TEACHERS: Kazumi Yamashita-Iverson (1st Grade, 3rd Grade, and 5th Grade)
Kanako Itano-Malstrom (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 4th Grade)
SCHOOL: Maloney Interdistrict Magnet School
CLASS: Japanese Language and Culture Program (PreK-5)
SCHOOL PHONE: 203-574-8162
See below for messages from the teachers:
Frm Kazumi-sensei:
Konnichiwa! I have been at Maloney as a full time Japanese teacher since 2001. I have taught all grades in the past, but I am going to teach first, third, fifth grade, and Pre-K this year and I am very excited!
I was an exchange student for one year in Michigan when I was in high school. This experience lead me to be a Japanese teacher in the U.S. I majored Japanese Language and Literature in Tsukuba University and applied for JALEX Program when I was in juinor. I was accepted for the program and sent to Maloney as an assistant teacher for one year. After I went back to Japan and graduated from the university, I was offered a job here. It's been a great journey since.
I believe motivation is a key for learning. I'll try my best to motivate my students to learn Japanese by making my class fun, meaningful, and authentic. I look forward to working with you.
GANBARIMASHO!
Kazumi-Sensei
From Kanako-Sensei:
I was born and raised in Japan, and moved to the United States in 2003. After living in New York City and Los Angeles for 10 years, my family and I decided to settle down in Connecticut where we could enjoy the beautiful nature with our flock of animals. I have a dog, two cats, ten chickens, two leopard geckos, and several fishes. Maybe a goat next… If you have any question about my animals, I’d be happy to answer in Japanese!
I live with my husband and two children- my daughter is in 5th grade and my son is in 2nd grade. They are also trying to learn Japanese everyday. Learning a foreign language is challenging but it can be fun and truly rewarding experience. I hope Maloney students can enjoy learning Japanese with us.
Yoroshiku ne!
Kanako-Sensei