This summer Emerson made two important additions to its outstanding faculty lineup. Both are Japanese teachers who will be splitting what was previously taught by Kayo Nakamura.
Yukiko Kobayashi Miller will be Emerson’s new middle school Japanese instructor. She has more than 10 years of Japanese teaching experience, from college level classes in Japan to tutoring elementary school students in the Ann Arbor area. Yukiko is a graduate of Hiroshima Women’s University with a degree in Japanese language and literature, and credentials in teaching Japanese as a foreign language. Yukiko and Kayo were able to meet before Kayo moved to Japan and continue to correspond. Yukiko brings incredibly valuable experience and passion to this position that will benefit all current and future Japanese students.
Melinda Krajniak will be Emerson’s new 4th and 5th Japanese instructor. Melinda is a former JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program) instructor who taught in Shiga Prefecture at several schools over the 2011-2012 school year. Melinda graduated from Albion College with a degree in International Studies where she also served as a Japanese Teacher’s assistant and headed up many Japanese cultural activities on campus. Melinda brings tremendous enthusiasm for all things Japanese and is eager to share that zeal with her new students.
From everyone at Emerson School, welcome to our family Yukiko and Melinda!