MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The 2002-2003 Iwakuni-Sasebo Educator's Day was held Oct. 18 at the Matthew C. Perry Schools.
Teachers from Iwakuni and Sasebo participated in the event which gave teachers an opportunity to learn from their peers and colleagues from across the Japan District.
Participants listened to guest speaker Naomi Mayer, Japan District Teacher of the Year, as they enjoyed breakfast at the Officer's Club, and then spent the rest of the day in seminars focused on different aspects of learning.
The event consisted of three sessions in the morning and two sessions in the afternoon.
"Fellow teachers gave presentations including digital video, parent partners, student support services, asthma, organization techniques and many other topics," said Joan Gushiken, Matthew C. Perry High School teacher and member of the Educator's Day planning committee.
The event also gave teachers an opportunity to learn new ways of teaching the basic courses such as math, science and English, according to Gushiken, who added, "The event will help teachers of all grade levels, from kindergarten up to the 12th grade."
Another key aspect of the event was to show the participants new and interesting ways to teach, so pupils will be able entertained while they learn.
"The overall goal is to help children learn," said Peter D. Grenier, Japan District superintendent's office "We want our teachers to be as well-rounded as possible. This day gives our teachers a chance to be trained by other teachers."
Students of the Matthew C. Perry schools also participated in the event by volunteering their time to keep everything running smoothly. Students painted murals, set up decorations, helped participants with directions around the school and gave up a day of learning so that the school would be open for the event.
The teachers made it through the day, learning new things and new ways to teach their students. They hope the information will benefit the children in their classes.
"It is important for everybody to learn new things," said Grenier. "Our goal is that Educator's Day will be beneficial to all of the children in our schools. The students always come first."