Our long-standing teacher exchange program continues to strengthen the bond between Japan and Omaha, creating meaningful opportunities for educators to learn, grow, and connect across cultures.

Last fall, we were honored to welcome educators to Omaha from Shimizu-Iida Elementary School in Japan. This summer, our teachers from Standing Bear Elementary traveled to Japan, where they observed classes at Shimizu Okitsu Junior High School and reunited with the educators they had met during last year's exchange with Shimizu-Iida Elementary.

While visiting Shimizu Okitsu Junior High School, the teachers observed both an Art class and an English class. During the English lesson, eight student groups confidently presented information about their local community in English. After each presentation, our visiting educators asked simple follow-up questions, providing students with an authentic opportunity to practice their conversational English skills while engaging in meaningful cultural exchange.

These reciprocal visits foster lasting international friendships, deepen cultural understanding, and provide educators with new teaching ideas and perspectives that they bring back to their own classrooms. By learning from one another, both students and teachers benefit from these shared experiences. We are proud to continue this valued partnership and look forward to many more years of collaboration, cultural exchange, and inspiring educational opportunities.