About Us

How We Started

Born out of a time of isolation during the pandemic, InTogether held its first event for independent school owners in November 2022. It was a day filled with sharing, connection, and a refreshing sense of community. The words we heard repeatedly, both during and after the event, were “What a vibe!” And from that vibe, a new community was born.

Since then, InTogether has expanded its events to include not only school owners, but also independent publishers and teachers. Together, we’ve realized that by sharing, contributing, and collaborating, we can create a richer learning environment for both educators and students.

We are better together.

Where We're Going

Building on a strong foundation, we know that the InTogether community will continue to grow and evolve with each member’s unique contributions. With plans to enhance our connections, resources, and professional support, the potential is encouraging. Here are some of the things we’re looking forward to:

Ongoing Community Engagement

In addition to larger regional events (with online options where possible), we plan to offer opportunities for connection and collaboration through:

Smaller, Local Presentations – Bringing valuable insights and networking opportunities to more regions. Many of these contributions will be recorded and shared with the community. We want to bring folks together regardless of distance.
A Positive, Professional Online Community – Cultivating a welcoming space for educators, school owners, and content creators utilizing a non-social-media platform designed for sharing, feedback, and community support.

Expanding Resources

In addition to events, we’re developing tools to support our community's growth:

Educators’ Exchange – A hub dedicated to resources on teaching, running a school, and content creation.

Video Archive – On-demand access to past events and presentations.

Best Practices Database – An easy-to-search online guide with strategies and advice tailored to school owners, teachers, and content creators.

InTogether Interviews & Podcasts – Discussions with inspiring folks sharing experiences and insights.

Mentor/Mentee チャンス！ – Opportunities to help and be helped.

Who We Are

We’re a fun-loving bunch of teachers, owners, and content creators who really enjoy lending a helping hand. We’re also pretty passionate about seeing that help benefit the end goal of InTogether… our students. Being a part of something that brings joy to yourself and others feels pretty good!

InTogether is all about collaboration. So let us introduce the InTeam that is ~~playing,~~ working hard to get us to the next level.

Brian

Brian Shepherd, a teacher and eikaiwa school owner, is focused on diversifying the way we evaluate English learning in Japan by focusing on the whole student.

(heroically bald)

Head

Katie

Katie, a teacher in Japan since 2009, owns Groovin Grizzly English School and Hello Bear Publishing. She's authored several Project/Play Based Learning textbooks, aiming to inspire creative and fun learning.

Journal Meister

Eric

Eric is a teacher, school owner, independent publisher, and educational YouTuber who loves good food, especially with good friends.

Creative Lynchpin

Kenny

Founder and director of Maple Leaf Learning. Not the pro wrestler as far as we know.

King of Fun!

Nam

Nam opened his eikawa school in 2019 and runs it together with his wife. He is also a tech enthusiast and an Excel wizard.

Membership Guru

Steve

Steve made this website, and many others. He also runs an eikaiwa in Kobe and is quite superbly bald.

The Web Dude

Ready to Find Your People?

If you’re an educator, school owner, or content creator, InTogether is where you belong. Join us and find a community that values what you do and is ready to support your growth.