Japanese teacher Naoto Kobayashi established the state's first and only Japanese language program at Hall-Dale Middle and High Schools in Farmingdale. Originally hired to teach third through seventh grade, Mr. Kobayashi has expanded the Japanese program into a full K-12 curriculum. He coordinates a student exchange program between the district and the Japanese prefecture of Aomori, as well as a cultural exchange program that brings master artists in Japanese tea ceremony, kite-painting and calligraphy to Maine. He was one of the first teachers to use Maine's interactive television system to broadcast classroom lessons to two neighboring schools. Recognized nationally for his unique program, Mr. Kobayashi is frequently asked to share his blend of Japanese and American teaching strategies with educators throughout the U.S. and Japan.
1992 Senshuu University, B.A.
