MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- They are scheduled to work from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. But the truth is that most of the time they have to take work home, grade papers, or have lessons ready for their students the next day.
In recognition of teachers' hard work, the National Education Association has dedicated the first week of May as National Teacher's Appreciation week. The first Tuesday of May, has been declared National Teacher Day.
Matthew C. Perry Schools, along with the Parent Teacher Organizations, honored teachers May 3-7 with various treats and luncheons throughout the week.
Teachers' work ethic and dedication can be an essential tool to improve the quality of schools. According to David Tran, M.C. Perry High School vice principal, "Here, teachers go above and beyond what they are asked compared to the states. The teacher's preparation and their ability to contact parents is great. Teachers often will teach individual students during their prep time helping students that weren't able to attend their class."
"At the high school level, teachers often teach several classes at the same time," said Alice R. Berard, M. C. Perry High School principal. "For example, in foreign language classes a teacher may teach several different levels of the language in the same class period."
"Teachers have to be able to multitask in order to teach several classes. Thus, teachers have to be very organized because their job involves various demands and expectations," states Tran.
With the rapid pace of technological advances, teachers must continue to pursue their own education in order to keep up with the changes.
"For the teachers here it is hard to continue their studies," said Berard. "They do not have university classes available to them. So in order for them to continue learning and keep current in their field of study, they have to attend school in the states during the summer."
M. C. Perry Schools have some of the best teachers in Japan, said Berard.
"Over the past two years, the teacher of the year for the Japan District has come from the Perry Schools," said Berard. "It is quite an honor as they are selected from the best teachers of the 20 different schools in Japan."
Having teachers of the year is indicative of the high quality of educators that can be found in the Perry Schools as well as the Department of Defense Education Activity Schools.
"As administrators, we are very appreciative of the way the teachers make the Perry Schools what they are," said Tran. "If it wasn't for the teachers, this building would be just another building on the Station. It is their dedication, their hard work, and their concern for children that make our schools a special place."