Anna Roberts

Grade 2-3 Teacher (Milepost 2) & Counselor; New Zealander

Full of energy, seeking adventure, Anna Roberts loves the outdoors and any experience that stimulates growth.

What year did you come to HIS, and where were you working prior to HIS?

2023; Tokyo & Yokohama

How important was it to choose an international school with an emphasis on the outdoors?

Very important as I had this rare opportunity growing up on the West coast of the South Island of NZ, not all NZ places had the opportunity to to see glaciers, climbing, rafting, hiking, snowcraft, orienteering and kayaking credited courses at high school. (I have forgotten many of these skills-they need continual life practice;)

How important was it to choose an international school with an emphasis on experiential learning?

This is my preference for teaching—I abandoned all other versions!

How long have you been teaching? How does teaching at HIS compare to other schools you've taught at?

16 years.
HIS is a close community, people are involved with each other in many ways and across age groups. Here there is less intensity for striving towards goals and this helps learning through community rather than competition.

When did you first know you wanted to be a teacher?

When I realised I could do it during English camps in Thailand when I did my AFS student exchange year in Thailand.

How would you describe the students at HIS?

Friendly, respectful, honest and knowledgable.

What's your favorite part about living in Japan? How about living in Sapporo, Hokkaido?

The SNOW and the people, also the possibility of seeing mammals in their natural habitat (NZ mainly has birds).

What do you get up to outside of school?

Snowboarding, sightseeing and relaxing.

What's your favorite book of all time? 

Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden because it was adventurous and based on a group of friends and how they would respond to dangerous and dystopian news.

If you could interview any past-living historical figure, who would it be, what would you ask them, and what do you think they'd say?

Jim Henson. "How did you convince people that free education through T.V. shows like Sesame Street and The Muppet Show was a good idea?"

He might say this was his passion and his friends supported him.

What advice would you give to teachers looking to work in Japan?

Let Japanese people be your guide and inspiration—they have a lot to share and so much appreciation for their country and culture.