NCJLT created the Teacher Awards Program for two categories in 2001, one for K through 12 and another for college level, including community college, college and universities. The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstanding teachers of Japanese at the national level. These two awards are the only national awards for Japanese language teachers. They recognize excellence in teaching, advocacy, and leadership in Japanese and culture education, as well as contributions to the local community.

The NCJLT Teacher Awards Committee is pleased to announce the 2009 NCJLT Teacher Awards winners. The K-12 Level Teacher Award goes to Ms. Taeko Tashibu of Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Washington. The College Level Teacher Award goes to Professor Satoru Shinagawa of the University of Hawai'i Kapi'olani Community College, in Honolulu, Hawai. These awards have recognized excellence in teaching, advocacy and leadership in Japanese language and culture education, and contributions to the local community since 2001. It is our honor to present these prestigious national awards to Ms. Tashibu and Prof. Shinagawa. Congratulations!

You may find all of the 2010 Guidelines and applications by following the links below:

Application |PDF| |DOC|
Nomination |PDF| |DOC|
Teacher Award Guidelines |PDF|

For additional information on past recipients or ask a question, please visit our forum.