Mr. Masafumi Fuketa: The Current State of Elementary School Education

Mr. Fuketa shared his experiences in traveling and working overseas, and his perspectives on teaching in local elementary schools.
Mr. Fuketa spent 3 years teaching at the School for Japanese Learners in Vienna, Austria. Through this opportunity he was able to see the Japanese education system from a different perspective, and it affected his methods and approaches upon returning to Japan. In his free time living in Vienna, he was able to travel extensively throughout Europe, and picked up several hobbies including golf and playing the violin.
He has remained active in international exchange since returning to Japan, and spoke of the many experiences and adventures he had in interacting with people from other cultures.
Throughout his nearly 40-year career in elementary school education, he has seen many changes in the teacher role. Expectations of teachers are constantly increasing, and parents/care-givers are often responsible for putting extra pressure on over-worked teachers. Teachers often work for several hours taking calls from concerned parents each day, before doing their lesson-planning and administrative tasks late into the evening. The result of this is that young teachers do not have the opportunity to have hobbies, travel or otherwise engage in activities that would benefit their personal development and make them better teachers. He laments that many teachers these days do not have the chance to work abroad like he did, and wishes there was more flexibility and support for young professionals to develop.
The shortage of elementary school teachers in Tottori Prefecture means that the Tottori Prefecture Board of Education is forced to withdraw its involvement in teacher dispatches to foreign countries. He calls for more support and resources for young teachers to maintain education standards within Tottori.
Thank you Mr. Fuketa for sharing your experiences and perspectives with the group!