Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan - ESL Teaching

english516 · Thu 28-Sep-06, 09:48 AM

Nagoya, Japan.

Do NOT work at American School and A.I.E.S., both owned by the same people - Dan Lewis and Hitomi Ishizuka.

They are horrible to their teachers, and they lie and cheat. They deceive the teachers to get them to teach there. They don't have teachers that can stand to stay for their contract. A few months at the most.

Their school is based on a new-age book from 1960 about right-brain teaching...and the "author's" methods have been deemed by the American Pediatric Association as "dangerous." They will not change their ways or accept suggestions. They are unkind and hostile towards the employees.

bearcat · Tue 10-Oct-06, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

Nagoya, Japan.

Do NOT work at American School and A.I.E.S., both owned by the same people - Dan Lewis and Hitomi Ishizuka.

They are horrible to their teachers, and they lie and cheat. They deceive the teachers to get them to teach there. They don't have teachers that can stand to stay for their contract. A few months at the most.

Their school is based on a new-age book from 1960 about right-brain teaching...and the "author's" methods have been deemed by the American Pediatric Association as "dangerous." They will not change their ways or accept suggestions. They are unkind and hostile towards the employees.

Post the conditions of the contract. If there is anything illegal you can report them to the Labor Board.

Dan Lewis · Tue 05-Dec-06, 11:11 PM

Well, the gauntlet has been thrown down. Too bad we don't know who it is.

exported_kiwi · Thu 07-Dec-06, 01:43 PM

Maybe Dan, instead of casting aspersions about an ID, you should be more concerned about your being able to counter the allegations to the satisfaction of all concerned. In case you haven't noticed, most, if not all, folks here use a different ID rather than a real name. The fact that you don't is neither worthy of merit or criticism, it's what you chose to do, as the poster "english516" has chosen to do his/her own thing.

I wonder whether such allegations would be made if they weren't warranted. I very much doubt it, so it might pay for you to bear the onus and burden of proof that English516 is wrong and that you're right.

Here's your chance to clear your name so, go for it! While you're doing so, this is a forum where people can express their dissatisfaction at an employer, so before you go into our site, our forums with your attitude, remember who it's here for and what its purpose is.

Nuff said!

Dan Lewis · Thu 07-Dec-06, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exported_kiwi

Maybe Dan, instead of casting aspersions about an ID, you should be more concerned about your being able to counter the allegations to the satisfaction of all concerned.

I'm not here to satisfy you. Merely to point out that the OP is making blatantly false statements.

Quote:

Originally Posted by exported_kiwi

In case you haven't noticed, most, if not all, folks here use a different ID rather than a real name. The fact that you don't is neither worthy of merit or criticism, it's what you chose to do, as the poster "english516" has chosen to do his/her own thing.

True. And I am simply disapointed that the OP has chosen to hide.

Quote:

Originally Posted by exported_kiwi

I wonder whether such allegations would be made if they weren't warranted.

OP = disgruntled worker. Plain and simple.

Quote:

Originally Posted by exported_kiwi

Here's your chance to clear your name so, go for it!

This is why I came to the message board.

Quote:

Originally Posted by exported_kiwi

While you're doing so, this is a forum where people can express their dissatisfaction at an employer, so before you go into our site, our forums with your attitude, remember who it's here for and what its purpose is.

I wasn't aware that my earlier comment came off as having any kind of comment other than one of disappointment in the OP not identifying herself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

..American School and A.I.E.S., both owned by the same people - Dan Lewis and Hitomi Ishizuka.

Not quite true, but the owners are related.

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

They are horrible to their teachers, and they lie and cheat.

Teachers here are paid more than the average teacher and are given benefits that teachers don't receive in many other companies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

They deceive the teachers to get them to teach there.

A ridiculous lie. I can't imagine how you would manage to do such a thing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

They don't have teachers that can stand to stay for their contract. A few months at the most.

I don't know of any teacher who has stayed here for less than a few months. I challenge the OP to name one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

Their school is based on a new-age book from 1960 about right-brain teaching...

Okay, the OP has really lost it and has no clue what she is talking about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

the "author's" methods have been deemed by the American Pediatric Association as "dangerous."

The opinion of the American Pediatric Association is just that - an opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

They will not change their ways or accept suggestions.

We accept plenty of suggestions from our employees. But it doesn't mean we change everything. Don't be absurd.

Quote:

Originally Posted by english516

They are unkind and hostile towards the employees.

Nonesense. We go out of our way to assist our employees in many ways.

I invite the OP to come out with her real name.

exported_kiwi · Thu 07-Dec-06, 04:54 PM

I'm well aware that you're not here to satisfy me, and if you read what I said in the correct context, I suggested you should counter these allegations to all CONCERNED. I'm not concerned one way or the other beyond the fact that these allegations may, or may not be true. If the former is the case, then it's another example of a fellow teacher getting "stiffed" by a mongrel employer, an all to common occurence in this occupation. If the later is the case, then the onus is still on you to disprove the allegations as stated by english516.

As you may, or may not, be aware, we've had sooo many of these kinds of things being said about employers that people now sit up and take notice of what's said. It can influence recruitment if there's even a hint of any impropriety happening, hence the onus of proof being forced upon you. A disgruntled employee would usually have a reason to be disgruntled wouldn't you say? I've been one as have many others here and it's precisely why this forum was created and is viewed by so many guests as well as regulars.

As for you being disappointed that the "OP" is hiding, weeeeell, since we all basically use ID's rather than our own name, and despite the fact that you choose not to, doesn't make the "OP" wrong. If he/she chooses to use an ID rather than a real name is surely of no importance. I think that maybe the "OP" chooses to use an ID to fit in rather than hide, can't fault the person for that now can you! Also just in case you haven't noticed, there is a private messenging service provided on this website.... try using it instead of belittling someone, or attacking their credibility who has an, apparently, genuine gripe to air.

This is the forum for it and whether you like it or not means nothing to the "OP" or us. It means that someone who has worked with you is warning us, and future teachers, to be aware of certain practises which he/she feels are distasteful and should be aired.... any problem with that?

As I said, the onus is on you now Dan. Allegations have been made, there's no need to turn it into a huge thing, just sort it out and get it over and done with. I personally have little interest in this other than the fact that either of you may be right and as a contributor to this forum, amongst others, I'd like to know what the truth is. The fact that you're a principle means little also, I've known some real ratbags in my time as an ESL teacher. This isn't to say you're one of them, but if the cap fits............

Nuff said for today, peace y'all,

cool ice · Thu 07-Dec-06, 05:33 PM

exported_kiwi has made some excellent points. The time has gone where schools can cheat their teachers and get away with it. All thanks to the internet, we can warn others about scammers and so on.

I think you will find no-one would raise a gripe unless it is valid. Sure it's easy enough to make gripes, but I don't think anyone would take the time to register, post a gripe with details if it weren't true.

This Blacklist is not only for teachers to complain about schools, but schools to also complain about teachers. Afterall, teachers aren't always the perfect angel and sometimes they should be blacklisted too.

Have to say it once again, exported_kiwi, you are spot on with your comments.

Dan Lewis · Thu 07-Dec-06, 06:10 PM

Well, Kiwi, I wish the OP was as vocal as yourself. It could possibly lend toward some clarifications of the OP's post.

I'm sure there are plenty of bad employers out there. I have read enough stories to believe that at least some of them must be true. However, I find it a rare thing for employers to come out on this (or other) forum to defend themselves. Are they oblivious to such postings? Or are they aware but afraid to face up? I don't know. I'm not afraid. I have nothing to be afraid of. I'm upset - for reasons quite obvious.

If I were to sign up with an i.d. that others couldn't identify me by and make false accusations about another person, would you be so accepting of my comments? I would hope not.

In any case, I do not see how I can address the OP's comments any further until the OP comes forth and identifies herself.

exported_kiwi · Thu 07-Dec-06, 06:13 PM

Lol, ok Cool Ice, cheers for that. I suppose I'd better start a fan club and start charging an annual fee for the privilege, hehehehehehe.

I just get kinda sick of principles and employers who think they can run roughshod all over their employees and then expect no recriminations and/or repercussions. Conversely, I dislike teachers who aren't up to scratch either, makes us all look bad!

Cheers and be cool!

cool ice · Thu 07-Dec-06, 06:19 PM

Well, I would have to assume that if english516 doesn't come online and post follow-ups, then his comments should be ignored, and the benefit should be given to Dan.

After all, if someone posts negative comments about a school, then I'm sure they would be very interested to see how that thread unfolds.

Dan, I know it's hard to defend yourself unless english516 comes forward. This whole thread should be ignored until english516 can follow-up on it.

Thu 28-Sep-06, 09:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
english516 ESL Newbie Join Date: Sep 2006 Occupation: business Location: Posts: 1	Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan Nagoya, Japan. Do NOT work at American School and A.I.E.S., both owned by the same people - Dan Lewis and Hitomi Ishizuka. They are horrible to their teachers, and they lie and cheat. They deceive the teachers to get them to teach there. They don't have teachers that can stand to stay for their contract. A few months at the most. Their school is based on a new-age book from 1960 about right-brain teaching...and the "author's" methods have been deemed by the American Pediatric Association as "dangerous." They will not change their ways or accept suggestions. They are unkind and hostile towards the employees. Last edited by gfell; Tue 21-Nov-06 at 12:08 PM. Reason: =============

Tue 05-Dec-06, 11:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Dan Lewis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Occupation: Principal Location: Posts: 8	hiding behind a mask? Well, the gauntlet has been thrown down. Too bad we don't know who it is.

Thu 07-Dec-06, 01:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
exported_kiwi Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Nationality: Kiwi who's been exported! Occupation: Beer taster, hehehehehe! Location: Posts: 209	Re: Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan Maybe Dan, instead of casting aspersions about an ID, you should be more concerned about your being able to counter the allegations to the satisfaction of all concerned. In case you haven't noticed, most, if not all, folks here use a different ID rather than a real name. The fact that you don't is neither worthy of merit or criticism, it's what you chose to do, as the poster "english516" has chosen to do his/her own thing. I wonder whether such allegations would be made if they weren't warranted. I very much doubt it, so it might pay for you to bear the onus and burden of proof that English516 is wrong and that you're right. Here's your chance to clear your name so, go for it! While you're doing so, this is a forum where people can express their dissatisfaction at an employer, so before you go into our site, our forums with your attitude, remember who it's here for and what its purpose is. Nuff said! Last edited by gfell; Thu 07-Dec-06 at 05:23 PM.

Thu 07-Dec-06, 04:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
exported_kiwi Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Nationality: Kiwi who's been exported! Occupation: Beer taster, hehehehehe! Location: Posts: 209	Re: Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan I'm well aware that you're not here to satisfy me, and if you read what I said in the correct context, I suggested you should counter these allegations to all CONCERNED. I'm not concerned one way or the other beyond the fact that these allegations may, or may not be true. If the former is the case, then it's another example of a fellow teacher getting "stiffed" by a mongrel employer, an all to common occurence in this occupation. If the later is the case, then the onus is still on you to disprove the allegations as stated by english516. As you may, or may not, be aware, we've had sooo many of these kinds of things being said about employers that people now sit up and take notice of what's said. It can influence recruitment if there's even a hint of any impropriety happening, hence the onus of proof being forced upon you. A disgruntled employee would usually have a reason to be disgruntled wouldn't you say? I've been one as have many others here and it's precisely why this forum was created and is viewed by so many guests as well as regulars. As for you being disappointed that the "OP" is hiding, weeeeell, since we all basically use ID's rather than our own name, and despite the fact that you choose not to, doesn't make the "OP" wrong. If he/she chooses to use an ID rather than a real name is surely of no importance. I think that maybe the "OP" chooses to use an ID to fit in rather than hide, can't fault the person for that now can you! Also just in case you haven't noticed, there is a private messenging service provided on this website.... try using it instead of belittling someone, or attacking their credibility who has an, apparently, genuine gripe to air. This is the forum for it and whether you like it or not means nothing to the "OP" or us. It means that someone who has worked with you is warning us, and future teachers, to be aware of certain practises which he/she feels are distasteful and should be aired.... any problem with that? As I said, the onus is on you now Dan. Allegations have been made, there's no need to turn it into a huge thing, just sort it out and get it over and done with. I personally have little interest in this other than the fact that either of you may be right and as a contributor to this forum, amongst others, I'd like to know what the truth is. The fact that you're a principle means little also, I've known some real ratbags in my time as an ESL teacher. This isn't to say you're one of them, but if the cap fits............ Nuff said for today, peace y'all, __________________ Think only of those things that can be done! Last edited by gfell; Thu 07-Dec-06 at 05:29 PM.

Thu 07-Dec-06, 05:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
cool ice Guru Join Date: Jun 2005 Nationality: British Occupation: Teacher Location: Posts: 88	Re: Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan exported_kiwi has made some excellent points. The time has gone where schools can cheat their teachers and get away with it. All thanks to the internet, we can warn others about scammers and so on. I think you will find no-one would raise a gripe unless it is valid. Sure it's easy enough to make gripes, but I don't think anyone would take the time to register, post a gripe with details if it weren't true. This Blacklist is not only for teachers to complain about schools, but schools to also complain about teachers. Afterall, teachers aren't always the perfect angel and sometimes they should be blacklisted too. Have to say it once again, exported_kiwi, you are spot on with your comments.

Thu 07-Dec-06, 06:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
Dan Lewis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Occupation: Principal Location: Posts: 8	Re: Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan Well, Kiwi, I wish the OP was as vocal as yourself. It could possibly lend toward some clarifications of the OP's post. I'm sure there are plenty of bad employers out there. I have read enough stories to believe that at least some of them must be true. However, I find it a rare thing for employers to come out on this (or other) forum to defend themselves. Are they oblivious to such postings? Or are they aware but afraid to face up? I don't know. I'm not afraid. I have nothing to be afraid of. I'm upset - for reasons quite obvious. If I were to sign up with an i.d. that others couldn't identify me by and make false accusations about another person, would you be so accepting of my comments? I would hope not. In any case, I do not see how I can address the OP's comments any further until the OP comes forth and identifies herself.

Thu 07-Dec-06, 06:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
exported_kiwi Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Nationality: Kiwi who's been exported! Occupation: Beer taster, hehehehehe! Location: Posts: 209	Re: Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan Lol, ok Cool Ice, cheers for that. I suppose I'd better start a fan club and start charging an annual fee for the privilege, hehehehehehe. I just get kinda sick of principles and employers who think they can run roughshod all over their employees and then expect no recriminations and/or repercussions. Conversely, I dislike teachers who aren't up to scratch either, makes us all look bad! Cheers and be cool! __________________ Think only of those things that can be done!

Thu 07-Dec-06, 06:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
cool ice Guru Join Date: Jun 2005 Nationality: British Occupation: Teacher Location: Posts: 88	Re: Don't work here: American School, A.I.E.S. in Nagoya, Japan Well, I would have to assume that if english516 doesn't come online and post follow-ups, then his comments should be ignored, and the benefit should be given to Dan. After all, if someone posts negative comments about a school, then I'm sure they would be very interested to see how that thread unfolds. Dan, I know it's hard to defend yourself unless english516 comes forward. This whole thread should be ignored until english516 can follow-up on it.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

ESL for Teachers	Teacher Training