2025–26

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

Okinawa JALT Constitution

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

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.

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.

UsingEnglish.com

A huge collection of tools & handouts for English teachers

BBC Learning English

The best site for English educational materials for teachers and students

VOA Learning English

One of the most extensive collections of educational materials

Lyrics Training

Learn the lyrics of your favorite songs interactively

ELLLO

3,000+ listening activities available for you

Busy Teacher

17,000+ worksheets and lesson plans for English teachers

TED Ed

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

Randall's ESL Listening

High-quality listening materials for all proficiency levels

Google Scholar

Search across articles, theses, books and more

Academic Phrasebank

A collection of academic phrases for research writing

OWL Writing Lab (Purdue)

Reliable source for APA/MLA citation rules

Academia.edu

A social research network with 8 million articles

ResearchGate

Social research network with 135 million publications

JALT Publications

EFL research and teaching from JALT

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.

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.

Professional Development Advisor

Member Learning & Growth

A new role focused on member learning and growth, helping members develop as teachers, presenters, and scholars. Like the other new positions, it carries a one-year renewable term.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• ✓ Access to all monthly meetings
• ✓ Chapter newsletter subscription
• ✓ Reduced conference registration
• ✓ Mentorship opportunities
• ✓ Valid with student ID enrollment

• ✓ Access to all monthly meetings
• ✓ Chapter newsletter subscription
• ✓ Reduced conference registration
• ✓ Full community access
• ✓ For educators aged 65 and over

• ✓ Online meeting access (Zoom)
• ✓ Full digital resource library
• ✓ OkiJALT Journal subscription
• ✓ Newsletter & announcements
• ✓ Online conference access

• ✓ Permanent chapter membership
• ✓ All member benefits, forever
• ✓ Recognition at annual conference
• ✓ Name in chapter history records
• ✓ Fee structure being finalized

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

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.