What is a JFMF Scholar?

Each year the Japanese Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) Teacher Program, sponsored by the Government of Japan, awards a number of American educators the opportunity to travel and study in Japan for three weeks. Almost a year ago, I wrote a proposal describing what I hoped to learn about Japan and how I would integrate my study and travel experience into the library curriculum and classrooms at Lawrence School. Six months later I received word that I had been selected as a JFMF Scholar! I deeply appreciate the support of Brookline Public Schools administrators and others who encouraged me to apply. Designed to increase understanding between the people of Japan and the United States, the program will be intensive and very exciting, filled with visits to different kinds of schools, cultural institutions and government groups -- and, of course, historic sites. For me, it is especially exciting because our elementary school is home to Brookline's Japanese English Language Learners Program. We have many children in our classrooms and families in the community who share my excitement about traveling in Japan and will welcome my increased understanding of Japanese culture and education.

To paraphrase JFMF's program description: The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program was established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Program — a U.S. government-initiated project created in 1946 to foster mutual understanding through exchanges of university students, faculty and researchers. Many Japanese recipients of Fulbright scholarships became government, business, and academic leaders instrumental in the post-war redevelopment of Japan. To show the Japanese people's appreciation for the Fulbright Program, the Government of Japan established the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund, now in its tenth year. Its focus on primary and secondary education reflects the value of internationalizing curricula at early levels, and of providing opportunities for international experience to those who teach young people.