I've been teaching for 17 years in Houston, Texas, and have always dreamed of teaching in Japan. However, after reading the (Jan. 5) article and learning the truth about working conditions, maybe my dream has ended. I can only imagine how hard it would be to struggle financially in an unfamiliar country and work so much that you become too tired or sick to enjoy the new culture. What makes it worth it?
How will treating American teachers with little respect for their time, education and well-being ever close the peace gap between the two countries? That makes me sad. Japan is a country rich with a culture that many American educators would love the opportunity to experience. Japan needs to find a way for this to work.
monica phillips
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