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Information for New Teachers

What to do before you arrive

  • Before arriving in Japan it is a good idea to do a little research about the country's culture and living conditions.
  • Be financially prepared. During a move to Japan you will incur a few additional expenses that are not normal in a stateside move. For more specific information about the types of expenses please contact the school office.
  • Brush up on your math calculating skills. You will be converting US dollars to Japanese yen. The rates are subject to change each day. Also, the Japanese use the metric system of measurement. Familiarizing yourself with these units will help you for the adjustments in speed limits, knowing the temperature outside, as well as measuring the windows in your home to buy Japanese curtains.
  • Make sure your family, friends and other correspondents receive your new mailing address. The school's address will be your mailing address.
  • Know how you are going to manage your open accounts, bills, and other important business. You may want to designate someone to have special power of attorney.
  • Make sure your passport is up to date and that you have all of you important papers in a safe place as you travel.

What to expect when you arrive

If you fly into the base terminal, someone will greet you from the school. They will assist you to your temporary living quarters. When making your travel arrangements, this is a preferred option.

However if you fly into Narita, the following information is very important. If this is your first appointment overseas and you do not have military identification, expect some slight delays. Teachers who are reporting for the first time need to have their original orders and official passport in hand to show to the passport control officers. Lines at Narita Airport average between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day. The line can be longer, so be prepared to wait.

Finding your way through the airport once you have cleared customs can seem like a maze. Stay calm and follow these helpful tips:

  1. Identify what terminal you are in - Terminal 1 or Terminal 2
  2. Know what mode of transportation you are going to take to get to Yokota Air Base. After arriving in Japan you still have about two or more hours of traveling before you reach your final destination.
  • If you are taking the train, follow the signs that lead you to the JR railway. There are information booths located on the main lobby floor with English speakers who can help you. You will need to exchange some US dollars for Japanese yen in order to purchase a ticket. There are money exchange booths located on the main lobby floor. A school representative should have given you information regarding train directions to Yokota.
  • If you are taking the Yokota Shuttle Bus you will need to go to Terminal 1 to the DoD Liaison on first floor. Have your orders ready as those with orders will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. All others will be space available.
  • If a school representative is meeting you at the airport know where to look for him/her. Usually a representative will be waiting outside of the customs check as you exit to the lobby. Have a plan for identifying each other.

Mentor Program

The mentor program provides support to teachers who are new to Joan K. Mendel Elementary School. This includes new CONUS hires, as well as teachers who transfer from other DoDDS schools. Most mentors contact their mentee during the summer to set in place a positive relationship that carries over into the school year.

Mentors and mentees spend time working together setting up the classroom, and discussing issues specific to their teaching assignment. Mentees are further initiated into the culture of Joan K. Mendel ES through group meetings involving administrators, counselors, CSC representatives, SIP leaders, school nurses, and PTO

The mentoring program at Joan K. Mendel ES continues to provide formal support throughout the school year in the form of regular meetings. These meetings address standards for teachers as found in the Performance Appraisal Companion and focus on concerns specific to the new teachers. Informal support is provided by day-to-day interactions between mentor and mentee.