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My Experience as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japanese Elementary and Junior High Schools - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
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.
Japanese Education System
ALT Training
My Unexpected Discovery
Language Course Peculiarities
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TEFL Spain - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Job For English Assistant Teacher In Spain
Date posted:2020-08-11 | Writer: UP INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION | Email: [email protected]
Use your TEFL skills while living in Spain for eight or nine months with your expenses covered while learning the language and working in the most noble of professions: teaching!. Does it get any better? Simply, a once in a lifetime experience!
Our program offers a postgraduate free of charge( which allows to apply for a student visa if needed) that easily combines a theoretical training course and a teaching assistant placement in a Spanish school equivalent to approximately 20 teaching hours a week, under a signed agreement and a monthly grant to cover your living expenses.
The hours would be completed typically within 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday,... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Assistant Language Teacher Needed In Japan ann. 2
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 have very few opportunities to interact with... [Read more]
Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan - TEFL Blog
Asia Ridley
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
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.
Japanese Elementary School
Collaborating with your Homeroom Teacher
Outside of the classroom
Conclusion
Are you... [Read more]
TEFL Hong Kong - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teacher Assistant Primary Section Starting From August 2025 ann. 2
Date posted:2025-07-22 | Writer: Singapore International School - Hong Kong | Email: [email protected]
SISHK is looking for a creative and committed person of high calibre to join our dynamic team for the position of Teacher Assistant. The position will start in August 2025. Fresh graduates and those who would like to pursue a career in the education sector are welcome.
Job Scope
Classroom responsibilities
Supervise during group activities and educational games
Provide supervision during playground time
Help students meet learning needs
Administrative support for teachers
Set up and maintain the classroom environment
Prepare teaching materials
Co-curricular Activities related duties
Take charge of equipment, uniforms and costumes
Assist in running school clubs, societies and... [Read more]
TEFL Africa - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Primary Assistant
Date posted:2024-05-16 | Writer: International School of Gabon Ruban Vert | Email: [email protected]
We are looking for qualified, internationally-minded educators with experience of inquiry-based and whole-child learning and a commitment to contributing to a multicultural community, to join us from September 2024.
See the job descriptions below and contact us via [email protected] for further information.
Ecole Ruban Vert’s history dates back to 2013 when it began as a small school offering a unique blend of bilingual, internationally focused education to a small number of children. Since then the school has grown and is a leading institution offering a first class education from Foundation Stage to post-secondary level providing a progressive education with stability and... [Read more]
TEFL Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Preschool Assistant
Date posted:2024-09-19 | Writer: Wells International Preschool | Email: [email protected]
Nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, our campus offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This picturesque location is famed for its ancient temples, including the iconic Great Buddha, scenic hiking trails, and sandy beaches along the Shonan coast. Just a short train ride from Tokyo, Kamakura provides a tranquil yet inspiring setting for teaching and learning. It's an ideal environment for those who appreciate outdoor activities, cultural explorations, and a community-focused lifestyle. Join us at Wells International Preschool in Kamakura, where education meets tradition and nature.
AccessOur campus is a 15 minutes’ walk from Kamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka and Shonan... [Read more]
How Can Teachers Develop the Productive Skills of Japanese Junior High School Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Change is coming to the way that English is taught in Japanese public schools. The changes to the curriculum by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) increase the teaching of English at all levels of schooling. The goal of this change is, in the words of Ikuko Tsuboya-Newel, founder and chair of Tokyo International School, "The government has decided that beginning in 2020 all high school graduates must achieve a level of English equivalent to B1" ("Why do Japanese have trouble learning English?", The Japan Times, October 29, 2017). To achieve that goal, high school entrance exams are expected to include more testing of productive skills in English. Therefore, junior high school students are expected to have these... [Read more]
TEFL Asia General - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Primary Teaching Assistant
Date posted:2024-05-15 | Writer: Stonehill Primary School | Email: [email protected]
Stonehill International School is looking for an experienced and committed Teaching Assistant for our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Candidates should have a keen interest in working with students aged 3-12 to support their learning in the Arts. This role will help support our Primary Performing and Visual Arts Programme. Ideally you will have a minimum of 2 years experience (after education/internship) in a PYP school, and be interested in the Arts. Stonehill typically prefers candidates with experience in international schools, a clear understanding of teaching and learning, good communication skills, and a clear commitment to the IB PYP philosophy.
Primary Teaching... [Read more]
Personal Teaching Experience: Navigating a Changing Curriculum as a Co-teacher in Japanese Elementary Schools - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
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.
English Language Tests
Designing Activities
Team Building
Group Lesson Planning
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL... [Read more]
TEFL China - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teaching Assistant For Lower Elementary
Date posted:2025-01-10 | Writer: Western International School of Shanghai | Email: [email protected]
The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Teaching Assistant for Lower Elementary.
Purpose Statement
Teaching Assistants are responsible for working with individual, small groups and large groups of students as guided by classroom teachers.
Teaching Assistants will work in close collaboration with all members of their classroom team, creating a safe and stimulating learning environment for WISS students. Teaching Assistants will support all members of the Early Years Team in accordance with the philosophy and core values of WISS.
Teaching Assistants report directly to the Lower Elementary Principal whilst their day to day duties and... [Read more]
TEFL China - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Assistant Head Of Senior School
Date posted:2024-05-21 | Writer: Wellington College China | Email: [email protected]
Assistant Heads are responsible for all aspects of the school relating to academic excellence and the holistic development of well-rounded and future-ready pupils. Each Assistant Head has a focus for their work and a clearly defined portfolio of responsibility, but also contributes to the whole and supports the work of others as part of the full cross-campus Senior Management Team (SMT).
Strategic Matters• To assist the Head to develop vision and define plans for growth and development.• To provide professional leadership and management of teaching and learning throughout the Senior School and Junior High.• To quality assure teaching and manage improvement so that it secures... [Read more]
TEFL Germany - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language Assistant Required In Germany
Date posted:2020-06-11 | Writer: Hermann Lietz Schule Schloss Bieberstein | Email: [email protected]
Schloss Bieberstein is a private boarding school situated near Fulda (about an 1.5 hours drive from Frankfurt/Main). It can be found in an old castle on top of a hill, with the nearest village in walking distance. We are looking for an English Language Assistant who is avialble to start work by 24th August. This is an ideal opportunity for a newly qualified TEFL graduate.Bieberstein is home to about 95 students aged between 14 and 20, who are organized in so-called “family groups” of up to 12 students. Each group is supervised by a teacher living on campus with the students. Since the relationship between teachers and students is closer than in state schools, students and teachers... [Read more]
TEFL Germany - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language Assistant Needed In Germany
Date posted:2021-07-12 | Writer: Hermann Lietz Schule Schloss Bieberstein | Email: [email protected]
Schloss Bieberstein is a private boarding school situated near Fulda (about an 1.5 hours drive from Frankfurt/Main). It can be found in an old castle on top of a hill, with the nearest village in walking distance.Bieberstein is home to about 95 students aged between 14 and 20, who are organized in so-called “family groups” of up to 12 students. Each group is supervised by a teacher living on campus with the students. Since the relationship between teachers and students is closer than in state schools, students and teachers call each other by their first names and use "du" instead of "Sie".The Language Assistant is expected to participate in the school life of Bieberstein, joining... [Read more]
TEFL Other Europe - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Early Learning School English Assistant
Date posted:2024-05-03 | Writer: PaRK International School | Email: [email protected]
Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of over 100 premium private schools spanning six continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 80,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13. In addition, we are delighted to be recognised in the top 10 highest value private companies in the UK by Beauhurst.
In over 24 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student's academic and personal development in a... [Read more]
Japanese Holidays - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: www . houseofgenjisanjose . net/blog/2014/december/highlighting-japanese-holidays-infographic- . aspx?redirect_referrer=https%3a%2f%2fit . pinterest . com%2f
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Japanese Customs - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: www . businessinsider . com/japanese-customs-that-are-shocking-to-foreigners-2015-7?utm_content=buffer4f24d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook . com&utm_campaign=buffer
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Motivation in the Classroom: Japanese Experience - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Having been an English teacher of high school students in Japan for the past 2 years, I have noticed that motivation in the classroom is as much dependent on the students as it is on me as the teacher. There are three aspects that I have identified and used in my environment to get the student motivated and engaged. The Japanese culture is largely conservative and group orientated and those are crucial to take into account if one is to succeed in their teaching career in Japan. The following plays a big role in setting a tone whereby students are motivated and engaged. Those aspects are culture, societal pressure, and peer pressure.
Culture
Societal perception
Peer pressure
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Common Pronunciation Mistakes of Japanese Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
This piece will discuss the difficulties faced by Japanese learners of English regarding English pronunciation and suggest methods to help learners in different age groups overcome them. It posits that most difficulties stem from the differences in phonology between the English alphabet and the Japanese kana system.
Differences in the Alphabetic Systems
Ways to Overcome Difficulties
Working with Adults
How to Approach Young Students
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Niall M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
While the English alphabet is phonemic, with each letter representing a single... [Read more]
English teaching assistant programs abroad - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. What are English teaching assistant programs abroad?
2. How can I apply for English teaching assistant programs abroad?
3. What are the benefits of participating in English teaching assistant programs abroad?
4. What are some popular English teaching assistant programs abroad?
English teaching assistant programs abroad are opportunities for individuals to immerse themselves in a different culture while assisting local teachers in teaching English as a foreign language. These programs are designed to provide native or fluent English speakers with the chance to gain teaching experience, cultural exchange, and personal growth while living and working in a foreign country. Participants typically work in schools, language institutes, or community centers, helping students improve their... [Read more]
Common Problems Japanese Learners of English Experience - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Japan is an island nation and is a recognized homogenous society with a very small percentage of foreign permanent residence and more than half of the adult population lacks the necessary skills to speak English proficiently. Because of this, English as a Second Language is in high demand with young learners being a focus group in Japan. English is taught in the school environment during nearly all of a child's primary education years, but this, unfortunately, doesn't translate to a proficient English-speaking Japanese population.
Global Opportunities
Differences in Language Structure
Cultural Challenges
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Payton P. Please... [Read more]
TEFL Chile - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teaching Assistant Roles In Chile For Tefl Graduates
Date posted:2019-09-11 | Writer: International Schools Partnership | Email: [email protected]
Are you a recent TEFL qualified graduate looking for an opportunity to work overseas? Are you considering a career in teaching? Would you like to become part of a team working hard to make their school the school of choice? The International Schools Partnership (ISP) is a growing group of committed colleagues in financially responsible schools around the world, all of which aim to be the school of choice in their local area. We have an exciting opportunity for you; we are currently recruiting Graduate Learning Assistants for our schools in Santiago, Chile.
Graduate Language Assistants work as full-time members of support staff in a school assisting with the day to day teaching and learning... [Read more]
TEFL Russia - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teaching Assistant Needed In Moscow Russia ann. 2
Date posted:2021-04-28 | Writer: English Nursery and Primary School | Email: [email protected]
English Nursery and Primary School is looking for enthusiastic and hardworking native level English speaking Assistant Teachers to join our team in late August 2021. Additional skills like teaching PE/ Dance or Art is very welcomed.We are searching for someone who:• is passionate about supporting children’s development• will hold high expectations and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child• possesses excellent interpersonal skills or any creative/sports skills• will be committed to working in partnership with teachers and parents• is committed to their own professional development• TEFL/TESOL preferredIn return we can offer:• children who are hardworking and... [Read more]
TEFL Poland - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English In Poland As A Language Assistant
Date posted:2019-07-15 | Writer: English Wizards | Email: [email protected]
Become a Language Assistant in Krakow, Poland, and use your TEFL skills to experience European culture first-hand while getting hands-on teaching experience in a fun and relaxed environment. This is an ideal opportunity for a newly qualified EFL teacher. As a Language Assistant you will work 10-20 hours per week in public schools, private schools, day cares, preschools, and summer camps as an ambassador of the English language and your home culture.
As a Language Assistant, you'll have all the fun of teaching and none of the pain! Classes are generally casual and based around games, activities, or conversation, and are meant to be fun for the teacher as well as the students. You will also never be... [Read more]
An Australian Amongst American Textbooks in Japan: ✅ Teaching in a Country that Values American English - TEFL Blog
Maddy Payne
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Assistant Language Teachers in Japan come from different countries worldwide, bringing different kinds of English with them. In my experience, American English is often the most sought-after version of English. Some countries highly value Language Teachers from the USA, which often matches their American-style textbooks and resources. Sometimes people are even overlooked for job opportunities due to their Australian accent and British English background. Well, Japan is no different in this regard. Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English teacher in Japan?
The Japanese love America
No Exposure to Non-American Accents
Creating an Opportunity
Things about... [Read more]
Why Japanese Students Struggle with Communicating in English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
During my stay in Japan, Japanese people often told me how they can't communicate in English despite studying the language for six or more years in school. In Japan, students in junior and senior high learn English grammar and vocabulary in compulsory formal English classes. English is also taught in elementary school as foreign language activities. Yet despite spending several hours in English classes, many Japanese people graduate high school with poor English communication skills.
Education system
Class culture
Learning goals
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [Read more]
Typical Challenges for Japanese Native Speakers in ESL - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daisy C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Grammar
Pronunciation
Japanese schools
Japanese culture
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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One problem facing many Japanese students learning English is differentiating between countable and uncountable nouns. In the Japanese language, the same word is often used for 'much' and 'many'. In English, 'much' is used to describe countable nouns, and 'many' is used to describe uncountable nouns.
A problem facing many EFL learners, especially Japanese learners, is idioms. The English language has thousands of idioms, which are used in everyday life. These are... [Read more]
The Struggles for Japanese Students When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
I have been teaching in Japan for over 12 years in three different locations ranging from the southernmost part of Hokkaido to the southern island of Kyushu, where I presently reside. The youngest students I have had were children not even two years of age, whereas my older students were in their seventies. This is a very common situation for those who teach here in Japan; a country where the English boom occurred not too long after they rebuilt their nation following the Second World War.
Interest
Popular Culture Influence
Pronunciation Difficulties
Language Systems
Confidence
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Andrew W. Please note that this blog post... [Read more]
Common Challenges in English for Japanese Native Speakers - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
If you ever find yourself driving in French Canada, you will be stopped by stop signs that say 'arrêt', which is stopped in French. Almost all drivers in North America would know that this means stop because it's the same octagon red stop sign. In Japan it's very different, stop signs are triangular with Japanese script on them but, beneath the Japanese, you can find English subtitles which read 'stop'. In fact, if you travel anywhere in Japan, the majority of signs and announcements related to travel are offered in Japanese and English. English has been taught in Japanese schools since the American occupation after World War Two. However, according to an EF English Proficiency Index in 2017, Japanese English proficiency is 35th out of 72... [Read more]
The Usual Problems of Japanese Students in English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A large number of obstacles can arise for the students when learning a foreign language. Some of these problems are related to the contrast between the mother language and the learned language. About the differences between L1 and L2, there is plenty of research in the field of contrastive linguistics. Moreover, regarding that topic, many papers can be found comparing English to Japanese with the aim to address the problems of Japanese learners of English. However, other predicaments with the apprehension of the L2 can develop when teachers underestimate the importance of the cultural dimension of the language taught. Concerning that particular impediment, less scientific literature exists. In this essay, the discussion will focus on several issues of... [Read more]
