Meet
Chuck Sensei
A Passion for Teaching, Nature & Organic Farming
BIO
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Chuck Sensei has dedicated his life to education, nature, and community building. His journey from teaching in classrooms to creating immersive English-learning experiences in nature reflects his deep passion for helping children learn and grow in a meaningful way.
A LIFE LONG EDUCATOR
Chuck studied cognitive psychology, science, and education at university. His teaching career began unexpectedly when he worked as a kindergarten assistant for class credit. This experience sparked his love for teaching and gave him valuable insights into working with young children.
After graduating, Chuck taught Junior High School science, combining his love for education and the natural world. However, his curiosity for international experiences led him to Japan in 1998, where he worked at AEON Eikaiwa for three years before realizing his calling to create something more personal.
BUILDING HIS OWN SCHOOL
Believing that big corporate schools focused too much on profit rather than quality education, Chuck took a bold step in 2001 and started his own English school in Yamashina. Teaching all ages and working part-time at various schools, he built a student-centered approach to language learning. As demand grew, he opened a second school branch in 2007, continuing his mission to make English learning engaging and effective.
A NEW PASSION: NATURE & SUSTAINABLE LIVING
While teaching, Chuck developed a deep interest in organic farming. Over time, this hobby grew into something bigger, and in 2017, he founded Midori Farm Kyoto, a sustainable farm in the satoyama countryside north of Kyoto city. By 2023, he expanded this passion into English-immersion farm experiences for Japanese families, offering children a unique way to learn through hands-on activities in nature.
CREATING OUTDOOR & IMMERSION-BASED LEARNING
With his son often joining him on the farm, Chuck began organizing seasonal farm events where children could explore, play, and learn English in a natural setting. Over time, more families became interested, leading to over 20 successful farm events and increasing demand for similar experiences within Kyoto city.
Through the support of local families, Chuck has hosted outdoor English events in Kyoto parks and is expanding these programs in 2025. His belief is simple: Children need time in nature now more than ever.
KYOTO ENGLISH LAB - A NEW CHAPTER
To make nature-based, hands-on English learning more accessible, Chuck created Kyoto English Lab, a new school that blends indoor and outdoor experiences. With a classroom, outdoor play area, and access to local parks, students can learn English naturally while developing a love for nature, food, and community.
His hope is that more families living in the city will connect with the countryside, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature, sustainability, and communication—all while learning English in a fun and meaningful way!
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Chuck Sensei has worked in kindergartens, elementary schools, junior high and high schools, universities, and corporate settings. His diverse background has shaped his student-centered, hands-on approach to English education. Founder & Head Teacher17 years – Owner & Head Teacher at My English School in Kyoto Corporate Facility 3 years – English conversation instructor for children and adults at Eikaiwa AEON Japan University & Adult Education. 12 years – Business & Travel English instructor at Kyoto Biken Laboratories. 4 years – English instructor at Ritsumeikan University, OsakaGuest Lecturer – Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto Sangyo University, Ritsumeikan University (Shiga), and others Junior High & High School. Teaching3 years – Juku (cram school) English instructor in Osaka. 1 year – English teacher at Seibo Junior High SchoolGuest Teaching – Konko Junior High School (Osaka), Rakunan Junior High & High School (Kyoto) Elementary School Teaching 3 years – English teacher at Notre Dame Elementary School. 3 years – Science & Math teacher (English program) at Doshisha International Elementary School Kindergarten & Nursery School Teaching. 8 years – English teacher at Satsuki Kindergarten, Kyoto. 3 years – Head Teacher at Wakamiya Kindergarten, Osaka Teaching Experience in the USA. 3 years – Math & Science teacher at private junior high schools in the U.S.