Can Schools Truly Evolve? Insights from a Former Principal on Educational Reform

The landscape of public education in Japan is undergoing significant scrutiny. With challenges like dwindling student numbers, teacher shortages, and increasing workloads, many are left questioning: can schools truly change? This question is at the forefront of an upcoming online seminar organized by NIJIN, a company dedicated to tackling educational challenges.

Scheduled for May 31, 2025, from 20:00 to 21:00, this seminar features former public elementary school principal Shigeki Ooga, who will share his experiences and insights from the front lines of educational reform. The event promises to answer the pressing question of whether schools can indeed be transformed.

Key Highlights of the Seminar

In this engaging session, Ooga will outline his comprehensive approach to creating a more fulfilling school environment. His strategy is focused on four main perspectives: eliminating, reducing, transitioning, and increasing.

Eliminate

Ooga firmly believes in simplifying educational structures. He took the bold step of abolishing the overly formalistic practices of compiling 'research collections' and 'school anthologies,' along with a daily 15-minute module class. These changes aim to return to the essence of education, easing the burden on both staff and students.

Reduce

In an effort to manage workloads, Ooga implemented various changes including reducing cleaning days to three times a week and trimming down class hours for all grades. He also limited reporting to general observations at the end of the year, and introduced 'compensatory leave vouchers' for weekend duties, thus addressing the issue of excessive work hours.

Transition

Ooga emphasizes the importance of redistributing resources. For instance, he transitioned the responsibility of guiding students during arrival and dismissal times to the PTA and community members. Additionally, communication has shifted from printed newsletters to email notifications. He restructured internal research practices by adopting a 'whole school collaborative teaching' model, allowing teachers to focus on genuine educational activities.

Increase

Finally, Ooga's vision extends to enhancing opportunities within the school. Initiatives such as opening a second library, launching an in-house free school, and holding monthly training sessions during morning hours reflect this. By introducing a voicemail system and adjusting dismissal times earlier, the school successfully reclaimed an impressive 170 minutes of after-school time each week.

A Real Answer to a Pertinent Question

The seminar not only aims to catalyze discussions about educational reform but also seeks to share authentic answers to the question of whether change is possible in schools. By highlighting Ooga's successful strategies, NIJIN hopes to ignite inspiration and actionable ideas among educators facing similar challenges.

Background and Purpose of This Seminar

Today's public education in Japan is besieged with various challenges such as declining enrollment, inadequate staffing, absenteeism, and overburdened teachers. Against this backdrop, the seminar aims to present real-world challenges confronted by Ooga, who has actively sought solutions. Attendees will be encouraged to explore the possibilities of grassroots-driven reform, collaborating to uncover concrete methodologies that can drive change in educational settings.

Who Should Attend?

The seminar is aimed at educators looking to reassess their working conditions and school systems. It is particularly suitable for principals, vice principals, and educational committee members who are interested in grassroots-based reform. Those feeling uncertain about how to initiate changes, as well as anyone within the educational community wanting to spark at least a small shift in their daily operations, are encouraged to participate. General attendees passionate about educational improvement are also welcome.

Seminar Overview

- Date: May 31, 2025 (Saturday)
- Time: 20:00 - 21:00
- Format: Online via Zoom
- Entry Fee: 2,200 yen (early registration discount available)
- How to Register: Apply through the Peatix event page: NIJIN Event Page

Instructor Profile

Shigeki Ooga

Former Public Elementary School Principal / Certified Psychologist / English Teacher
Born in 1965 in Okayama Prefecture, Ooga graduated from Saitama University and began his teaching career in Okayama. In 1993, he joined the JICA overseas cooperation team, working on teacher training and instructional reform in Honduras. After returning to Japan, he served as a teacher in Okayama and Aomori, engaging in international understanding education and numerous lectures. Since 2020, Ooga has dedicated himself to building schools that ensure no child is left behind. Having earned his certified psychologist credential in 2022, he is also involved in mental health care. Currently, he teaches English at an elementary school and participates actively in various initiatives including JICA OV activities and as a staff member at a children’s cafeteria.

Conclusion

As we look forward to this insightful event, the conversation around the future of education continues to evolve. The upcoming seminar with Ooga holds the potential to inspire educators everywhere, offering practical solutions and a hopeful outlook for the transformation of schools in Japan.