This week, we’re putting the spotlight on iLEAD Online tutor Yuco Saigusa, who knows that education isn’t just about textbooks and lectures; it’s an exciting adventure. Read on to get to know Yuco!
What is your background in education, and how did you come to be at iLEAD Online?
I was originally an elementary school multiple-subject teacher affiliated with the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education.
Since moving to California, I have been working as a professor of Japanese at universities and colleges.
Student diversity at universities and colleges in California is great, and each student has a different background. Especially in language learning, each student has different characteristics and different ways of learning, so language teachers need to provide as diverse of a learning environment as possible.
I was drawn to iLEAD because I’m interested in improving the quality of learning by creating a personalized curriculum that suits each learner.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader?
In my opinion, a great leader is always humble. I believe that by humbly analyzing oneself, one improves.
What does a day in your school life look like?
I teach both online and in person. On days I have classes, I get up as early as possible and work up a sweat at the gym before teaching. This often clears my head and allows me to provide a good class.
What are some fun facts about you?
- I love adventure. When I was a student, my friends and I enjoyed backpacking trips in South America, Turkey, and Egypt.
- I was also obsessed with snowboarding until a few years ago and enjoyed snowboarding every weekend. Unfortunately, I am not an athletic person, but I loved jumping on kickers.
- I have a goofy personality.
- I forget things as soon as I am thinking about something else! Last year, when I got into my car, I put my Apple laptop on the roof of the car before opening the car door. Then I left the laptop on the roof and drove to the coffee shop five minutes away. To my surprise, when I got to the coffee shop, the laptop was still on the roof of the car!
Yuco approaches each day with a commitment to learner success. As she continues to carve her path at iLEAD Online, one thing’s for sure: with Yuco by your side, learning will always be an adventure!
iLEAD Online learners, do you need academic support? Please sign up for tutoring sessions with Yuco through your tutoring course in Brightspace!