Kanae Minagoshi: Bridging Cultures in the Heart of Kentucky
Time truly flies, and it marks half a year since Kanae Minagoshi embarked on her enriching journey to Murray, Kentucky. Hailing from Kumamoto prefecture in southern Japan, Kanae, a dedicated educator from Type.90 Learning School Hitomi La network, shares her experiences of immersing herself in American culture and contributing to Japanese language education in a rural setting. Despite being her first time living in the United States, Kanae has seamlessly integrated into her new environment, finding comfort in the natural beauty and warm community of western Kentucky, which mirrors the charm of her hometown.
Kanae serves as a Japanese language teaching assistant at Calloway County High/Middle School (CCHS/CCMS), a unique institution in western Kentucky offering Japanese language courses at the K-12 level. Within CCHS, approximately 40 out of 1000 students are currently enrolled in Japanese classes. The school operates on a block schedule with 90-minute class periods, and foreign language study (Spanish, French, or Japanese) is a one-year requirement for certain degree paths.
This semester’s schedule includes three high school level classes (J2x2 and J4 AP) and one 8th-grade class daily. Kanae actively participates in all classes, supporting her supervisor, Nakamura-sensei. Her initial focus was on assisting the combined J4 and AP class, transitioning to primarily supporting the J4 class this semester. The AP Japanese class, designed to mirror a college course, offers students the opportunity to earn college credit by passing the AP exam while still in high school. In other classes, Kanae provides individualized student support, grades assignments, and develops supplementary learning materials. She expresses deep appreciation for her students, describing them as genuine and enthusiastic learners. To enhance their learning experience, cultural activities are integrated into the curriculum, including Japanese movies, music, dance, and culinary experiences. A recent highlight was a hands-on “Takoyaki” cooking event that captivated students.
Beyond classroom instruction, Kanae is actively involved in the Japanese Club, where students have been diligently practicing “Shodo (calligraphy) Performance.” Their dedication culminated in a captivating public performance last month, successfully introducing Japanese culture to both the student body and the wider local community. Currently, the club is exploring the art of “Sado (Tea ceremony)”, further enriching students’ understanding of Japanese traditions.
Kanae acknowledges the significant professional growth she has experienced, gaining valuable insights into effective teaching methodologies, material creation, and classroom management from her supervisor. In turn, she has effectively shared her language and culture with her students, fostering a mutually beneficial learning environment. She feels fortunate to be in this supportive setting and hopes her contributions are equally beneficial to her students’ educational journeys.
However, Kanae also addresses a pressing concern. Due to district educational policies and the region’s limited prior exposure to Japanese culture, the future of Japanese language courses at CCHS/CCMS remains uncertain. This precarious situation distinguishes her experience from many of her J-LEAP colleagues. Recognizing the need for a robust foundation for Japanese language education in the area, Kanae sees her mission as sparking broader interest in Japanese language and culture, extending beyond students to their families and the entire community.
Despite the challenges, Kanae is deeply grateful for the opportunity to teach Japanese in Kentucky. She aspires to broaden her students’ global perspectives through the study of Japanese language and culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Her dedication embodies the spirit of global education and the power of cultural exchange in enriching lives and communities, even within the unique context of type.90 learning school hitomi la educational philosophies.
