CJLEA STATEMENT ON ANTI-ASIAN BIAS
The Colorado Japanese Language Education Association (CJLEA) expresses outrage over increasing anti-Asian incidents and grieves with the families of victims.
We stand against any kind of racism and also gender discrimination. As Japanese language educators in Colorado, our members work to promote communication and understanding of different cultures. We support all Asian communities and any races who are discriminated against in society.
CJLEA pledges to continue to work on fostering cultural understanding, equality, diversity, and inclusivity in order to make a better world for everyone.
Please see the link of AATJ (American Association of Teachers of Japanese) website for helpful resources on the topic of addressing anti-AAPI racism.
We stand against any kind of racism and also gender discrimination. As Japanese language educators in Colorado, our members work to promote communication and understanding of different cultures. We support all Asian communities and any races who are discriminated against in society.
CJLEA pledges to continue to work on fostering cultural understanding, equality, diversity, and inclusivity in order to make a better world for everyone.
Please see the link of AATJ (American Association of Teachers of Japanese) website for helpful resources on the topic of addressing anti-AAPI racism.
2026-2027 Officers Elected
President: Hisako Schibli (University of Colorado Boulder)
Vice-President: Hiromi Onishi (Colorado College)
Secretary: Chisato Nii (Colorado State University)
Treasurer: Chika Rodier (Colorado Japanese School)
Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster (University of Colorado Colorado Springs)
Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack (Japanese School of Denver)
Vice-President: Hiromi Onishi (Colorado College)
Secretary: Chisato Nii (Colorado State University)
Treasurer: Chika Rodier (Colorado Japanese School)
Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster (University of Colorado Colorado Springs)
Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack (Japanese School of Denver)
The 38th Colorado Japanese Language Speech Contest Successfully Held
Japanese Speech Contest Awards
Fall Assembly 2025 Successfully Held
The Fall Assembly was held on October 4th at the University of Northern Colorado Denver Center.
During the meeting, members discussed a variety of topics related to the integration of AI in education, including how to implement AI in the classroom, how to regulate its use, how to communicate these regulations in course syllabi, and how instructors can utilize AI beyond teaching. Additional discussions addressed challenges posed by AI in teaching, such as academic integrity concerns, and strategies instructors are using to prevent and manage AI-related cheating. The discussion was led by CJLEA President, Hisako Schibli.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Consul Sanae Kanno from the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver for her participation. We were also delighted by the special treats she generously shared with us.
During the meeting, members discussed a variety of topics related to the integration of AI in education, including how to implement AI in the classroom, how to regulate its use, how to communicate these regulations in course syllabi, and how instructors can utilize AI beyond teaching. Additional discussions addressed challenges posed by AI in teaching, such as academic integrity concerns, and strategies instructors are using to prevent and manage AI-related cheating. The discussion was led by CJLEA President, Hisako Schibli.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Consul Sanae Kanno from the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver for her participation. We were also delighted by the special treats she generously shared with us.
Spring Assembly and Workshop 2025 Successfully Held
The 37th Colorado Japanese Language Speech Contest Successfully Held
Japanese Speech Contest Awards
2025-2026 Officers Elected
President: Hisako Schibli (University of Colorado Boulder)
Vice-President: Miwako Winters (Ricks Center for Gifted Children)
Secretary: Chisato Nii (Colorado State University)
Treasurer: Masami Rivera Rios (Metropolitan State University of Denver/
University of Colorado Colorado Springs)
Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster (University of Colorado Colorado Springs)
Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack (Japanese School of Denver)
Vice-President: Miwako Winters (Ricks Center for Gifted Children)
Secretary: Chisato Nii (Colorado State University)
Treasurer: Masami Rivera Rios (Metropolitan State University of Denver/
University of Colorado Colorado Springs)
Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster (University of Colorado Colorado Springs)
Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack (Japanese School of Denver)
Fall Assembly and Workshop 2024 Successfully Held
The fall assembly featured Dr. Joan Ericson's presentation on 「日本と私と研究：幼少期から現在まで」celebrating her long successful career at Colorado College and as a Japanese literature, language, and culture specialist. Followed by lively discussion on teaching Japanese outside of the textbook, and new ways to celebrate students' accomplishments through Japanese National Honor Society.
The 36th Colorado Japanese Language Speech Contest Successfully Held
CJLEA 2023 Fall Assembly Successfully Held
The Fall workshop 2023
The workshop titled "Gen Z Japanese Education Revival: Unleashing Post-Pandemic Excitement, Embracing Individuality and Digital Skills!" held at Koelbel Library in Greenwood Village, Colorado on November 4th, 2023, was a resounding success. The event featured esteemed guest speaker, Ms. Mieko Avello, AATJ Vice President and renowned Japanese educator.
Ms. Avello-sensei, who currently teaches Japanese at Miami Palmetto Senior High School and Florida International University, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the workshop. Teachers from Colorado and Wyoming were provided with invaluable insights into innovative teaching ideas and strategies tailored to engage Generation Z students.
The workshop focused on leveraging the unique characteristics of Generation Z, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, to reinvigorate Japanese language education. Attendees gained valuable strategies for embracing individuality and fostering a dynamic learning environment. Ms. Avello's emphasis on incorporating digital skills into the curriculum resonated strongly with the participants, reflecting the evolving landscape of education.
Beyond the enriching content of the workshop, the event also served as a platform for networking and relationship-building among educators. Attendees had the opportunity to forge stronger connections with their peers, further enhancing the collaborative spirit within the Japanese education community.
The workshop titled "Gen Z Japanese Education Revival: Unleashing Post-Pandemic Excitement, Embracing Individuality and Digital Skills!" held at Koelbel Library in Greenwood Village, Colorado on November 4th, 2023, was a resounding success. The event featured esteemed guest speaker, Ms. Mieko Avello, AATJ Vice President and renowned Japanese educator.
Ms. Avello-sensei, who currently teaches Japanese at Miami Palmetto Senior High School and Florida International University, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the workshop. Teachers from Colorado and Wyoming were provided with invaluable insights into innovative teaching ideas and strategies tailored to engage Generation Z students.
The workshop focused on leveraging the unique characteristics of Generation Z, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, to reinvigorate Japanese language education. Attendees gained valuable strategies for embracing individuality and fostering a dynamic learning environment. Ms. Avello's emphasis on incorporating digital skills into the curriculum resonated strongly with the participants, reflecting the evolving landscape of education.
Beyond the enriching content of the workshop, the event also served as a platform for networking and relationship-building among educators. Attendees had the opportunity to forge stronger connections with their peers, further enhancing the collaborative spirit within the Japanese education community.
The 35th Colorado Japanese Language Speech Contest Successfully Held
2022-2023 Officers Elected
1. President: Hisaaki Wake
2. Vice-President: Setsu Kawada
3. Secretary: Hisako Schibli
4. Treasurer: Mariko Hacke
5. Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster
6. Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack
2. Vice-President: Setsu Kawada
3. Secretary: Hisako Schibli
4. Treasurer: Mariko Hacke
5. Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster
6. Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack
CJLEA 2022 Fall Assembly Successfully Held
2022-2023 Officers Elected
1. President: Hisaaki Wake
2. Vice-President: Hisako Schibli
3. Secretary: Hiromi Onishi
4. Treasurer: Mariko Hacke
5. Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster
6. Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack
2. Vice-President: Hisako Schibli
3. Secretary: Hiromi Onishi
4. Treasurer: Mariko Hacke
5. Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster
6. Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Sachiko Cammack
The 34th Colorado Japanese Language Speech Contest Successfully Held
CJLEA 2021 Fall Assembly Successfully held
CJLEA 2021 Spring Assembly Successfully held
CJLEA 2020 Fall Assembly Successfully Held
2020-2021 Officers Elected
1. President: Hisaaki Wake
2. Vice-President: Hisako Schibli
3. Secretary: Hiromi Onishi
4. Treasurer: Sayuri Collins
5. Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster
6. Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Noriko Garofalo
2. Vice-President: Hisako Schibli
3. Secretary: Hiromi Onishi
4. Treasurer: Sayuri Collins
5. Public Relations Officer: Mioko Webster
6. Activity Coordinator/Japan Cup Liaison: Noriko Garofalo
2020 Speech Contest Cancelled
Due to safety concerns, the 2020 Japanese Speech Contest is cancelled. Hope to see you all next year!
CJLEA 2020 Spring Assembly Successfully Held
The 33rd Colorado/Wyoming Japanese Speech Contest Awards
(Check Out Photos Here)
Congratulations to All Contestants!
【高校スキット】
優秀賞 The Inch-High Cowboy Kelly Walsh High School
【大学スキット】
1. じゃんけんキング CSU
2. ダブルデート CSU
3. ばんごはん MSU
4. うなぎとアイスクリーム CU Boulder
【スピーチ High School】
優秀賞 勇気を出して Maya Nair
【スピーチ College II】
1. 広島の体験 Natalie Montecino CSU
2. 大相撲万歳！ Scott Wachob CU Boulder
3. 日本での冒険 Jordan Yonce UNC
【スピーチ College III】
1. 頑張らなくてもいい Gillian Xu CC
2. 文化は違っていても Julianna Bristol CU Boulder
【スピーチ College IV】
1. 露の世 Sherry Xu CC
2. 文化の違い Jonna Lee CSU
3. Confidence 自信について Carolina Dunphy CSU
4. 日本語を学ぶ価値 James DiNoia UNC
【スピーチ Heritage】
優秀賞 私の経験と日本語 Aya Kaneko JAR
【スピーチ 特別賞】
日本のプラスチック消費 Caeli McCusker CU Boulder
優秀賞 The Inch-High Cowboy Kelly Walsh High School
【大学スキット】
1. じゃんけんキング CSU
2. ダブルデート CSU
3. ばんごはん MSU
4. うなぎとアイスクリーム CU Boulder
【スピーチ High School】
優秀賞 勇気を出して Maya Nair
【スピーチ College II】
1. 広島の体験 Natalie Montecino CSU
2. 大相撲万歳！ Scott Wachob CU Boulder
3. 日本での冒険 Jordan Yonce UNC
【スピーチ College III】
1. 頑張らなくてもいい Gillian Xu CC
2. 文化は違っていても Julianna Bristol CU Boulder
【スピーチ College IV】
1. 露の世 Sherry Xu CC
2. 文化の違い Jonna Lee CSU
3. Confidence 自信について Carolina Dunphy CSU
4. 日本語を学ぶ価値 James DiNoia UNC
【スピーチ Heritage】
優秀賞 私の経験と日本語 Aya Kaneko JAR
【スピーチ 特別賞】
日本のプラスチック消費 Caeli McCusker CU Boulder
CJLEA 2019 Fall Assembly Successfully Held! Check Out Photos.
CJLEA 2019 Spring Assembly Successfully Held! Check Out Photos.
The 32nd Colorado/Wyoming Japanese Speech Contest
Successfully Held. Check Out Photos.
Contest Results: Congratulations!
高校／大学 グループスキット (3 Awards)
1. 大学祭 CSU
2. デート！デート! UNC
3. 友達の誕生日 CU Boulder
スピーチ Category II (5 Awards)
1. 初めての日本の経験 James R. Reimanジェームズ・ラエマン UNC
2. 素晴らしい日本語 Danica Malabananダニカ・マラバナン PPCC
2. 水の中と外の庭園 Stella Wilsonステラ・ウィルソン MSU
4. アニメが人生を変える！Yingqi Liangインチー・リアン CSU
4. 特撮の魅力 Shumin Li シュウミン・リー CSU
6. “A Comparison of Chinese and Japanese" Cody Robinsonコデー・ロビンソン UCCS
スピーチ Category III (4 Awards)
1. もったいない Jacob Stewartジェイコブ・スチュワート CSU
2. 日本のおもてなし Elinor Netheryエレノア・ネザリー CSU
3. 日本の留学生体験 Gloria Ordonezグロリア・オルドニエズ UNC
4. 私との日本文学 Miya Yin ミヤ・イン CC
スピーチ Category IV (1 Award)
1. 日本のリサイクル文化から学んだこと Stephanie Rogel ステファニー・ロゲル CSU
スピーチ Category Heritage (1 Awards)
1. 日本国籍法 高橋星司 CSU
スピーチ 特別賞／IACE賞
カタカナを使い過ぎる日本人 Siau Sing Lim ジアウジング・リム CSU
Contest Guidelines and Criteria:
| speechcontestguidelines2018final.pdf |
| 2018_judging_criteria_skit_final.pdf |
| 2018_judging_criteria_speech_final.pdf |
CJLEA Fall Workshop 2018 was a great success!
Please check out event pictures here.
