learned long after leaving the classroom.

A little bit about me! In life, I find joy in being creative and exploring various hobbies. During my leisure time, I love to play music, paint, dance, and read. Additionally, I enjoy adventures of any scale—whether it's discovering hidden gems in my neighborhood or traveling abroad, I'm eager to explore.