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Our Staff

The staff at Gunma International School (GIS) are professionals with diverse backgrounds.
They utilize their expertise to support and nurture each child's individuality and development.
Additionally, they focus on creating an environment that fosters social skills and a global perspective.

Support

Dual homeroom system
- support from two teachers

In each class, a native English-speaking teacher serves as the homeroom teacher, while a bilingual Japanese childcare teacher provides support as the assistant teacher.

【Childcare Experts】
Staff with specialized childcare skills

We have certified staff who have completed training programs at affiliated schools in Canada or Australia, gaining specialized skills. Additionally, we have staff who have completed sports childcare training at our partner school, Buddy Sports Nursery, and have been certified with specific skills.

Managing Director

Kazunori Yoshizawa

We at GIS Gunma International School are committed to 100% English education by experienced native English-speaking teachers. Learning proper English from an early age is the easiest way to achieve the best results, and our curriculum is designed to help students acquire English in an stress-free environment during their school life. We do not just teach English, but we also educate students to acquire manners and a sense of responsibility as human beings. We want our students to be able to do things that are taken for granted!

General Manager

Maiko Huet

At GIS, we nurture international awareness from an early age while also valuing Japanese culture and traditions. The entire environment is conducted in English, and through play and daily activities, children are exposed to different cultures while enjoying the process of learning different cultures through English. We actively incorporate Japanese traditional events and international cultural activities, and by having both children and teachers enjoy them together, the atmosphere within the school is always lively and filled with positivity. Moreover, Japanese-speaking caregivers provide strong support, ensuring smooth communication with parents as well.
We closely watch over each child’s growth, prioritizing “safety first,” and strive to create an environment where children are always smiling. Our staff is dedicated to helping your child take their first steps toward becoming a global citizen, with love and care.

Assistant Manager

Chigusa Tomaru

In our 100% English-based preschool, we not only focus on English education but also provide strong support for preparing children for elementary school by teaching them how to interact with friends, greet others, and engage in group activities. Our daily curriculum includes various experiences that aim to foster growth in children. These include P.E. Days with physical education instructors to improve basic physical strength, Music Days where children explore various instruments and music, and Park Days where they connect with the changing seasons. The curriculum reflects our teachers’ desire to offer a variety of enriching experiences. We hope that moments of frustration when things don’t go as planned, the anxiety and sense of achievement from trying new things, the memories made with new friends, and the laughter that brings joy will all become irreplaceable memories for the children at GIS.

Native Staff

Jesse Kwiatek

Hello everyone. My name is Jesse. I am originally from America, but I have lived in Japan for 22 years. I enjoy teaching here at Gunma International School. Every day is a new experience for both the students and our teachers, as we learn and use English in our daily life here at Gunma International School.
Every month we introduce and learn a different topic, activities, crafts, and songs. All of these are taught in English. This way, we keep our students engaged and show them that learning a second language can be fun. Many of my favorite memories are of when my students asked me questions that I was not expecting while introducing a new subject or activity to them. I look forward to meeting you and being able to share these experiences with you as well.

Ren Ama Mizu

Hello everyone, My name is Ren! I’m from (Ontario) Canada. Fun fact: where I lived in Canada, winter could be as cold as -40C. I enjoy many hobbies, some include the beautiful nature of Japan. I enjoy exploring shrines, mountains and nature parks. While at home I enjoy reading comics and books, playing video games, sketching and drawing in my spare time.
What I enjoy the most at GIS is everyone’s understanding that to learn a new language we need to immerse ourselves fully, especially with this specific age group. Students are in school, surrounded by English for hours a day, 5 days a week. The leaps and bounds we see in students’ English abilities are amazing!

Kimberly Sun

I hope you are excited as I am when learning and experiencing new things all in English. I’m Kimberly, but please call me Kim. I’m from the west coast of Oregon in the US. If you know Oregon, you would know that it is similar to Gunma where it is surrounded by lots of nature, but the only difference is that we are close to the ocean! I enjoy cooking and baking on my free time. I love experimenting with new recipes. I am still working on my Japanese dishes since I really love trying different Japanese food..

With years of teaching experience, I hope to inspire, support, and guide future international leaders from the start of their education. Here at GIS, we focus on the students enjoying their English journey through various activities, games, songs, and just playing and interacting with their native teachers throughout the school year. Let’s all learn together and enjoy everyday. I can’t wait to meet you when you come play with us.

Alanna Kerbey

My name is Alanna, I’m from the United Kingdom.
In my free time, I love reading, listening to music, walking and practicing calligraphy.
Taking walks with my dog is something I do regularly, as it helps me relax and enjoy the outdoors.

One of the things I like about GIS is how kind and caring the staff are. They always make an effort in creating a warm and friendly environment. I also love how happy and enthusiastic the children are. Their excitement make the school a fun place to be.
It’s also incredible how their brains absorb the English language that surrounds them at GIS. Watching them soak up new words, phrases, and concepts with such curiosity and eagerness fills every day in the classroom with energy and joy.

Erica Holman

Hello!My name is Erica and I’m from Toronto, Canada. I moved to Japan in 2020 and one of my absolute favorite things to do is travel. Japan has so many unique and interesting things to do and I love to experience everything this country has to offer. I also enjoy photography, hiking, music, and eating delicious foods!
What I enjoy most about being a GIS teacher is the opportunity to help provide such amazing experiences for our students in English. Being able to watch these kids grow and die table along their English journey is truly rewarding work.

Japanese Staff

Nursery Teacher Team

As caregivers, we support children to become kind, independent, a proactive individuals in a safe and nurturing environment. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s time at our daycare, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. We look forward to working together with you to watch over and support your child’s growth.
Physical Education Instructor Yukari Arai

Through P.E we also want the children to develop a passion for challenges, a strong desire to work towards their goals without giving up, and the spirit of team work through caring and working together with their friends.