Welcome to our blog spot! We are the California Teachers of the Year, 2010 and we'll be posting updates and pictures as we travel through the beautiful country of Japan between June 28 & July 9. Completing the orientation on June 4 with Tamiko Nakamoto, the trip coordinator, not only prepared us but whetted our appetite for sushi and Japanese culture. Tamiko does all this coordination on her own time after her job at the Japanese Consulate. We can't thank her enough! She must never sleep!! JTB was well represented by Mr. Nitta and Ms. Aoyama who helped familiarize our group with cultural differences and expectations so that we don't embarrass ourselves during our visit!Later in the day we were thrilled to learn that our own Kim Edwards, who coordinates the Teacher of the Year program will join us on our trip as the California Department of Education designee. Kelly Kovacic, who represented us so well at the National level will act as our official delegation lead as we meet educators and dignitaries throughout our Japan travels.
The photo above was taken at the end of the training day. It shows Kathy and Amber with their Japan bags full or reading material, maps and travel suggestions. Unfortunately, Valerie was not able to attend the So Cal meeting and Kelly and Melanie needed to leave early. But, you'll be seeing plenty of all 5 CA TOYs in future posts....
Thanks for joining us,
Kelly Kovacic, Melanie Tolan, Amber Carrow, Valerie Ziegler & Kathy Marvin
I'm excited to follow you guys through your trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks David! And thanks for being our very first follower!!!
ReplyDeletei love you ms.carrow by oscar zarargoza<333
ReplyDeleteLadies, be prepared for the trip of a lifetime! You will love the Japanese - their students and their teachers, and their exquisite country. I will never forget my trip and the amazing experiences and insights I gained. Give Mitzi hugs from all of us who were fortunate enough to have her as our tour guide! We'll be living vicariously through your experiences. Be good to Kim!!
ReplyDeleteXO, Karen O'Connor, TOY 2000
2010ers,
ReplyDeleteGreat job on starting the blog and keeping the tradition up. I look forward to experiencing all the details and joys of the trip with you.
Jim Jordan
2009 blogger
enjoy yourselves and try everything, you won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteTell Mitzi hi and let her know everyone in my group misses her.
Tell Kim to relax, it will all be fine
have fun
jose navarro CATOY 09
This is exciting!! I am thrilled to be able to follow you all. As Karen said, it is a trip of a lifetime. Enjoy every moment. I can't wait to hear about it all through your blog... :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun!!
Dawna Countryman
Hi Gals-
ReplyDeleteYou are truly about to have the experience of a lifetime. I still think about all that I learned in Japan and can hardly believe I was able to go. Here's my challenge to you: when it comes to food, try it all. Be brave and live it up!
Michael Long
CaTOY 08
Remember, if you like it, buy it, otherwise you will regret not doing so when you get home. Don’t worry about the price; you can eat beanie-weenies for a month afterwards. And yes, get the shoes AND the art!
ReplyDeleteIt was very nice meeting you all at the orientation. Look forward to following you through this blog. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteEtsuko Aoyama
JTB USA, Inc.
Hi All-
ReplyDeleteBe prepared for a trip of a lifetime!Can't wait to see your pictures.
Greg McFall
CTOY'08
Have fun and can't wait to see pics of Kim living it up!
ReplyDelete