Why Join JTAM?

Many Japanese teachers recognize that JTAM has, for many years now, supported the Michigan Japan Quiz Bowl. But not many of us know what JTAM does beyond that, and why join if we are not sending a team to MJQB.

JTAM is a regional affiliate of the National Council of Japanese Language Teachers. 60% of your JTAM dues goes to NCJLT, and they provide a number of services for teachers and professional development in Japanese (see http://www.ncjlt.org/membership.htm for a complete explanation). To receive this benefit, we have to send in your dues to the national office before December 15. After that, your NCJLT membership is good for an entire year, starting Jan. 1.

Also, JTAM does more than just the MJQB here in Michigan. For students, we have activities such as the nengajo contest, and the speech contest. Both of these are being revised by JTAM members along with staff at the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit (CGJ-Detroit) to create a more inclusive and interesting activity than in years past. JTAM works closely with CGJ-Detroit, the Japanese Business Society of Detroit, the Japan Foundation, the Center for Japanese Studies at U of M, and other organizations to develop programs and grants that are usable in K-16 programs for teaching materials, trips to Japan, etc.

Finally, even if you don't have students who can take advantage of such programs, JTAM is worth joining if you wish to support the development and growth of Japanese language and culture studies in the state of Michigan and the US. By working together and creating materials for advocacy, teaching, and exchange with other teachers here and in Japan, JTAM gives you a way to reach your parents and network with other proponents of Japanese.

Take a look for yourself at some of the publically-accessible parts of our conversation board, and keep in mind that we have more than twice as much useful information in the sections for members only! Now, that might be worth your membership dues right there.

If the above information isn't convincing enough, please email me at ted@jtamonline.org and I will be happy to explain more of how JTAM is a valuable asset for any teacher and supporter of Japanese language and culture!  And if you are convinced, here's a link to the membership app form:  CLICK HERE

Regards,

Ted Delphia, President
Japanese Teachers Association of Michigan (2008-09)