Information
for Incoming Teachers to Ikego
What to do before
you arrive | What
to expect when you arrive | Mentor Program
Before arriving in Japan it is a good idea to do a little research about the country's culture and living conditions.. Too often teachers arrive unaware of the differences between the United States and Japan. Take some time find out about driving and housing conditions.
- Be financially
prepared. During a move to Japan you will incur a few additional expenses
that are not normal in a Stateside move. For more specific information
about the types of expenses please contact the school office.
- The weather in
Japan is comparable to the United States, however, it is a good idea
to check the weather conditions to see how close or far apart the temperatures
are.
- Brush up on your
math calculating skills. You will be converting US dollars to Japanese
yen. The rates are subject to change each day. Also, the Japanese use
the metric system of measurement. Familiarizing yourself with these
units will help you for the adjustments in speed limits, knowing the
temperature outside, as well as measuring the windows in your home to
buy Japanese curtains.
- Make sure your
family, friends and other correspondents receive your new mailing address.
The school's address will be your mailing address.
- Know how you are
going to manage your open accounts, bills, and other important business.
You may want to designate someone to have special power of attorney.
- Make sure your
passport is up to date and that you have all of you important papers
in a safe place as you travel.
What to expect when you arrive
If this is your first appointment overseas and you do not have military identification, expect some slight delays. Teachers who are reporting for the first time need to have their original orders and official passport in hand to show to the passport control officers. Lines at Narita Airport average between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day. The line can be longer, so be prepared to wait.
Finding your way through the airport once you have cleared customs can seem like a maze. Stay calm and follow these helpful tips.
1. Identify what terminal you are in - Terminal 1 or Terminal 2
2. Know what mode of transportation you are going to take to get to Yokosuka Naval Base. After arriving in Japan you still have about two more hours of traveling before you reach your final destination.
If you are taking the train follow the signs that lead you to the JR railway. There are information booths located on the main lobby floor with English speakers who can help you. You will need to exchange some US dollars for Japanese yen in order to purchase a ticket. There are money exchange booths located on the main lobby floor. A school representative should have give you information regarding train directions to Yokosuka.
If you are taking the Yokosuka Shuttle Bus you will need to go to Terminal 1. The DOD Liasion booth is located to the left of the North Wing arrival gate. Have your orders ready as those with orders will be seated on a first come first served basis. All others will be space available.
If a school representative is meeting you at the airport know where to look for him/her. Usually a representative will be waiting outside of the customs check as you exit to the lobby. Have a plan for identifying each other.
The Mentor Program at Ikego Elementary School began when the school opened in the fall of 1998. The program continues to evolve, but it mission remains the same, to support teachers. The District Superintendents Office as well as our school recognizes that teachers go through an incredible transition when initially joining our organization, DoDEA, or moving from another DoDEA location. As part of the Mentor program:
- Community sponsors
are recruited to assist our new teachers after arriving in country.
These sponsors are families that live in our community who are willing
to help our new teachers with the transition to our community.
- Teachers return
to school two days earlier than existing staff. During this early return,
new staff are "briefed" on policies and procedures of Ikego
ES and given time to work in his/her classrooms.
- Some, but not all,
teachers are given additional support if he/she or administration deem
it necessary. This would apply to teachers that are relatively new to
the profession. A specific mentor would be assigned to/with a mentee.
- Monthly meeting
are scheduled to address specific topics followed by Q&A.
- Peer observations are organized several times throughout the year. This provides all teachers an opportunity to observe his/her peers. Substitute coverage is provided.