Avril Haye Matsui
Associate Professor
Kasugai
Summary
Educator with strong foundation in academic teaching and research. Adept at fostering engaging learning environment while collaborating effectively with colleagues. Skilled in curriculum development, student mentorship, and scholarly publication. Known for adaptability and delivering measurable results in line with institutional goals.
Dr. Avril Haye-Matsui is a language educator and applied linguist with over 25 years of experience teaching English and intercultural communication in Japan. Her research examines the intersections of race, gender, and identity in higher education, focusing on the experiences of Black female English language teachers. She has published widely and presented internationally on applied linguistics, diversity, and inclusive pedagogy, combining scholarly research with practical expertise to advance socially aware and equitable language education.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Associate Professor (non-tenured)
Aichi Prefectural University
Nagakute-shi, Aichi, Japan
03.2022 - Current
- Conducted research on educational best practices, contributing to departmental strategies that elevated academic standards.
- Implemented innovative assessment techniques, resulting in improved student performance and alignment with learning outcomes.
- Developed and delivered engaging curriculum that enhanced student understanding and retention of complex theories.
- Collaborated with academic committees to revise course offerings, ensuring alignment with industry trends and student needs.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for faculty, enhancing instructional skills and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
- Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
- Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
Foreign Language Lecturer
Nagoya City University
Nagoya, Aichi
04.2018 - 03.2022
- Developed and implemented engaging curriculum for diverse language learners, enhancing student participation and comprehension.
- Facilitated immersive language practice sessions, fostering a collaborative learning environment and improving conversational skills.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments and feedback, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and student needs.
- Mentored junior faculty in effective teaching methodologies, contributing to a cohesive academic team and improved instructional quality.
- Collaborated with academic peers to enhance program offerings, resulting in increased enrollment and student satisfaction.
- Contributed to departmental meetings by sharing insights on effective teaching strategies and proposing solutions for addressing common challenges faced by faculty members.
- Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
- Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
- Implemented differentiated instruction methods to accommodate diverse student learning styles.
- Adapted quickly to shifting educational landscapes during remote learning periods, leveraging digital tools to engage students via virtual platforms while maintaining a high level of academic rigor.
Full-time Language Lecturer
Aichi Prefectural University
Nagakute, Aichi
04.2014 - 03.2018
- Developed and delivered engaging curriculum frameworks, enhancing student understanding and academic performance in diverse subject areas.
- Led collaborative research initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that advanced knowledge in critical educational methodologies.
- Mentored junior faculty and graduate students, promoting professional growth and fostering a culture of academic excellence within the department.
- Implemented innovative assessment strategies, improving student engagement and providing actionable feedback for continuous learning.
- Developed and implemented innovative language curricula, enhancing student engagement and promoting effective learning outcomes.
- Fostered a collaborative classroom environment, utilizing diverse teaching methods to address varying student learning styles.
- Organized and led workshops on language acquisition techniques, contributing to professional development for faculty members and enhancing educational practices.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
Full-time Language Instructor
Nanzan University
Nagoya, Aichi
04.2008 - 03.2014
- Worked as a member of the Nanzan English Education Center
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that enhanced student language acquisition and retention outcomes.
- Facilitated immersive classroom experiences that promoted cultural understanding and practical language application among students.
- Conducted assessments and provided constructive feedback, ensuring continuous improvement in student performance and engagement.
- Collaborated with faculty to align curriculum with academic standards, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.
- Taught a variety of lessons related to language acquisition including reading, writing, listening and oral communication classes.
Part-time instructor of English
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies; Department of English Communication, Aichi Shukutoku University; School of Cross-Cultural Communication, Sugiyama Jogakuen University; Department of Modern Languages, Chubu University
Aichi
04.2005 - 03.2008
- Department of British and American Studies
- Concurrent
- Developed engaging curriculum and instructional materials to enhance students' proficiency in English communication skills.
- Fostered a collaborative learning environment by implementing interactive teaching methods that encouraged student participation.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods, providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.
- Delivered lectures and facilitated discussions on cross-cultural communication, enriching students' understanding of diverse perspectives.
Full-time instructor of English
Anjo Gakuen Josei High School
Okazaki, Aichi
01.2003 - 03.2005
- Designed and developed communicative English lesson materials aligned with curriculum goals.
- Taught and managed large, mixed-level classes in collaboration with Japanese teachers of English.
- Evaluated and implemented a new oral examination system to improve speaking assessment and student performance.
- Supported school-wide English programs and contributed to intercultural activities.
- Participated in general school activities such as cleaning, and sports day.
Part-time instructor of English
Kinjo Gakuin University, Extension College
Nagoya, Aichi
09.2001 - 03.2003
- Delivered English communication courses and developed interactive, student-centered lesson plans to enhance communicative proficiency and engagement.
Part-time communication instructor
Microsoft Japan
Nagoya, Aichi
09.2001 - 04.2002
- Provided business English instruction to Microsoft Japan executives, designing targeted lessons that enhanced professional communication, presentation skills, and intercultural competence.
Part-time instructor of English
Aichi Medical University
Aichi
04.2000 - 03.2002
- Taught English communication courses to medical students, designing lessons that supported clinical communication, medical vocabulary development, and intercultural patient engagement.
Full-time Human Resources Team Head Trainer for children’s programs
ECC Foreign Language Institute
Nagoya, Aichi
08.1996 - 03.2001
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs for staff, enhancing teaching methodologies for children's language acquisition.
- Led team initiatives to implement best practices in child-centered learning, significantly improving program effectiveness and engagement.
- Created and maintained training materials that aligned with curriculum standards, ensuring consistency across all educational sessions.
- Mentored and coached new trainers, fostering a collaborative environment that promoted professional growth and operational excellence.
Full-time AET of the Japan Exchange and Teaching program
Matsukawa Board of Education
Matsukawa, Nagano
08.1993 - 08.1996
- Facilitated engaging English language lessons, enhancing student participation and improving overall communication skills in the classroom.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching materials, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encouraged student creativity and critical thinking.
- Collaborated with local educators to integrate cultural exchange activities, enriching students' global awareness and appreciation of diversity.
Education
Frank Weldon comprehensive school
Nottingham, UK08.1986
PhD - Applied Linguistics
Ochanomizu University
Tokyo08.2022
Master of Arts - Japanese Language and Society
University of Sheffield
Sheffield, UK06.2006
BA - Public Administration
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield, UK08.1993
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Bilborough sixth form college
Nottingham, UK08.1989
Skills
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build effective professional relationships with students, colleagues, and stakeholders
Skilled in fostering collaborative, respectful learning environments
Adept at communicating complex ideas clearly and empathetically across diverse groups
Proven capacity to work constructively in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams
Effective communicator with a demonstrated ability to engage and motivate learners
Strong interpersonal skills grounded in active listening, cultural sensitivity, and professional communication
Curriculum design and development
English communication and academic skills instruction
Intercultural communication teaching
Business English and professional communication training
Teaching large multilevel classes
Student-centered and active learning methodology
Assessment design (including oral exam systems)
Materials writing for ESL/EFL and higher education
Online and hybrid course delivery
Critical thinking instruction
Qualitative research (narrative inquiry, interviews, discourse analysis)
Critical applied linguistics
Intersectionality and identity-focused research
Sociocultural and comparative studies
Research dissemination through peer-reviewed publications
Academic writing and editorial experience
Conference presentations (national, international, keynote, plenary)
Expertise in race, gender, and diversity in ELT
Cross-cultural communication and mediation
Communicating complex, sensitive topics with clarity and care
Effective collaboration across diverse cultural contexts
Presenting to varied audiences: academic, community, corporate
Community engagement with multicultural groups
Interpersonal rapport-building in educational environments
Program development and evaluation
Workshop design and facilitation
Community leadership (eg, Black Women in Japan, BLM Tokai)
Panel chairing and conference organization
Advisory roles for multicultural and diversity initiatives
Mentoring students and early-career educators
Awards
Aichi Prefectural University President’s Grant 2016, Aichi Prefectural University President’s Grant 2017, Best of JALT Award 2017
Affiliations
- Japan Association of Language Teaching (JALT)
- SIETAR Japan (Society for Intercultural Education Training and Research)
- KOTESOL (Korea Tesol)
- Creating Connections; multicultural Japan advisor
Publications
- An Examination of Japanese Perceptions of and the Role of the Black Other and Blackness Masters Dissertation, 2005, University of Sheffield School of East Asian Studies
- Prostitution in Japan Social Management or Regulation? single-authored, 2002, Chubu International Review (Chubu Daigaku Kokusai Kankei Gakubu Ronshu), 2, pp.170-176, (7 p.)
- The Appropriation of Blackness: Hip Hop and the Kokujin Ni Naritai Wakamono, single-authored, 2009, Academia Journal of the Nanzan Academic Society Humanities and Social Sciences, 88, Nanzan University, pp. 371-380, (10p.)
- Metaprograms for Literacy Development and Critical Thinking, 2012, co-authored, JALT Pan-sig proceedings, pp 61-67, (7p)
- The narrative of a female Jamaican ALT in Japan: Status and identity The Journal of the Faculty of Foreign Studies, Aichi prefectural University, 50, 2018 , 237-255
- They were women, and I had a cool image about them: Female role models and female English language majors. The Language Teacher 42, (2), 2018
- Black, British and female in the Japanese university classroom Book chapter in Foreign female English teachers in Japanese higher education, Candlin & Mynard, August 2020
- Exploring Issues of Race and Gender Among Black Female English Language Teachers in Japan PhD dissertation, 2022, Ochanomizu University, Graduate school of Humanities and Sciences
- Demonstrating Diversity: Reaching Beyond Stereotypes in the ESL Classroom. The Language Teacher 48, (5), 2024
- Being a Black woman in Japan, the intersection of race, gender & nationality Book chapter in Migration, transnational flows & the contested meanings of race in Asia, Springer Nature, (March 2025)
- Cultural Communication, High School Teacher’s Workshop, Nanzan University, Nagoya, 2nd July 2008.
- Female English Majors in Japan: Their Motivations and Ambitions, Women Educators and Language Learners (WELL) Conference, Saitama, 9th February 2012.
- Metaprograms for Literacy Development and Critical Thinking, Japan Association of Language Teachers (JALT) PanSIG Conference, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, 16th June 2012.
- Future English Identities of Japanese Female English Language Majores, Japan Association of Language Teachers (JALT) PanSIG Conference, Nanzan University, Nagoya, 18th May 2013.
- Black Women in Japan, Women Educators and Language Learners (WELL) Conference, Saitama, 6th February 2015.
- Black Female Experiences in Japan, Center for Japanese Studies (CJS), Nanzan University, Nagoya, 22nd April 2015.
- Black Women and Japan, (Guest Lecturer) Kita-Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 3rd December 2015.
- Black Women in Japan: Experiences and Perceptions, (Guest Lecturer) Hitotsubashi University, Tokyo, 1st July 2016.
- Activism in our Communities Panelist. Japan Black Studies Association Conference, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, 24th June 2017.
- Black Women Japan and Community, Constructive Communication Across Gender and Culture, Japan Association of Language Teachers, Mini Conference, Shizuoka, 30th September 2017.
- Young People, Diversity and Japan Panel Chair. Creating Connections Conference; Social and Emotional Support for Multicultural and International Families in Japan, Nagoya International School, 15th April 2017.
- Diversity in Our Communities Panel Chair, Creating Connections Conference; Social and Emotional Support for Multicultural and International Families in Japan, Nagoya International School, 22nd April 2018.
- Real Culture, Real Diversity in British Society, Japan Association of Language Teachers, PanSIG conference, Konan University, Nishinomiya, 18th May 2019.
- Using our Differences to Create Change, Living on the Edge Conference, Sangyo University, Kyoto, October 2019.
- Cultural Diversity in the ELT Classroom in Japan, Nagoya Chapter of Japan Association of Language Teachers, Online, 19th September 2020.
- Black Female ELT Professionals in Japan, Aichi Prefectural University English Lectures, Online, 9th November 2020.
- Blending Cultural Awareness and Social Activism, Japan Association of Language Teachers, National Online Conference, 21st November 2020.
- The Changing Face of ELT: Black Women in ELT, (Featured speaker) Japan Association of Language Teachers National Online Conference, 22nd November 2020.
- Stereotypes and Microaggressions: Shifting Perspectives (Guest Lecturer) Aichi Prefectural University English Lectures, Online, 17th January 2022.
- Pedagogy & Presence: Black Female ELT Teachers in Japan (Guest Lecturer) Tokyo Kasei University. Global Education Center online lectures, 4th February 2022
- Exploring Issues of Race and Gender Among Black Female English Language Teachers in Japan Ochanomizu University final lecture, Tokyo Japan, 31st August 2022
- Identity & Pedagogy: Black Female English Language Professionals, Japan Association of language teachers Pansig conference, Kyoto Sangyo University, 13th May, 2023
- Microaggressions Nagoya JICA volunteers, online, Nagoya Japan, 18th September 2023
- Black female ELT professionals in Japan: The intersection of race, gender and nationality SIETAR Japan, Chubu chapter, Nanzan University, 21st October 2023
- Gender in ELT in Japan: Black Women, intersectionality & ELT in Japan, Kobe Chapter of Japan Association of Language Teachers, Kobe Gakuin University, 20th January 2024
- The Intersectional Identities of Black Female English Language Teaching professionals in Japan, Diversity & Inclusivity in English Language Education International Conference, Soka University, 12th May 2024
- Intersectional language teacher identities: Black Women in Japan, New Zealand Association of Language Teachers Biennial Conference, Auckland University, 8th July 2024
- We are all diverse: Celebrating Diversity in English Language Teaching, Japan Association of Language Teachers International Conference, plenary speaker, Shizuoka Granship, Shizuoka, 16th November 2024
- Intersectionality in Our Communities, SIETAR Conference, keynote speaker, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 7th December 2024
- All Women our Stories Matter, WELL: Women Educating, Learning, Leading annual conference, keynote speaker, national Women’s education center, Saitama, 8th February 2025
- Intersectional Professional Identities: Black female English Language Teachers in Japan, KOTESOL, Sookmung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea, 10th May, 2025
- Intersectionality in Japan: Black women, identity and English language teaching. Invited speaker, Tokyo University, 19th June 2025
- Gendered and Racialized Identities in Japan, Rikko University, Invited speaker, Tokyo, 20th June, 2025
Volunteering/ Community Involvement
- Co-creator, Black Women in Japan group
- Creator, Women’s Empowerment Circle
- Black Lives Matter Tokai board member.
- Co-organizer of Black Lives Matter peaceful protest in Nagoya
- PTA activities in the local community
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Japanese
Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
Associate Professor (non-tenured)
Aichi Prefectural University
03.2022 - Current
Foreign Language Lecturer
Nagoya City University
04.2018 - 03.2022
Full-time Language Lecturer
Aichi Prefectural University
04.2014 - 03.2018
Full-time Language Instructor
Nanzan University
04.2008 - 03.2014
Part-time instructor of English
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies; Department of English Communication, Aichi Shukutoku University; School of Cross-Cultural Communication, Sugiyama Jogakuen University; Department of Modern Languages, Chubu University
04.2005 - 03.2008
Full-time instructor of English
Anjo Gakuen Josei High School
01.2003 - 03.2005
Part-time instructor of English
Kinjo Gakuin University, Extension College
09.2001 - 03.2003
Part-time communication instructor
Microsoft Japan
09.2001 - 04.2002
Part-time instructor of English
Aichi Medical University
04.2000 - 03.2002
Full-time Human Resources Team Head Trainer for children’s programs
ECC Foreign Language Institute
08.1996 - 03.2001
Full-time AET of the Japan Exchange and Teaching program
Matsukawa Board of Education
08.1993 - 08.1996
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Bilborough sixth form college
Frank Weldon comprehensive school
PhD - Applied Linguistics
Ochanomizu University
Master of Arts - Japanese Language and Society
University of Sheffield
BA - Public Administration
Sheffield Hallam University