Northwood Spotlight: Kanako Kashima
ELL (English Language Learners) Para
What is your role at Northwood and how long have you worked here?
ELL paraeducator. I have been working at Northwood since the school opened – 3 years. This is my 8th consecutive year working in the District.
What drew you to your current position?
Eight years ago, I was asked to help out in ELL to work with a Japanese speaking student with special needs. I really loved working one on one and in small groups of students, and chose to stay in this position.
What makes Northwood special to you?
I love the diversity of students and the cultures they bring to enrich the school community.
What is your favorite part of your day at NW?
I don’t really have a favorite part of day, since I love working with students throughout the day. It is so exciting to see the growth of all the ELL students over the course of the year!
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Making breakfast, drinking French Press coffee and reading the morning paper before getting ready for work. I prefer the hard copy of the paper versus online.
Favorite...
Sport: Seattle Sounders Soccer
Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama
Vacation Spot: Japan
Movie: Harry Potter series! Read and watched the whole series with my younger son
Activities: Gathering with family and friends for dinners, reading, cooking, traveling, playing the “koto” (Japanese instrument) and playing word games on my phone.
Anything unique you’d like to share?
- I'm fluent in Japanese
- I have a wonderful husband Tetsu and two sons – Daniel and James
- Second oldest of 8 - 4 brothers and 3 sisters
- Family reunion on dad’s side had 73 people attend from all over the US and Japan!
- Worked as a geriatric mental health specialist/program manager at a private agency for almost 8 years before moving to Japan in 1991
- Have been performing at the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival 20+ years with a “koto” ensemble
April 2019
