JET ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MUSIC CITY
OUR OFFICERS
JETAAMC holds annual elections to choose its Board, which is responsible for getting the JET returnee community in touch with other returnees as well as locals and Japanese expatriates in its jurisdiction.
Frances Takemoto
President
Gunma, 2016 - 2018
Departing from Washington, D.C. shortly after graduating with a degree in Elementary Education from University of Maryland, College Park, Frances taught for 2 years as a 1st - 6th Grade ALT in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture (only 1 hour drive from her grandparents’ home!) She joined the local taiko drumming team, planned international exchange community events with fellow JETs, chilled in Gunma’s famous onsens, and ate a lot of yaki manju. Frances continued to teach abroad at an international school in Bangkok, Thailand.
Her interest in second language acquisition brought her Nashville, where she studied English Language Learning at Vanderbilt. Frances taught K-5th grade multilingual learners at Nashville Classical Charter School and is now pursuing a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology while tutoring Japanese on the side.
She is pleased to welcome JET returnees into a strong and active JETAAMC community, offering opportunities to participate in Japan-focused events such as yakiniku and カレー cooking competitions, and to build professional connections with Japanese companies in the region.
Parker Clendening
Treasurer
Oita, 2019 - 2023
Parker lived and worked in the mountain town of Taketa, Oita Prefecture from 2019 to 2023. His experience on the JET Program ended up being nothing like he expected—especially when the COVID-19 pandemic left him as the only JET in the city for nearly half a year. During his time in Taketa, he taught at every middle school and nearly every elementary school in the area. Some of his favorite memories include playing trombone with his school’s brass band, shooting hoops with students at recess, and chatting with kids between classes.
Outside of school, Parker loved hiking local trails, soaking in onsen, and swimming in clear mountain streams. He also played bass in a community band that performed 1960s pop music at local festivals. His time in Taketa was full of unexpected adventures and meaningful connections, and he hopes to visit again soon.
Through JETAA, Parker is excited to support fellow returnees, share stories from his time in Japan, and help foster interest in Japanese culture in the local community.
Tye Ebel
Member Ex Officio
Kagawa, 2007 - 2010
Tye was born and raised in Chattanooga. After earning his undergraduate degree in International Studies at Elon University in North Carolina, he joined JET and worked for three years as an ALT in Kagawa Prefecture. Upon returning to North America, Tye earned a Master of Asia Policy from the University of British Columbia where he was active with the BC JETAA Chapter. He then spent a couple years traveling and working remotely before moving to Nashville in 2013. He has been an active JETAA member and has served as both Treasurer and Vice President in the Music City JETAA Chapter. Since September 2015, Tye has been the JET Program Coordinator at the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville. When not working in support of the JET Program, Tye likes to travel. To date he has visited nearly 90 countries spanning 6 continents. His last visit to Japan was in the fall of 2017 when he got the opportunity to introduce his wife, Sarah, to his former "hometown."
Contact Tye at jet@nv.mofa.go.jp
John Gale
Webmaster - Advisor
Kagawa, 2003 - 2006
John taught at two junior highs and one elementary school. Coached 25 speech contest students in three years and loved it. Went on to get JLPT Level 1 and an MA in Japanese. Worked in the auto industry at Japanese companies for about five years. JET Program Coordinator at the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville from September 2012 through September 2015.

Currently a Media Consultant for the Consulate. You can also find me at my website, johnsensei.com.