Okinawa JALT
めんそーれー (Welcome!)
Okinawa coastline

Language Teachingin Paradise

Since 1980, Okinawa JALT has served as a vibrant chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching, bringing together educators in one of Asia's most culturally rich and beautiful regions.

Become a Member View Events
Okinawa JALT mascots Nini and Nene in traditional Ryukyu attire

Welcome to OkiJALT!

Since 1980, Okinawa JALT has served language educators with two core missions: professional development for language teachers and promoting language education in the community. Our events feature world-renowned scholars alongside local language professionals, creating a dynamic space for sharing ideas and improving teaching quality.

🎓

Professional Development

Access workshops, conferences, and presentations designed to enhance your teaching skills and expand your professional network.

🤝

Collaborative Community

Connect with diverse language educators and scholars sharing practical insights and research findings in supportive environment.

📚

Research & Resources

Contribute to JALT publications and access cutting-edge teaching resources specific to the Japanese language learning context.

🎤

Present Your Work

Share your teaching innovations at our conferences. Presentations typically run 30 minutes with practical applications for attendees.

🌸

Okinawan Culture

Experience language teaching enriched by Okinawa's unique cultural heritage, traditional values, and island community spirit.

🌐

International Network

Part of JALT's nationwide organization with connections to language teaching professionals across Japan and globally.

Part of the JALT Network

Okinawa JALT is a chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching, Asia's largest language education organization with ~3,000 members across 31 chapters and 24 special interest groups

🌏

Est. 1975

Founded in 1975 and recognized as an NPO in 1999, JALT is dedicated to improving language teaching and learning throughout Japan and internationally.

📍

31 Chapters

From Hokkaido to Okinawa, JALT chapters host regular meetings, workshops, and events bringing language educators together nationwide.

🔬

24 SIGs

Special Interest Groups focusing on specialized topics from CALL to Study Abroad, Gender Awareness to Mind, Brain & Education.

JALT's Major Annual Events

🎯

JALT International Conference

Annual • November • Since 1975

JALT2026: November 20-22, 2026
Location: WINC AICHI, Nagoya
Theme: Beyond the Classroom ~ From Local Voice to Global Impact

One of Asia's largest language education conferences featuring international scholars, presentations, workshops, and a materials exhibition with 55+ publishers. Typically draws 1,500+ attendees from around the world.

Learn More →
🔗

PanSIG Conference

Annual • May • SIG-organized

PanSIG 2026: May 23-24, 2026
Location: Chukyo University, Nagoya
Focus: SIG member networking & collaboration

A smaller, more intimate conference organized by JALT's Special Interest Groups. Features specialized presentations, SIG forums, and publishes the peer-reviewed PanSIG Journal.

Learn More →
Okinawa JALT Nini vertical banner

🌐 International Partnerships

JALT maintains strong international connections with leading language teaching organizations worldwide, including TESOL (USA), IATEFL (UK), and partnerships with major associations in Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Taiwan, Russia, and the Philippines.

View Partners All Chapters & SIGs About JALT

Latest Events & News

Join us for engaging presentations, conferences, and professional development opportunities

📅 April 2, 2026

OkiJALT April Meeting

What should English language teachers know about non-cognitive skills?

This presentation briefly introduced key terms such as grit, optimism, and resilience from the field of educational psychology and explored the application of positive psychology dealing with such non-cognitive skills for English language teachers based in Japan.

🎯Professional Development
⏰30-minute presentation
🌐In-person & Online
📅 Sister Event

Okinawa STEAM International Conference

Theme: A STEAMY Conference - Adding Arts to STEM Curricula

Motto: Full STEAM Ahead!

The conference featured plenary speaker Tom Robb, Professor Emeritus Kyoto Sangyo University and Editor-in-Chief of TESL-EJ.org. It brought together Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in language education, drawing participants from across the region.

🌟International Conference
🎨Interdisciplinary Focus
🎉 Regular Event

OkiJALT & PIE SIG Friday Zoom Social

Join fellow language educators for casual networking and professional exchange every Friday via Zoom. Share teaching experiences, discuss challenges, and build connections with the Okinawa JALT community from anywhere.

💻Online Zoom Meeting
🗓️Every Friday
🤗Casual Networking

45 Years of Language Education Excellence

Since 1980, Okinawa JALT has been bringing together educators, hosting world-class conferences, and advancing language teaching in the Ryukyu Islands

1980
Chapter Founded
2016
Hosted PanSIG
2021
40th Anniversary
300+
Events Hosted
2024
21st Century Conference
Proceedings on Amazon →

📸 Conference Photo Gallery

Browse photos from our conferences, workshops, and community events spanning over four decades of language education in Okinawa. (Photo gallery to be added - upload your images here!)

Notable Events Through the Years

2020s — Digital Transformation & Hybrid Events

📅 October 25-27, 2024 | 21st Century Language Teaching Conference
📍 Tiruru Gender Equality Center, Naha (fully in-person)

Major conference featuring 30+ presenters. Published proceedings available on Amazon. Co-sponsored with TYL SIG and ALL SIG.

📅 August 11-13, 2023 | Summer Symposium
📍 Tiruru, Naha

Keynote speakers from Ferris University and Chuo University. Co-organized with MW SIG and LLL SIG.

📅 August 21, 2022 | Summer Symposium (Online)
💻 Virtual Conference

15+ parallel sessions with keynote speakers and guest presenters.

📅 July 25, 2021 | 40th Anniversary Summer Symposium
💻 Online | Special Milestone Event

Celebrating 40 years of Okinawa JALT! World-class keynote speakers including a past TESOL International President and an award-winning TESOL authority.

📅 January 24-26, 2020 | Trends in Language Teaching Conference
📍 Okinawa Christian University, Nishihara

Major international conference with poster presentations and published proceedings.

2010s — Conference Growth & International Recognition

📅 June 21-23, 2019 | Summer Language Teaching Symposium
📍 Tiruru Gender Equality Center, Naha

World-class keynote speakers drawing international scholars to Okinawa.

📅 December 16-17, 2017 | Trends in Language Teaching Conference
📍 Naha + Nishihara

Conference proceedings published. 🏆 See Awards section →

📅 May 20-23, 2016 | PanSIG Conference "Innovations in Education"
📍 Meio University, Nago | 🌟 Major National Event Hosted by Okinawa JALT

Historic conference bringing JALT's Special Interest Groups to Okinawa! Keynote speakers: Rod Ellis, Tim Murphey, and Joseph Falout. Hundreds of scholars from across Asia and beyond.

📅 December 19, 2015 | Trends in Language Teaching Conference

Focus on mobile learning and digital integration. 🏆 See Awards →

📅 December 13, 2014 | Trends in Language Teaching Conference
📍 Okinawa Christian University, Nishihara

Conference featured poster-style presentations. 🏆 See Awards →

2000s — Building Community & Regular Programming

During this decade, Okinawa JALT established regular monthly meetings at Okinawa Christian Junior College (Nishihara) and Meio University (Nago). The chapter built strong traditions including:

  • 📚 Monthly presentations on teaching techniques and research
  • 🏖️ Annual summer beach BBQs and family picnics
  • 🎉 End-of-year Bonnenkai celebrations
  • ✍️ "Power of the Pen" writing contests for high school students
  • 👥 "My Share" sessions for local teachers to exchange ideas

Join Us in Making History

For over 45 years, Okinawa JALT has been at the forefront of language education innovation. Be part of our continuing legacy.

View Upcoming Events

Conference Legacy

Showcasing years of excellence in language teaching research and innovation

2019

Trends in Language Teaching

🎤 Keynote Speaker

Temple University, Japan — "Improving Students' Speaking Performances Through Scaffolding"

📍 Okinawa Christian University · 📊 20+ poster presentations
2017

Innovation & Excellence

🎤 Keynote Speakers

Miyagi Gakuin Women's University & University of California, Irvine

🎯 Positive psychology in language learning
2015

Diverse Perspectives

🎤 Keynote Speakers

Meiji University & Saga University

📱 Mobile learning & digital integration
2014

Foundations of Excellence

🎤 Keynote Speakers

Toyo Gakuen University & Nanzan University

🎭 Active learning & student engagement

Conference Publication Opportunities

All Okinawa JALT presenters have the opportunity to publish their research in the peer-reviewed journal "Outside the Box: A Multi-Lingual Forum"

Visit OTB Forum

Awards & Recognition

The Okinawa Chapter of JALT has several awards in honor of those who have achieved excellence in language teaching and research.

🏅 The Michele Steele "Best of JALT" & Conference Presentation Award

In recognition of those who have delivered the best presentations at JALT chapter events, the Michele Steele "Best of JALT" award is highly sought and greatly respected.

Rab Paterson Honami Kimoto Aya Yamauchi Mitsuki Saito

MBP: Multimedia Book Review Presentations

Matthew Cotter — 2019
The Maori Haka: Cultural Understanding Through Traditional Performance
Curtis Kelly — 2018
Dealing with Difficult Students: 3L Psychology
Tomoko Yashima — 2017
L2 Motivation and Willingness to Communicate in a Globalizing World
Andy Boon — 2016
Beyond Trends: Teachers as Researchers
Howard Higa — 2015
Sprucing up Your "Assigned" Textbook
David Kluge — 2014
Sharing Responsibility: Self-Assessment and Self-Evaluation
Jon Dujmovich — 2013
Curiosity to Competency: Intercultural Activities for the Language Classroom
Jerald Halvorsen — 2009
Organizing Intensive English Camps

🎓 Trends in Language Teaching International Conference

Presentation Awards

2017
🏆
Best Poster Presentation
Howard Higa
2016
⭐
Outstanding Poster Presentation
Anthony Sellick & James Bury
🥇
Outstanding Poster
Norman Fewell
🌟
Excellent Poster Presentation
Ashley Ford
2015
Outstanding Poster Presentation
Howard Higa
Excellent Poster Presentation
Takaaki Hiratsuka
Outstanding Poster
Charlotte Lin
Best Student Poster Presentation
Shohei Anan
2014
Outstanding Poster Presentation
Charlotte Lin
Excellent Poster Presentation
Samantha May
Outstanding Poster
Lorraine Kipling

🌟 Honorary Awards

In recognition of those who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Okinawa Chapter of JALT.

Outstanding Student Presentations — 21st Century Language Teaching Conference 2020

Honami Kimoto Aya Yamauchi Mitsuki Saito

A comprehensive local awards program is being developed. See the new Local Awards & Recognition Program →

Visit Okinawa

Combine professional development with exploring one of Japan's most beautiful destinations

🏯

Shuri Castle

The royal court and administrative center of the Ryukyuan Kingdom for 450 years. A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing unique Ryukyuan architecture.

Learn More →
🐋

Churaumi Aquarium

Features one of the world's largest fish tanks holding several whale sharks. Located in Ocean Expo Park.

Learn More →
🛍️

Kokusai-dōri

Naha's main street filled with hundreds of Okinawan souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Learn More →
🏖️

Beaches & Water Sports

Crystal-clear waters with colorful coral and sea life. Enjoy beaches, recreational water sports, and world-class diving.

Learn More →

Join JALT & Okinawa JALT

Connect with thousands of dedicated language teaching professionals across Japan and expand your opportunities for professional growth

Why Join JALT?

📖

Publications

The Language Teacher (bimonthly) and JALT Journal (biannual research journal)

🎟️

Conference Access

Member rates for JALT conferences including the annual international conference

🌐

Chapter & SIG

Join one Chapter and one SIG free with membership (additional SIGs ¥2,000 each)

Membership Types & Annual Fees

¥13,000

Regular Membership

Standard membership for those in Japan. Includes all publications and benefits.

Includes 1 Chapter + 1 SIG
SAVE 20%
¥52,000

5-Year Membership

Best value! Register for 5 years and save 20% on membership fees.

5 years = ¥10,400/year savings
¥7,000

Student / Senior

Student: Full-time students (verification required)
Senior: Age 65+ (verification required)

¥11,000

Overseas Member

For members not currently located in Japan. Online publications only.

¥10,500

Joint Membership

Per person for 2 people sharing the same address.

¥8,500

Group Membership

Per person for groups of 5 or more.

Ready to Join?

Join JALT Now

Questions? Contact: okijalt@gmail.com

→ Also see our local membership tier options

JALT Publications

Award-winning research journals and teaching resources for language education professionals

📘

The Language Teacher

Published Bimonthly

JALT's flagship publication featuring practical articles, teaching tips, book reviews, conference announcements, and job advertisements.

Latest IssueArchives
🎓

JALT Journal

Published Semiannually (May & November)

JALT's peer-reviewed research journal publishing theoretical and practical articles, research reports, and comprehensive book reviews.

Latest IssueArchives

📖 Okinawa JALT Journal — Coming 2027

A new practitioner-oriented annual journal serving as the official proceedings outlet for Okinawa JALT events. Open access, digital-first, with a mentorship review model. Vol. 1 deadline: January 31, 2027.

Learn More →

Okinawa JALT Local Publications

Outside the Box: A peer-reviewed multi-lingual forum publishing research from our Trends in Language Teaching conferences. Visit otbforum.net →

JALT Resources & Information

Comprehensive resources for language educators

🎯Events & Conferences

🏛️About JALT

🌐Global Network

🔬Research & Grants

🌺Okinawa JALT

Email: okijalt@gmail.com

Meeting Schedule: 3rd Sunday of each month

Location: University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara

Founded: 1980 (45+ years of service)

Chapter Officers

The dedicated volunteers who lead Okinawa JALT

2025–26

President
Norman Fewell
Vice President NEW
Koji Namihira
Treasurer
Eng Hai Tan
Membership Chair
David Kluge
Program Chair
George MacLean
Publicity Chair
Brian Gallagher
Publications Chair NEW
Adam Murray
Website Admin
Max Diaz
Translator
Kaori Hakone
Ombudsperson
Grant Osterman
Communications Coordinator
Barry Keith
Professional Development Advisor
Roy Kemm

Two new positions have been approved for 2025–26: Vice President and Publications Chair. Learn more about the expanded leadership structure →

Past Officers ▾

2024–2025

President: Adam Murray · Treasurer: Katherine Song · Membership Chair: Barry Keith · Program Chair: Max Diaz · Publicity Chair: Brian Gallagher · Website Admin: Max Diaz · Translator: Kaori Hakone · Ombudsperson: David Kluge · Member-at-Large: George MacLean · Member-at-Large: Grant Osterman

2023–2024

President: Adam Murray · Treasurer: Katherine Song · Membership Chair: Grant Osterman · Program Chair: Max Diaz · Publicity Chair: Brian Gallagher · Facilities Chair: Barry Keith · Website Admin: Max Diaz · Translator: Kaori Hakone · Ombudsperson: David Kluge · Member-at-Large: George MacLean

2022–2023

President: Madoka Nagado · Treasurer: Katherine Song · Membership Chair: Grant Osterman · Program Chair: Max Diaz · Publications Chair: Brian Gallagher · Website Admin: Max Diaz · Translator: Kaori Hakone · Social Media: Ross Miller · Ombudsperson: David Kluge · Members-at-Large: George MacLean, Robert Paterson

2021–2022

President: Madoka Nagado · Treasurer: Katherine Song · Membership Chair: Grant Osterman · Program Chair: Anne Hendler · Asst Program Chair: Max Diaz · Publications Chair: Brian Gallagher · Website Admin: Max Diaz · Translator: Kaori Hakone · Social Media: Ross Miller · Communications Chair: Barry Keith · Ombudsperson: David Kluge · Members-at-Large: George MacLean, Robert Paterson

2020–2021

President: Norman Fewell · Publicity Chair: Rab Paterson · Asst Publicity Chair: Max Diaz · Website Admin: Max Diaz · Translator: Kaori Hakone · Membership Chair: Grant Osterman · Program Chair: George MacLean · Treasurer: Katherine Song · Ombudsperson: David Kluge

2019–2020

President: Barry Keith · Treasurer: Katherine Song · Membership: Grant Osterman · Programs: George MacLean · Publicity: Adam Murray · Members-at-Large: David Kluge, Nadine Richard, Princess Limos

2018–2019

President: George MacLean · Treasurer: Adam Murray · Program Chair: Princess Limos · Membership Chair: Grant Osterman · Publicity Chair: Barry Keith

2017–2018 & 2016–2017

President: George MacLean · Treasurer: James Higa · Program Chair: Justin Foster-Sutherland · Membership Chair: Grant Osterman · Publicity Chair: Nadine Richard · Member-at-Large: David Kluge

2015–2016

President: George MacLean · Treasurer: Timothy Kelly · Program Chair: Norman Fewell · Membership Chair: Chris Bradley · Publicity Chair: David Kluge · Local Liaison: Tokuyu Uza

2014–2015

President: George MacLean · Treasurer: Tokuyu Uza · Program Chair: Norman Fewell · Membership Chair: Timothy Kelly · Publicity Chair: Fernando Kohatsu

2013–2014

President: Caroline Latham · Treasurer: Kirsten Gima · Program Co-chairs: Norman Fewell, George MacLean · Membership Chair: Justin Foster-Sutherland

Constitution & Bylaws

The rules and regulations pertaining to the administrative procedures of the Okinawa Chapter of JALT

📄

Okinawa JALT Constitution

The full constitution document (PDF) covers governance, officer roles, elections, meetings, amendments, and all administrative procedures of the Okinawa Chapter.

Download Constitution PDF

Constitutional Bylaws

A new bylaw setting term limitations was amended on November 27, 2020.

Term Limitations of National Officer Positions

A. Length of Term: All members elected as national officers shall serve no longer than three (3) consecutive years in one position, with the exception of Treasurer. No other member can serve as an officer for more than 6 years total.

B. Commencement of Term: The term of office for all elected national officers shall begin immediately following the election results at the Annual General Meeting.

Chapter Affiliations

Okinawa JALT's formal partnerships with sister chapters and special interest groups

🤝

Hokkaido JALT Chapter

Formal "Agreement for Cooperation and Exchange," established August 11, 2021.

🎭

JALT PIE SIG

Formal "Agreement for Cooperation and Exchange," established May 25, 2021.

🌏

KOTESOL Gwangju-Jeonnam

Formal "Agreement for Cooperation and Exchange," established August 24, 2021.

→ See Partnership Expansion Plans

Every Friday, 19:30–21:30 JST

OkiJALT & PIE SIG Friday Zoom Social

💻

Join us every Friday from 19:30 to 21:30 JST for an online social with members from OkiJALT and the Performance in Education SIG. Non-members are welcome to attend!

Zoom Meeting ID
781 953 0104
🔗 Click to Join Zoom →
Learn About PIE SIG →

Teaching Resources

Okinawa JALT's favorite websites for English teachers

UsingEnglish.com

A huge collection of tools & handouts for English teachers

Visit →

BBC Learning English

The best site for English educational materials for teachers and students

Visit →

VOA Learning English

One of the most extensive collections of educational materials

Visit →

Lyrics Training

Learn the lyrics of your favorite songs interactively

Visit →

ELLLO

3,000+ listening activities available for you

Visit →

Busy Teacher

17,000+ worksheets and lesson plans for English teachers

Visit →

TED Ed

Hundreds of TED-Ed animations and thousands of video-based lessons

Visit →

Randall's ESL Listening

High-quality listening materials for all proficiency levels

Visit →

Research Resources

Okinawa JALT's favorite websites for scholars

Google Scholar

Search across articles, theses, books and more

Visit →

Academic Phrasebank

A collection of academic phrases for research writing

Visit →

OWL Writing Lab (Purdue)

Reliable source for APA/MLA citation rules

Visit →

Academia.edu

A social research network with 8 million articles

Visit →

ResearchGate

Social research network with 135 million publications

Visit →

JALT Publications

EFL research and teaching from JALT

Visit →

Expanded Leadership

Okinawa JALT is growing its executive team with two new officer positions to better serve our members and community

NEW POSITION
🌊

Vice President

Executive Leadership

The Vice President supports the President in all chapter operations and serves as Acting President when needed. This role provides vital leadership continuity and ensures our chapter runs smoothly across all functions.

Key Responsibilities

  • ✦ Acts on behalf of the President in their absence
  • ✦ Oversees inter-officer communication and coordination
  • ✦ Supports planning for chapter events and initiatives
  • ✦ Liaises with JALT national and other chapters
  • ✦ Assists with strategic planning and goal-setting
NEW POSITION
📖

Publications Chair

Research & Publications

The Publications Chair leads all chapter publishing activities, including the new Okinawa JALT Journal. This role champions member scholarship, manages editorial workflows, and helps Okinawa JALT contribute meaningfully to the wider EFL research community.

Key Responsibilities

  • ✦ Oversees the Okinawa JALT Journal from submission to publication
  • ✦ Recruits and coordinates peer reviewers and editorial board
  • ✦ Manages chapter newsletter and website content
  • ✦ Promotes member publication opportunities
  • ✦ Maintains archival records of chapter publications

These positions are part of Okinawa JALT's ongoing commitment to building a sustainable, member-driven chapter. For more on our full leadership structure, see the Chapter Officers section or explore our Advisory & Leadership Boards.

Advisory & Leadership Framework

Four boards that connect experience, expertise, and community — strengthening Okinawa JALT from within and beyond

🏛️

Presidential Advisory Council

Strategic Guidance

A small council of senior members who advise the President on strategy, major decisions, and long-term direction. Provides continuity across leadership transitions and helps the chapter navigate complex challenges.

Membership: 3–5 senior/past presidents
Meetings: Quarterly or as needed
Role: Advisory (non-voting)
⚙️

Executive Officers Council

Operational Leadership

The core governing body of the chapter, comprising all elected and appointed officers. Coordinates chapter activities, allocates resources, and sets priorities for each program year — the engine of day-to-day chapter operations.

Membership: All current officers
Meetings: Monthly
Role: Advisory (non-voting)
🎓

Intercollegiate Advisory Board

Academic Partnerships

Representatives from Okinawa's universities and colleges who help align chapter programming with institutional needs. This board strengthens our academic partnerships, supports student engagement, and opens doors for collaborative research and events.

Membership: Faculty representatives from partner institutions
Meetings: Biannual
Role: Advisory & liaison
🌟

Honorary Board of Advisers

Distinguished Recognition

Distinguished scholars, educators, and community leaders invited to lend their expertise and prestige to Okinawa JALT. Honorary advisers provide mentorship, open networks, and elevate the chapter's profile in the regional and national EFL community.

Membership: By invitation only
Meetings: Annual symposium
Role: Mentorship & ambassadorship

A Framework Built for the Future

Together, these four boards create a connected leadership ecosystem — one where wisdom guides strategy, officers drive operations, universities deepen our reach, and distinguished advisers amplify our voice. This framework positions Okinawa JALT for sustainable growth and deeper community impact.

Local Awards Program

Celebrating the dedication and achievements of Okinawa JALT members and the broader Okinawa EFL community

🏆 Conference Presentation Awards

Best Presentation

Gold Award

Presented to the conference presentation judged most outstanding in content, delivery, and impact on the Okinawa EFL community.

Runner-Up

Silver Award

Recognizes a presentation of exceptional quality and merit, demonstrating strong pedagogical insight and practical application.

Third Place

Bronze Award

Honors a presentation that makes a notable contribution to the professional development of Okinawa's language teachers.

Special Category

Rising Star Award

Celebrates a first-time conference presenter who shows exceptional promise and makes a memorable debut in the Okinawa JALT community.

🌺 Annual Recognition Awards

Volunteer of the Year

Awarded annually to the member who has made the most significant and sustained volunteer contribution to Okinawa JALT — through organizing events, supporting members, or strengthening the community in any capacity.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The chapter's highest honor, recognizing a member whose decades of service, scholarship, and leadership have left a lasting legacy on Okinawa JALT and the wider EFL profession in Japan.

⏳ Long-Service Recognition

🔟

10-Year Member

Decade of Distinction award honoring ten years of commitment to the chapter and its community

🌟

15+ Year Member

Ryukyu Legacy Award — the highest long-service honor, recognizing exceptional longevity and loyalty to Okinawa JALT

Awards are presented at the Annual Conference. Nominations for the Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards are open to all members. Contact us for nomination details.

Local Membership Options

Okinawa JALT is expanding access with local membership tiers designed to welcome every educator — from students to seasoned professionals

Local membership complements JALT national membership by providing direct access to Okinawa chapter events, publications, and community — with new free and subsidized tiers to ensure no educator is excluded.

FREE ACCESS
🎒

Student Member

¥0
per year
  • ✓ Access to all monthly meetings
  • ✓ Chapter newsletter subscription
  • ✓ Reduced conference registration
  • ✓ Mentorship opportunities
  • ✓ Valid with student ID enrollment
FREE ACCESS
🌸

Retiree Member

¥0
per year (age 65+)
  • ✓ Access to all monthly meetings
  • ✓ Chapter newsletter subscription
  • ✓ Reduced conference registration
  • ✓ Full community access
  • ✓ For educators aged 65 and over
DIGITAL MEMBER
💻

Digital Member

¥5,000
per year
  • ✓ Online meeting access (Zoom)
  • ✓ Full digital resource library
  • ✓ OkiJALT Journal subscription
  • ✓ Newsletter & announcements
  • ✓ Online conference access
LIFETIME
♾️

Lifetime Member

TBD
one-time fee (under review)
  • ✓ Permanent chapter membership
  • ✓ All member benefits, forever
  • ✓ Recognition at annual conference
  • ✓ Name in chapter history records
  • ✓ Fee structure being finalized
BY INVITATION
🎖️

Honorary Member

¥0
by invitation only
  • ✓ All full member privileges
  • ✓ Special recognition at events
  • ✓ Lifetime chapter affiliation
  • ✓ Awarded for exceptional service
  • ✓ Voted by Executive Officers Council

Local membership is separate from JALT national membership. We encourage all local members to also consider joining JALT nationally for access to the full range of national resources, publications, and events. Questions? Get in touch.

Strategic Partnerships

Expanding Okinawa JALT's network of collaboration — locally, nationally, and across the Asia-Pacific region

🤝

Renewing Existing MOUs

Formalizing and renewing Memoranda of Understanding with our current institutional partners ensures continuity, mutual accountability, and renewed commitment to shared goals. Updated MOUs will include clearer terms for co-organized events, speaker exchanges, and resource sharing.

🌐

JALT Chapters & SIGs

Building stronger connections with other JALT chapters and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) creates opportunities for joint programming, co-sponsored events, and cross-chapter membership drives. These partnerships keep Okinawa JALT connected to the national professional community.

🌏

Asia-Pacific Expansion

Okinawa's unique geographic position makes it a natural bridge for EFL partnerships across Asia and the Pacific. We are actively seeking collaborations with language teaching associations in Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and beyond — expanding our members' global professional networks.

📋

MOUs Committee

A dedicated subcommittee will oversee all partnership agreements — from initial outreach and negotiation through ongoing review and renewal. This committee ensures our partnerships remain active, mutually beneficial, and aligned with chapter goals.

Partnership Goals for 2025–2027

🏫

5+ University Partners

Okinawa's major institutions

🤝

3+ JALT Chapter MOUs

Formalized chapter agreements

🌏

2+ International Partners

Asia-Pacific associations

📄

All MOUs Reviewed

Annual review cycle

Interested in partnering with Okinawa JALT? We welcome inquiries from educational institutions, professional associations, and community organizations. Contact us to start the conversation.

Okinawa JALT Journal

A new practitioner journal for and by Okinawa's EFL educators — bridging classroom experience and scholarly inquiry

Our Mission

The Okinawa JALT Journal is a peer-reviewed practitioner publication dedicated to the professional development of English language educators across Okinawa. It provides a venue for sharing classroom research, reflective practice, innovative pedagogy, and professional insights rooted in the Okinawa context.

The journal aims to be accessible to practitioners at all levels — from experienced researchers to teachers publishing for the first time — while maintaining high editorial standards through rigorous peer review.

Journal Highlights

  • 📄 Peer-reviewed research articles
  • 🏫 Classroom practice reports
  • 🔍 Action research narratives
  • 📝 Reflective teaching essays
  • 📚 Book & resource reviews
  • 💬 Teacher interviews & profiles
  • 🌐 Open-access, free to all readers
  • 🏆 Annual Best Paper Award

Submission Categories

Research Articles

Original empirical or theoretical research on EFL teaching and learning in Okinawa or Japan contexts. 3,000–6,000 words.

Practice Reports

Descriptions and analyses of classroom activities, materials, or techniques with practical takeaways. 1,500–3,000 words.

Reflective Essays

Thoughtful narratives on teaching philosophy, professional development journeys, or significant classroom moments. 1,000–2,500 words.

Book & Resource Reviews

Critical evaluations of recent EFL publications, teaching materials, apps, or conference proceedings. 500–1,200 words.

Volume 1 Timeline

📢

Call for Submissions

Summer 2026

Submissions open to all members

📬

Submission Deadline

January 31, 2027

Final manuscripts due

🔍

Peer Review

Feb – Mar 2027

Double-blind review process

🎉

Publication

April / May 2027

Vol. 1 released online

The Okinawa JALT Journal is managed by the Publications Chair with support from the editorial board. Questions about submissions? Contact us.

JALT2026 International Conference – Beyond the Classroom: From Local Voice to Global Impact – Nagoya, Japan, November 20–22, 2026