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Assistant English teacher needed

Position in Toyokoro, Japan to extend beyond class hours

 

An assistant English teacher will be in Summerland’s sister city of Toyokoro, Japan next year.

While much of the work will be in the schools, Darlene Forsdick chair of the Sister City Committee, said the role will extend beyond school hours.

She said  the teacher will also provide some cultural exchange and adult English classes outside school hours.

The last time a Summerlander filled that role in Toyokoro was around five years ago.

“Toyokoro’s very excited about having an assistant English teacher from Summerland,” Forsdick said.

Resumes for the position will be accepted until Oct. 1 and a decision will be made soon after that time, even though the position will not begin until August, 2013. Forsdick said the additional time will allow the teacher to prepare for the role, learning at least some basic Japanese.

“I think it’s very important that they have the basics,” Forsdick said, adding that a teacher who can speak the language will be able to get involved in the community from the start.

Summerland and Toyokoro have had a sister city agreement in place since June, 1999.

Over the years, each community has sent delegations to the other on numerous occasions. Earlier this month, a delegation from Toyokoro was in Summerland. In 2013, a Summerland delegation will travel to Toyokoro.

While the two communities have distinctly different cultures, Forsdick said the agreement has been mutually beneficial.

“It’s so wonderful how we have both accepted each other’s culture,” she said.

Information about the position is available through the municipal website at summerland.ca.

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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