Imagine a space where teachers can break free from the routine for a moment, a place where they can explore their creativity and passion just like they encourage their students to do every day. What if, instead of a typical school day, educators came together in a festival-like atmosphere, buzzing with the energy of ideas and shared experiences? Inspired by the vibrant Deeper Learning San Diego 2023 at High Tech High, four visionary teachers at Nitobe Bunka Elementary School brought this concept to life with "Teachers' HUB." This event has become a hub for educators across Japan who are committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in education, creating a dynamic community of learning and growth.
120 teachers stepped into Nitobe Bunka Elementary School on a Sunday afternoon, in the bustling heart of Nakano, just one station away from Shinjuku. This school, steeped in the legacy of Inazo Nitobe, author of Bushido, and driven by the forward-thinking mission to cultivate "happiness creators," transforms into a lively educational festival. As you enter, the atmosphere is invigorating, reflecting the "hub" concept of the event. At check-in, you're handed three colorful armlets, each symbolizing your place in this festival and inviting you to connect with fellow participants in your sessions. The excitement builds as you move into the lounge, greeted by a basket full of Nitobe-original pound cakes and teas. Around you, photo booths capture moments of joy, while reflection post-its offer a space to pause and share your thoughts—this is the day to celebrate your challenges as an educator.
"When I first attended Deeper Learning San Diego, I saw people lounging on the lawn, enjoying live music from a group of rappers, and I thought I must have walked into the wrong place," recalls Rin Motomura, an elementary school teacher at Nitobe and one of the driving forces behind Teachers' HUB. "But then it hit me—how incredible it would be to connect with passionate educators in such a fun and open environment." This experience stood in stark contrast to the typical professional training programs in Japan, which are often as rigid as the lessons delivered to students: one-sided lectures, mandated attendance, and strict schedules that leave little room for creativity or dialogue. Teachers' HUB shattered this mold by offering participants the freedom to choose three sessions out of nine that resonated with them and encouraging open, dynamic discussions using online tools. In one memorable session, four school founders from Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, and Tosa came together for a panel discussion that felt more like a live TV show, complete with flip boards for spontaneous, interactive responses. The energy and excitement of the event are best captured in the lively photos:
The energy that set Teachers' HUB apart from other professional development events was the result of the exceptional teamwork among the teachers at Nitobe Bunka Elementary School. While a group of classroom teachers sparked the initial idea, it would have been much easier for the school to continue with their regular, busy routine of grading first-semester tests. Instead, the entire school came together as one, with strong support from both school administrators and colleagues, turning a challenging time into a shared mission. The power of this teamwork was palpable throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that drew passionate educators from across Japan, both as panelists and participants. "Japanese teachers often tend to think that their practice is being left behind by global trends in education. Indeed, Japanese teachers are known for their long working hours compared to other countries, which sometimes leads us to assume that we are not doing the education 'we really want'," explains Rintaro Kayanoma, an elementary school teacher at Nitobe who has been a powerful promoter of project-based learning for six years. "However, there are many Japanese teachers who are highly motivated, have a noble spirit and use excellent practices for the benefit of their students on a daily basis. We hope that this Teachers' HUB will have a positive impact on participants' confidence in their daily trial and error by bringing these teachers together and allowing them to share their practices and passions."
The vision now is to expand this event into an even bigger festival next year, creating a movement where multiple schools join forces to run Teachers' HUB together. Takayuki Endo, Assistant Principal of Nitobe Bunka Elementary School concludes, "I believe many teachers chose this profession because they wanted to show students that learning is fun. To convey this message, we must first embody it ourselves. By connecting with more passionate teachers, we can strengthen and spread this message together. I hope that next year, the Teachers' HUB will be even more impactful than it was this year. I would be honored if this event can, even in a small way, contribute to improving public education in Japan."
More information on Teachers' HUB available on the website
More information on Nitobe Bunka Elementary School available on the homepage
(both pages accessible in Japanese)
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