SUTLF 2026 - 10th Anniversary
The Art of Impactful Teaching
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Sojo University Teaching and Learning Forum 2026
NanKyu JALT Sponsored
FULLY HYBRID
The Art of Impactful Teaching – Crafting Meaningful Learning Experiences
Join us in Kumamoto for the 10th Sojo University Teaching and Learning Forum (SUTLF) as we celebrate a decade of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in English education. This year’s theme, “The Art of Impactful Teaching: Crafting Meaningful Learning Experiences,” invites educators to reflect on the practices that truly resonate with learners and inspire lasting growth.
Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just beginning your journey, this milestone conference offers a space to share ideas, explore new strategies, and connect with passionate colleagues across Japan. Let’s honor our past, shape our future, and continue to elevate the art of teaching together.
More details to come soon. If you have any ideas or want to volunteer, email us at sutlfteam@nankyujalt.org
Submit Your Abstract
The call for proposals is open from August 1 to November 16. Remember to use the same email for submission as you use for registration
Keynote Panel - Teaching Through the Decades in NanKyu
This year’s keynote panel brings together seasoned educators from across the NanKyu region, each with over a decade of teaching experience. Join these long-time instructors as they reflect on how students have changed over the years, share tried-and-true teaching strategies, and offer their hopes for the future of education in the area. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or just want to soak in their wisdom, this session promises valuable insights for educators at all stages. Feel free to send in your questions ahead of time—or simply come and enjoy the conversation.
Cathrine-Mette Mork (Miyazaki)
Cathrine-Mette Mork (Miyazaki)
Joe Tomei (Kumamoto)
Joe Tomei (Kumamoto)
Marcus Theobald (Kagoshima)
Marcus Theobald (Kagoshima)
Jeff Morrow (Kumamoto)
Jeff Morrow (Kumamoto)
IoT Tour
We will have a tour of the IoT center at Sojo University, where you can see our video studio, 3D projector mapping, and other cool technology. SUTLF would like to thank the Sojo University IoT AI Center and Professor Naitoh for hosting the afternoon workshop.
Schedule of Sessions
Coming January 2026
Thursday night BYOP - Location TBD
Thursday night BYOP - Location TBD
Bring Your Own Poster - This event mixes the typical conference poster presentation with an informal setting. All presenters, whether poster or not, are invited to bring along an A3-sized poster that represents their research. This is a way to share ideas in an easy and fun way. The event will include beverages and light finger food to go along with the great hospitality of our NanKyu members.
Time 18:30-20:00
Free
Networking Dinner
Join us for a post-conference evening of socializing downtown at Ichinosouko!
The Sojo Bus will take us from the university to the restaurant, so make sure you stay until the end!
Time to start 18:00
￥4000 course + nomihodai
860-0848
熊本市中央区南坪井町2-8
Saturday Event:
A Guided Tour at Kumamoto Castle
Join us for an hour at Kumamoto Castle
Join us for an hour at Kumamoto Castle
Discovery Kumamoto will guide interested participants from Josaien up to Kumamoto Castle, imparting their wealth of knowledge on the history of the castle, as well as it's restoration since 2016, on the way. This is a highly recommended event for out-of-towners (though interested locals are more than welcome!).
Tour will begin at Josaien at 10:30 and will finish in front of the castle building. You can explore the castle on your own.
Tour fee: 1000 yen
Castle fee: 800 yen (paid separately at the castle after the tour)
Check out Discovery Kumamoto's video here.
Please let us know if you would like to participate by indicating as such when you register. You can register early here.
If you have further questions about this event, please feel free to email our team: sutlfteam@nankyujalt.org
Important Dates (Modifications likely)
August 1, 2026
Call for Proposals Opens
November 16, 2025
CfP Closes
December 15, 2026
Registration opens and abstract decisions returned
Conference Dates
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Posters and Informal Talks
Friday, February 13, 2026
Plenary and presentations
Networking dinner
Saturday, February 14, 2026
A visit to Kumamoto Castle
Registration Fees
This year, you can pay with a bank transfer, credit card, or cash.
Registration
This event is 100% hybrid. All sessions can be attended in person or online.
Lunches are available at the school cafeteria or at the school convenience store.
Early Bird (cash unavailable)
DEADLINE: TBD
￥2000 for JALT Members
￥2500 for non-members
Free for students
Regular Registration
￥2500 for JALT Members
￥3000 for non-members
FREE for students
Access
SILC Building, Sojo University
SILC Building, Sojo University
Local JR trains run frequently from Kumamoto Station to Sojodaigaku-Mae (10 min, ￥210). From Sojodaigaku-Mae, cross Route 31 and take the elevator up to the university.
If you're flying, there is a bus which runs frequently from Kumamoto Airport to Kumamoto Station (60 min, ￥1000).
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