Ben Shearon

Ben Shearon is an accomplished educator with over two decades of teaching experience internationally, starting in 1998 and specifically in Japan since 2000.

His expertise spans across various educational levels, including elementary, junior high school, and senior high school within the Japanese public education system, as well as teaching all age groups in the private sector.

Currently, Ben is a prominent figure at Tohoku University, where his research focuses on curriculum development, independent learning, language acquisition, extensive reading, and motivation.

Ben's notable accomplishments at Tohoku University include receiving the Tohoku University General Award for Education and the President's Award for Education in 2015 for his outstanding contributions to developing and implementing the university's extensive reading program.

His professional specialties include classroom management, extensive reading, independent learning, phonics and reading instruction, Japanese educational policies, motivation strategies, and language acquisition.

Ben pursued his academic qualifications diligently, earning a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from The University of Birmingham, and another Master's degree in Oriental Studies and Social and Political Science from the University of Cambridge.

Throughout his career, Ben has been associated with various prestigious organizations, including being the Founder of RetireJapan, a former Lecturer at Tohoku University, Teacher Trainer/Presenter as a Freelancer, Director at Cambridge English, and holding teaching positions at institutions like Tohoku Fukushi University, Miyagi Gakuin Women's University, and Miyagi University of Education.

Ben has also played key roles such as Chief ALT Advisor at Miyagi Prefectural Board of Education, as well as serving as an Owner at Cambridge English and working as an ALT for programs like Japan Exchange Teaching Programme (JET Programme).