Jenna Watson

Grade 1 Teacher (Milepost 1); Tennessee-native

Fun and creative, Jenna Watson has been training to be a teacher since she was 8 or 9!

Where were you born?

Nashville, Tennessee

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

I came to HIS in 2022 to teach MP1 and was a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in Nashville, TN for 8 years prior to coming to Japan.

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

One of the biggest aspects of HIS that really stood out to me was the emphasis on outdoors. I had never visited Japan before accepting the job, but I always appreciated Japan’s appreciation of nature. I wanted to experience the beauty of Japan. Even though I am an elementary school teacher, I have enjoyed getting to participate in outdoor trips with students of all ages, like going on a bike and camping trip, rafting in Niseko, ski days and more. Elementary school also has so many opportunities to get outside. We go tubing in the snow, skiing, biking through the fall leaves and more! I can see the happiness and appreciation in students from Early Years all the way to high school which is so important to me.

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

When searching for a school, it was really important that they had a strong background in experiential learning. My previous school in Nashville had aspects of that with the IB curriculum. HIS takes that a step further not only with International Primary Curriculum (IPC) but also with the amount of field trips we are able to take the kids on. We take our learning outside the classroom and the kids LOVE that!

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

I taught 8 years in an International Baccalaureate school in Nashville, TN before coming to Sapporo. My school in Nashville was a public school and we had set curriculum as a whole school district. I really appreciate at HIS how we have the autonomy to choose what curriculum is best for our students. I really try to choose reading materials based on student choice and I have seen such creativity and joy when it comes to reading. I also like that the school is an IPC school. It is similar to IB which is what I was trained in. It has similar inquiry-based learning aspects that I think are important to all students. 

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

My mom and dad bought me a teacher play kit for Christmas one year when I was 8 or 9. I set up my bedroom like a classroom and my afternoons were spent teaching my Beanie Babies, dolls and brother (my brother was not thrilled) . I had great teacher role models in elementary school that I admired. They made teaching look fun and most of my school years were spent learning a lot but having a blast while learning. I wanted to create a similar environment for kids. My personality is fun and I wanted a job that I could be fun and creative!

How would you describe the students at HIS?

I have had the JOY of having 14 students each year since being at HIS. My students know how to have fun. They are joyful and kind. BUT they also know how to work hard. I have always been impressed with their perseverance. When things are tough, they work through it and do a great job. They are also kind to their peers and talk through things that frustrate them.

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

I came from a LOUD city in the United States. Nashville is known for music and all the buildings have loud music coming out of them. Japan is SO quiet! I was shocked at first that there really are not that many noises. Restaurants, subways and even walking on the streets are always quiet. I have found a lot of peace living in Japan. It has been nice coming from LOUD to quiet! I love the festivals in Japan and REALLY enjoy shabu shabu. I like all the cute characters on signs and in the grocery stores. Everyone seems happy in Japan! I have had the chance to travel to a lot of places in Japan, too. All of these have their own exciting features, but I do love Hokkaido the most. I like the slower pace and that we are surrounded by nature. I also LOVE the snow!

What do you get up to outside of school?

I have really enjoyed going to all the festivals that Sapporo has! I feel like every weekend is a different and fun festival which makes it exciting! I also enjoy hanging out with co-workers and going skiing, hiking or to restaurants with them. I have also met some amazing friends at a local church, too!

What's your favorite movie of all time? 

KUNG FU PANDA! Whenever I am sad or in a bad mood I like to watch Kung Fu Panda. It makes me laugh and feel happy. I like all three of the movies, but the third one is my favorite!

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

Get plugged in to things outside of school. 90% of my time is spent with co-workers because they are truly amazing and easy to get along with! I have also enjoyed getting outside of the HIS community and meeting people who do not go to this school. My outside community came from church, but so many people at this school have fun friend groups from activities they have gotten into! Japan has such unique experiences, so try dabbling in them all while you’re here!