Teacher Testimonies: Chris Weber

Hi Simon,

As Kevin mentioned, I'm an ex-employee of his and we've become good
friends too. He's a really great guy and as a boss he gives the
teachers freedom to have their own teaching style and implement their
own lesson plans (within reason).

At the schools there are many text books and materials to use, so you
don't need to worry about having to start from scratch using your own
materials.

I'm very glad that I worked for KES as my first job in Japan. I stayed
with them for 2 years and only moved on because I wanted to see what
it was like to work in public elementary schools. I often go back to
the area around Odawara and now that I don't live there I appreciate
even more what a nice place it is. It's near the coast and has
mountains and forests nearby, so the air is much cleaner than where I
live now (the South of Saitama Prefecture, right near the Tokyo
border).

I can't really give you any more advice except that my 2 years with
KES gave me some great memories and certainly a better introduction to
Japan than if I'd worked for one of the big companies like Nova etc,
which have a repuatation for being more like fast food companies in
terms of the turnover of staff and students. KES is more like a
family-run restaurant with a friendly atmosphere and more personal
approach with students and teachers alike.

If Kevin and Ikumi do hire you, I have to give you my congratulations
as I'm sure that you'll feel at home there.

Good luck
Chris