What is the purpose/goal of TJSC?

TJSC strives to provide a forum for exchange and professional development for Japanese language teachers.

Who are TJSC members?

Currently, TJSC has approximately 120 members. They include university, secondary, and elementary school Japanese teachers. Teachers come from as far south as San Diego and as far north as San Luis Obispo. TJSC serves Japanese teachers in both the heritage language community (teaching Japanese to students of Japanese ancestry) as well as the general academic community. Members are both native and non-native speakers of Japanese. Graduate students in the field are also welcome.  

What activities does TJSC engage in?

Workshops: TJSC organizes two workshops (two single-day events, one in spring and the other in fall) during the academic year for Japanese language teachers. The content of each workshop varies but includes topics such as pedagogy, linguistics, use of technology in the Japanese language classroom, and other areas relevant to Japanese language teachers.

Please visit our TJSC Workshops page for more information.

Newsletters: TJSC issues a newsletter three times a year (in spring, summer, and fall) for its members. Each issue typically includes reports from recent conferences and/or workshops, introductions of Japanese programs/schools and teaching materials, announcements of upcoming Japanese language-related events in the area, local news and announcements in the field, and so forth. Please visit our Newsletters page for more information.

Where does TJSC meet?

Workshops are held in various locations in Southern California and online. Board meetings are usually held three times a year (in January, May, and August).

How is TJSC board organized?

A nine-person executive board oversees the administration of the organization. Board members are volunteers recruited from the TJSC members and serve limited terms, usually three years.  

How is TJSC funded?

TJSC's operating funds come from membership fees. 

How does one become a member?

Please go to our Membership page.

Members Only Mailing List: TJSC provides a tool with which all the members can both receive and transmit useful information for all other TJSC members. Examples of such information may be job postings, cultural and/or language-related event announcements, and many others; however, it is restricted to the non-profit bearing.

Student incentives: TJSC provides incentive awards, such as gift certificates for Japanese books, for Japanese language students.