Paul Jacobs

Background

About Paul Jacobs

Haisai Hello from Okinawa, Japan I’m passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world support for multilingual and neurodivergent children—especially within the Japanese context. My approach is shaped by both lived experience and professional expertise. At age 7, I moved from the U.S. to Tokyo and developed my Japanese skills as a child navigating a new culture. Despite struggling in school—and later discovering I had dyslexia—I eventually completed a Master’s degree in Japanese Language and Literature (and now I read and write for a living). These early experiences taught me how easily children can be misunderstood when their abilities don’t fit expected patterns. My mission is to help schools, teachers, and families better understand and support children who are growing up between languages—or whose learning styles don’t fit the mold. What I Do Under the umbrella of Multilingual Education Consulting, I work across research, writing, teaching, and community collaboration to promote effective and inclusive language education. My focus includes bilingual development, biliteracy, neurodiversity, and cross-cultural understanding, especially within Japan. Head Researcher – Institute of Bilingual Science (IBS) In 2016, I helped establish the Institute of Bilingual Science (World Family) as Head Researcher. The institute aims to make research on bilingualism and foreign language education accessible to Japanese educators and families. We are partnered with Professor Tetsuo Harada at Waseda University- Write articles - Conduct interviews with experts in the field - Original Research Projects - Public Engagement School Consultations & Teacher Training I consult with bilingual schools to strengthen collaboration between English- and Japanese-speaking educators and to support linguistically diverse students. I focus on- Understanding students’ bilingual identities - Developing biliteracy and language skills - Improving pedagogical strategies for dual-language classrooms - Facilitating collaboration between educators from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds Community-Based Teaching & Support (Okinawa) In Okinawa, I teach and support multilingual and neurodivergent students through a variety of programs and initiatives- Academic support for multilingual children attending English-medium international schools - Early language development and sensory-based play classes for preschoolers (ages 0–3)- English communication and confidence-building lessons for Japanese students with special needs (ages 6–25)