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Personal Teaching Experience: Navigating a Changing Curriculum as a Co-teacher in Japanese Elementary Schools - TEFL Blog
Tue, 03 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Personal Teaching Experience: Navigating a Changing Curriculum as a Co-teacher in Japanese Elementary Schools
In Japan, elementary schools typically employ an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) to provide support to homeroom teachers during English classes. I have been working in such a capacity for the past two and a half years, first through an international program and currently as a direct-hire via my local city hall. Until recently, mandatory English classes at the elementary school level have been limited to the fifth and sixth grades, but new national requirements are being rolled out that will require mandatory English classes as early as third grade while doubling English classroom hours for the fifth and sixth grades.... [Read more]
Last posts written by Georgia
Georgia Payne
Georgia is a music and history teacher from Australia who has been teaching English in Japan for the past 1.5 years. She loves to travel and share her travel experiences and tips on her blog. Next year, she hopes to take her TEFL skills to Europe and take on some new challenges.
Read my articles
A Day in the Life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Georgia Payne
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Are you interested in teaching English in Japan? ✅ Here's what a day in the life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme looks like!
Accommodation Options in Tokyo for English Teachers in Japan | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Georgia Payne
Destinations Alumni Experiences
Are you looking to teach English... [Read more]
Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan - TEFL Blog
Thu, 17 Mar 2022 Asia Ridley
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan
English education in Japan has been prominent for decades and starts in elementary schools. It is in high demand as the relationship between the U.S. and Japan as well as the abundant amount of tourism. Last year straight after graduating from university in the United States, I moved to Japan and began teaching English. I was fortunate to pass the interviews and become part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme {JET}. Being an assistant language teacher {ALT} in the Japanese education system versus a conversation school has its differences. Therefore I will be diving into how one can contribute to the classroom as an ALT.
Table of Contents
Japanese Elementary... [Read more]
The Three Main Types of High Schools in Japan - TEFL Blog
Fri, 25 Feb 2022 Etienne Van Rooyen
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
The Three Main Types of High Schools in Japan
There are three types of senior high schools in Japan. Each senior high school (grades 10, 11, and 12) has a different purpose and students attend it. Understanding this helps us learn how English language learning in Japan is differently yet similars each school. With this knowledge, as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) you can adapt your lessons plans, materials and style to fit your school/s.
Table of Contents
Overview of School Types
Academic Schools
Vocational Schools
Correspondence Schools
Academic High Schools
Elite Academic High Schools
General Acadmic High Schools
How do elite and general academic schools approach English learning?
Vocational Schools... [Read more]
The Many Sides of The Teaching Job in Japan - TEFL Blog
Thu, 30 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The Many Sides of The Teaching Job in Japan
What do you think of when I say the word "teacher"? When I think of this word, I think of the "teacher when I was a child. The person who talked and I listened. The person who gave me instructions and I followed. I think in today's environment this word has changed. What does the word "teacher" mean today? We'll look at what the roles of a teacher are in today's ESL world in Japan, where I've taught for over 14 years.
Table of Contents
Types of Teachers in Japan
Responsibilities
Are you ready to teach English all over the world?
Related Articles:
Listen to this blog post
We use many synonyms for the term "teacher". In elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools in Japan... [Read more]
My Experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japanese Elementary and Junior High Schools - TEFL Blog
Thu, 13 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
My Experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japanese Elementary and Junior High Schools
I am in my 3rd year of working in the countryside of Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in public elementary and junior high schools. An ALT's official job description is to be the assistant to a Japanese Teacher of Language (JTL). In my experience, especially in elementary schools, the ALT is not seen as an assistant but as "the English teacher" since the regular homeroom teacher has no training or experience with ESL. In most cases, the ALT has a degree in a field unrelated to teaching and has no qualifications.
Table of Contents
Japanese Education System
ALT Training
My Unexpected Discovery
Language Course Peculiarities
Do... [Read more]
Last posts written by Asia
Asia Ridley
I’m Asia, originally from California, USA and currently living in Nagasaki, Japan. I’m working as an ALT [Assistant Language Teacher] through the JET program [Japanese Exchange and Teaching Programme]. I studied abroad in Japan two years ago and returned to make a career. I am also running a website to share my experiences, favorite places, and information about everything in Japan. It is a platform where I work on my crafts such as photography as well.
Read my articles
Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Asia Ridley
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Are you interested in teaching English in Japan? Working as an Assistant Language Teacher in a Japanese school is a great way to get move to Japan. This article gives an in-depth look... [Read more]
Teaching in Japan: Problems of Local Learners - TEFL Blog
Thu, 05 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching in Japan: Problems of Local Learners
In this essay I will be discussing the problems for young Japanese learners of English, and what problems Japanese learners often encounter as well as explaining some of the reasons why teachers can run into problems while teaching in Japan. I will be referring to the book "The Smart Guide to Teaching English in Japan' by Charlie Moritz and Martin Bragalone, as well as drawing from my knowledge and experiences of studying and volunteering in Japan. Japan can be a challenging but rewarding country to work in, despite stereotypes of Japanese people being polite and studious so it is important to consider that reality can be different when teaching in Japan.
Table of Contents
Eikaiwa... [Read more]
Last posts written by Etienne
Etienne Van Rooyen
My name is Etienne van Rooyen, and I live and work in Hachinohe City, Japan. I'm from the Gold Coast, Australia, and have lived in Japan for over two and a half years and going strong! I work on the JET Programme as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), teaching at one high school (which is rare for those who have or are working for JET). I graduated with an undergraduate degree in "Langues and Linguistics" with Japanese language studies and English linguistics majors. Alongside teaching, I spend my time staying active with my newfound love of winter sports like skiing and ice hockey. I am also an avid videogame/movie fan, reader, cook and pianist.
Read my articles
The Three Main Types of High Schools in Japan | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Etienne Van Rooyen
TEFL Information... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Assistant Language Teacher Needed In Japan ann. 2
Assistant Language Teacher Needed in Japan
Date posted:2021-07-26 | Writer: Heart Corporation | Email: [email protected]
Ready for your next big adventure?!Why not help teach English in Japan, as an Assistant Language Teacher!We are seeking enthusiastic teachers and graduates for the 2022 Japanese schools year. We are always looking for candidates who have a passion for teaching and are willing to assist Japanese students in fulfilling the dreams of speaking with you without the fear of making a mistake. They may not know it at first, but your voice will help propel them into the world of English at a young age.Assistant Language Teacher(ALT)The role of an ALT has two main duties: Providing fun and effective English lessons and Internationalizing Japanese youth. Japanese youth... [Read more]
The Most Effective Teaching Methodologies for Online ESL Teaching Mode - TEFL Blog
Wed, 31 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The Most Effective Teaching Methodologies for Online ESL Teaching Mode
For the last two years, I have worked as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) at a Japanese high school. Along with my teaching job, I have volunteered at a weekly English conversation class, where I teach English to both children and adults. Next year, I plan to transition out of my ALT job and into private ESL teaching. It is most likely that I will do most of my teaching online, where I will be one-on-one with a student.
Table of Contents
Teaching Methodologies
ALT
Lesson Stages
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was... [Read more]
The World Of TEFL and TESOL Explained from: 140
The World Of TEFL and TESOL Explained
Productive and Receptive Skills in the EFL Classroom - Writing Skills
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
What are some of the considerations needed for students to complete a writing lesson? Here we outline some of the types of activity you can produce and major issues to be aware of.
Course Books and Materials: Use of the Wipe Board
Federico Riva
TEFL Information
The wipeboard in all its' forms is a ubiquitous tool in the classroom. What should we think abour during our lesson planning and delivery, in terms of the material to be presented on the wipeboard?
Course Books and Materials: Use of Visual Aids
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
In this blog post, we will consider some examples... [Read more]
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program: All You Need to Know and How to Apply - TEFL Blog
Mon, 15 Oct 2018 Laura Payne
Destinations TEFL Information
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program: All You Need to Know and How to Apply
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is not the only means to teach English in Japan, but it is one of the most popular programs out there both for aspiring teachers and those who wish to pursue other fields. I first joined this program a little over a year ago. In the short time since then, I've gained incredibly valuable experiences through my work as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).
Table of Contents
The History of JET
Duties of an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
How to Apply for the JET Program
Remuneration and Living
Rewards of JET
Common Challenges for ALTs
The JET Community
Listen to this blog post
What are you waiting... [Read more]
Japanese Native Speakers and Their Challenges in ESL Learning - TEFL Blog
Thu, 04 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Japanese Native Speakers and Their Challenges in ESL Learning
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Doneika D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Table of Contents
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!
Related Articles:
I am currently an English teacher living in Japan. I teach both Elementary and Junior High School English Language.
Japan's government allows the students to start learning English sometimes as early as Kindergarten. Most Elementary schools have a designated ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) that possesses a native level of English. Even though English is a compulsory subject in Japanese Junior High and High... [Read more]
Alumna Experience: ✅How My Teaching Skills Improved Throughout The Teaching Career - TEFL Blog
Fri, 05 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Alumna Experience: ✅How My Teaching Skills Improved Throughout The Teaching Career
For the past four years, I have worked in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) of English. Before this, I had limited experience operating in a conventional classroom, teaching young learners. I trained adults who were self-motivated and designed curricula for vocation institutions. Now, outside of my expertise, here I am teaching at a junior high school – my base school and an elementary school.
Table of Contents
My Role as an Assistant Language Teacher of English
Students' Motivation
Classroom Culture
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads... [Read more]
Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories from: 350
Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories
Teaching English in Taiwan ✅ The Hidden Gem of Asia
Christian Davey
Destinations Alumni Experiences
Are you interested in teaching English in Taiwan? ✅ Here's a first-hand report on what it's like to teach in one of Asia's best kept hidden gems!
A Day in the Life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme
Georgia Payne
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Are you interested in teaching English in Japan? ✅ Here's what a day in the life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme looks like!
How to Build Strong Reading Skills from Early Childhood
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In this blog post, our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Tefl Certified Teachers Needed Immediately In Japan
TEFL Certified Teachers Needed Immediately in Japan
Date posted:2015-07-15 | Writer: Heart English School | Email: [email protected]
Heart English School is seeking new native-level EFL teachers who are available now, or for the next school year. The new school year will start in April 2016, and we will have positions all over the Kanto area starting in April, May, or June. Locations include Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Gunma, Tochigi, Yamanashi and Iwate. The primary positions offered by Heart are Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) and English Teacher. The two major responsibilities of these positions are to provide excellent quality English lessons and to facilitate the internationalization of Japanese students.
Positions are typically 5... [Read more]
The Most Popular TEFL Destinations For Teachers from: 40
The Most Popular TEFL Destinations For Teachers
Teaching English in 2021 ✅ What You Need to Know
Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information
Are you interested in teaching English abroad or online in 2021? ✅ Our TEFL expert Linda is sharing current trends, predictions, and everything you need to know for teaching English in the coming year. You don't want to miss this!
The World of the Fulbright Program for Teaching English Abroad
Lulu Johnson
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
The Fulbright program is a great way to travel abroad and work as an English language teacher in an exciting new country. ✅ This article will go over what Fulbright is, their English teaching program, and how to apply to Fulbright in this blog post.
Teaching English in Taiwan... [Read more]
Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories from: 120
Our ITTT TEFL and TESOL Alumni Stories
What is Reported Speech?
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences
We can quote people through what's called direct speech. In written form it would look like “Corey said we're moving house next week”. We've used quotes and we've quoted Corey directly, i.e. used the exact words that he used. There is however another way we can quote people, and this is through reported speech. We don't quote their exact words, but we simply let people know what has been said.
Evaluation and Testing of Students - Placements Tests
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
In this blog we will show how a simple speaking interview with the student, can be used to place them in one of the five ESL teaching bands, from Starter to Upper-Intermediate.... [Read more]
Last posts written by Shanique
Shanique Hutchinson
Shanique is from Jamaica and has been working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the Mie prefecture in Japan since August 2018. She works at both the elementary and junior high school levels and enjoys traveling, learning foreign languages, reading and playing the piano.
Read my articles
Being a Cultural Ambassador in Japan: the Other Side of the EFL Experience | ITTT | TEFL Blog
Shanique Hutchinson
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
This blog post was written by a recent TEFL course graduate who works as a cultural ambassador in Japan. Read more about her adventures teaching English in Asia in this blog post.
[Read more]
BLOG TEFL & TESOL courses - Work and Live Abroad! from: 150
Older Posts
Coursebooks and Materials - Best Use of the Coursebook
Federico Riva
Teaching Ideas
In this blog we will consider how best to use the teaching material course book that often accompanies a course. There are a number of stategies we can adopt to get the most out of the book in different situations.
What are Conditionals?
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
What are conditionals? In simplest terms, they say “if this happens, then that happens”. They're commonly referred to as ‘if' sentence structures’.
Evaluation and Testing of Students - Placements Tests
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
In this blog we will show how a simple speaking interview with the student, can be used to place them in one of the five ESL teaching... [Read more]
How do I get a job teaching English in Japan? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
How do I get a job teaching English in Japan?
Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan.
What are the requirements for teaching English in Japan?
In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The... [Read more]
What is the JET Program for teaching English in Japan? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
What is the JET Program for teaching English in Japan?
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is a government backed scheme that has been operating for over 30 years. Every year around 5,000 foreign nationals are placed into schools right across Japan with the intention of raising the language skills of young people. Unlike many similar programs in other countries, the JET Program also has a strong focus on cultural exchange between participants and the local population. Competition for places on the program is generally very tough as successful applicants receive a competitive salary and a range of extra benefits.
What are the requirements for the JET Program?
The program is open to college graduates up to the age of 40, although its status as primarily a youth culture exchange... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach Efl In Japan
Teach EFL in Japan
Date posted:2008-01-29 | Writer: Heart English School | Email: [email protected]
Heart English School is now recruiting for 2008!
US, UK, Canadian, NZ, Australian citizens needed!
Qualifications required: University Degree and TEFL certificate / experience
'Heart English School' is based in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, but they have schools around the Tokyo area and in Tokyo itself.
The positions are for ALT (Assistant Language Teachers), to teach in one of the schools for a year from April this year. Training is provided, and because they are assistant teacher positions you would generally be supporting the resident Japanese teacher, making this much gentler way into teaching English abroad, if you are new to this.
Japanese language ability is not... [Read more]
Team Teaching with Different Teaching Styles - TEFL Blog
Thu, 25 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Team Teaching with Different Teaching Styles
As an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) working at an elementary school in Japan, I have to mainly work with seven different teachers and teams to teach the English lessons together. The number of teachers I work with more than doubles if I include the grades that I only teach occasionally and also the classes at the other school that I go to only once a week. It is no surprise that 'flexibility' is often mentioned as one of the most important traits to have to be an effective ALT. In this summative task, I would like to share some of my experiences and how I have learned to work with multiple teachers with different teaching styles.
Table of Contents
Personal Experience
Do you want to... [Read more]
BLOG TEFL & TESOL courses - Work and Live Abroad! from: 250
Older Posts
Top 10 ESL Activities for Older English Learners
Francesca Marchi
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Are you teaching English abroad or online to older students? ✅ Here are 10 ESL activities for older English learners for you to try.
Q&A About TEFL/TESOL ✅ Ask us anything!
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Check out one of our live sessions on Facebook and Youtube where we answer all the most burning questions about TEFL and TESOL and teaching English abroad.
Overview of TEFL and TESOL for Teaching English Abroad or Online
Linda Dunsmore
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
Are you interested in teaching English as a new career - either abroad, from home or on the road? ✅ We explore the world of TEFL... [Read more]
The World Of TEFL and TESOL Explained from: 340
The World Of TEFL and TESOL Explained
The Crucial Role of Parents in ESL Teaching
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their ideas on how parents can help their children learn English effectively. ✅ Read this article to learn the most important factors.
3 Strategies to Keep ESL Students Motivated
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their ideas on how to keep ESL students motivated. ✅ Read this article to learn the three easy steps.
3 Effective Ways to Manage a Classroom of Pre-Schoolers
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Tefl Job In Japan 3
TEFL Job in Japan (4)
Date posted:2015-08-05 | Writer: Little Star Co.Ltd | Email: [email protected]
Little Star English School in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, has positions for TEFL certified teachers who are available to start work in November 2015. Classes are for both adults and children (4-6 students per class), covering a wide variety of ages and levels. Gotemba is a peaceful town, approximately an hour and a half drive from Tokyo by highway. Population is about 90,000.
Our school is a relatively small family owned company. We offer private and group lessons in several locations as well as companies and ALT.
Job Details:
There will be a 2 week training/probation period.
30 hours teaching maximum per week.
Working days are 5 days a week with all National holidays off, and... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Tefl Teachers Needed In Gotemba Japan
TEFL Teachers Needed in Gotemba, Japan
Date posted:2009-02-03 | Writer: Little Star English School | Email: [email protected]
Gotemba is a 1.5hour drive from Tokyo. Population is about 85,000.
Positions are available for 2 Full-time 1Part-time English conversational teachers, commencing in April 2009. Preferably arriving in middle of March 2009 for a 2week training/probation period.
30-40hours teaching per week, plus preparation and driving time. Working days are from Monday to Friday. Sat/Sun and all National holidays are off, and teachers will receive additional vacation.
Classes are for both adults and children(4-6students per class), covering a wide variety of ages and levels. Our school is a private English academy offering private and group lessons in 2 locations as well as... [Read more]
A Day in the Life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme - TEFL Blog
Fri, 12 Feb 2021 Georgia Payne
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
A Day in the Life of an ALT on the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme
The unofficial motto of the JET Programme is 'every situation is different (ESID).' This is completely true, and every JET's day looks different depending on whether they work in a public or private school, whether they have co-JETs or are solo, their teaching partner's style, and the school's schedule. I teach in a private junior and senior high school in central Tokyo, where students are aged 12-18. The following is my own experience, but every ALT's (assistant language teacher) experience on the JET Programme is vastly different.
Table of Contents
Wake up, get ready for school and commute to school 6:30 - 7:50
Home room:... [Read more]