Hi, I’m
Hallen Joy Sumingwa
IB PYP Homeroom Teacher
Osaka
Summary
International educator with permanent residency in Japan and with 15+ years of experience across Japan, Thailand, China, and the Philippines, specializing in English language teaching in multicultural settings. Experienced in IB PYP, inquiry-based learning, and ICC-focused instruction, with a strong record in developing students’ communication skills and global awareness.
Overview
21
years of professional experience
5
Certifications
Work History
One World International School Osaka
Grade 3 IB PYP Homeroom Teacher
01.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Deliver IB PYP curriculum across English, Math, Science, and Unit of Inquiry
- Design inquiry-based lessons to develop critical thinking and communication
- Integrate intercultural communicative competence (ICC) into teaching
- Assess student learning using formative and summative methods
- Facilitate student presentations and collaborative learning
Osaka Board of Education
City Native English Teacher (C-NET)
04.2016 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Co-taught English with JTEs in elementary and junior high schools
- Prepared students for EIKEN and communication-based assessments
- Supported city-wide English programs and activities
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
Minerva ZIAC
Assistant Language Teacher
04.2012 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Supported English instruction across K–12 levels (Kindergarten to Senior High School)
- Collaborated with teachers to deliver communicative, student-centered lessons
- Fostered student confidence in speaking and classroom participation
E-max English School
English Teacher/ EIKEN and TOEIC Reviewer
06.2010 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Taught English to learners aged 3–70, including exam preparation (EIKEN, TOEIC, TOEFL)
- Delivered business English for professional adults and interactive lessons for young learners
- Practiced students’ performances for Christmas presentations
Watmethangkarawas School
Elementary School English Teacher
01.2007 - 01.2010
Job overview
- Taught English to students from Kindergarten to Grade 6
- Delivered interactive lessons using storytelling, drama, and activities
- Developed students’ speaking and communication skills in large classes
- Coached students to regional and national-level speech and drama competitions
Paul’s English, Hai Ming Xia Xue
English Teacher
01.2006 - 01.2007
Job overview
- Taught English to young learners and adults, focusing on spoken English and grammar
- Designed lessons to improve communication skills and language accuracy
- Delivered intensive classes tailored to different proficiency levels
Pines International Academy
ESL Teacher
10.2005 - 02.2006
Job overview
- Teaching oral English, grammar, listening, and writing to Japanese and Korean students
Education
UP Open UniversityPhilippines
MA Education from Language and Literacy Education
University Overview
MA Language and Literacy Education (thesis ongoing)
REACHPhilippines
Diploma Certificate in Special Education from Special Education
01-2009
Baguio Colleges FoundationBaguio City, Philippines
BS Secondary Education
01-2004
University of the PhilippinesBaguio City, Philippines
BA Social Sciences from Anthropology- Sociology
01-2003
Skills
Parent-teacher collaboration
Student motivation
Curriculum planning
Project-based learning
Inquiry-based teaching
Lesson delivery
Classroom management
Critical thinking
Certification
Licensed Professional Teacher (PRC), Philippines.2004
Academic Conference Presentations
Improving English Communication through Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) in a Japanese Elementary School
Kansai English Language Teaching Convention, Osaka, Japan | Jan 2026
- Presented research on ICC-based English instruction, highlighting gains in communication and intercultural awareness
A Case Study of a Toddler Exposed to Three Languages
Conference Presentation, Tokyo, Japan | Aug 8, 2019
- Presented research on early multilingual development
Research Publications
Sumingwa, H. J. (In progress). Developing English communication of elementary students in an international school in Japan using intercultural communicative competence (ICC)-based curriculum.
Master’s thesis, University of the Philippines Open University.
Sumingwa, H. J. (2019). A case study of a toddler exposed to three languages (English, Ilocano, Japanese).
International Journal of Advances in Scientific Engineering and Applied Technology (IJASEAT), 7(4).
Sumingwa, H. J. (2018). The English language program in Osaka’s public elementary and junior high schools: A study of CNETs/ALTs’ perspectives.
International Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 4(3), 104–119. https://dx.doi.org/10.20469/ijhss.4.10001-3
Timeline
Grade 3 IB PYP Homeroom Teacher
One World International School Osaka
01.2024 - Current
City Native English Teacher (C-NET)
Osaka Board of Education
04.2016 - 12.2023
Assistant Language Teacher
Minerva ZIAC
04.2012 - 03.2016
English Teacher/ EIKEN and TOEIC Reviewer
E-max English School
06.2010 - 03.2012
Elementary School English Teacher
Watmethangkarawas School
01.2007 - 01.2010
English Teacher
Paul’s English, Hai Ming Xia Xue
01.2006 - 01.2007
ESL Teacher
Pines International Academy
10.2005 - 02.2006
Baguio Colleges Foundation
BS Secondary Education
University of the Philippines
BA Social Sciences from Anthropology- Sociology
UP Open University
MA Education from Language and Literacy Education
REACH
Diploma Certificate in Special Education from Special Education