Peaceful, funny, and wise.  That’s Yo in a nutshell. You’ll meet him and feel that he instantly understands you and your journey , whether it’s as a language learner, a language teacher, or just a fellow human. Yo will make you feel comfortable and seen and you’ll know instinctively that you’re in expert hands that guide you on your path to whatever is next for you. If you have the opportunity to learn from Yo, you should seize it!

Yo Azama is a deeply thoughtful, engaging, and inspiring teacher and speaker. I had the privilege of experiencing his teaching at the California Summer Teachers Institute when he taught a group of teachers and administrators how to be effective at teaching proficiency in Japanese. He weaved in and out of instruction and engagement keeping us all actively involved and learning. As a program leader in the Salinas School District, he has built one of the largest and most enthusiastic Japanese language programs on the West Coast. He has a special ability to connect language with the students’ world and in that way make language relevant and compelling. As a speaker, I heard him speak as the keynote at a conference on the power of listening. It brought laughs, tears, and a strong sense of inner peace to me. He is just a remarkable sensei and human being.

EGUSD is the fourth largest district in California, and we value quality presenters to help hone our teachers’ skills. Yo Azama was very engaging, and our World Language teachers who attended his two workshops have had nothing but glowing feedback for the professional development they received. We will absolutely be continuing a PD-partnership with Mr. Azama in the future!

The quality of professional learning comes down to two things – the content and the facilitator. Having worked with Yo for a number of years, I can tell you that he delivers on both counts! Dynamic, engaging, kind and thoughtful – Yo manages to impact folks in a way that very few people can. If you want professional learning that truly empowers teachers to fulfill their potential and improve student outcomes, look no further than Yo Azama.”

As a former Hawaii State Supervisor for World Languages, one of the most valuable decisions I made in the area of professional development was to introduce Mr. Yo Azama to the teachers in Hawaii. As a conference keynote speaker, workshop trainer, consultant, and practicing colleague, he provided meaningful, research-based, technology integrated strategies and examples that empowered teachers with a renewed sense of purpose in teaching.
There was a definite change in attitude, knowledge and confidence in the teachers in the post-Yo period. He was always available to encourage the teachers, answer their questions and provide resources. As a role model, he demonstrated what language teaching and learning should look like in a student-centered, communicative, engaging, and collaborative environment. Yo Azama is one of the most exciting and effective presenters of teaching and learning today.

Workshops with Yo Azama are exhilarating, engaging, and joyful. Whether he is delivering a keynote address, leading a multi-day workshop, or consulting to train small groups of teachers in curriculum design and instructional practices, Yo is a fantastically consistent and highly effective trainer and presenter. He has led state-wide Japanese teacher association workshops and district learning cohorts with ease, enthusiasm, and a subtlety that speaks to his depth of skill and understanding. He truly is Human Centered: focusing not just on what’s best for students, but centering what’s best for educators, too!

I first met Yo Azama at ACTFL when he was the National Teacher of the Year. We subsequently invited him to be the keynote speaker of our annual methodology conference at Indiana University of PA (IUP). In addition to being very knowledgeable about current research and practice in language learning and teaching, he brings energy and enthusiasm to every presentation. His positive attitude about learners, teachers, and PD is nothing less than contagious. No matter where you are in the career continuum, you will benefit greatly from interacting with Yo!

Azama-sensei’s work as the J-LEAP Program Teacher Trainer had a profound impact on our Japanese language teachers. He not only equipped them with effective strategies for language teaching and learning, but also inspired them through his positive attitude and human-centered approach. Always attuned to the needs of the teachers far beyond pedagogy, he created an environment where they felt supported both professionally and personally. I saw firsthand how the lessons he shared carried beyond their classrooms and into their lives.

Yo is an amazing presenter; gifted, inspiring, personable, and passionate. He engages with his audience, sharing powerful messages supported by specific examples and experiences. I’d love to bring Yo back to Anchorage to work with our world language and immersion teachers in the Anchorage School District.

Your audience is in for an exceptional professional development experience with Yo Azama leading the effort!  Yo’s background with standards and assessments is the essential foundation for him to tailor the PD to the needs of your specific education community.  His expertise will ensure that your educators will be able to take their instruction to the next level and his wit and humor will make it a most enjoyable experience for all.