Most of you who apply for Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) jobs already know a bit about the job involved. As a major step towards improving English language education in Japan, the Japanese government introduced English language instruction from elementary to high schools. An ALT works together with a Japanese teacher to teach English in those schools. These teaching assignments are available in high schools, junior high schools and elementary schools throughout Japan.

It may slightly vary from school to school but usually ALTs assist with reading, grammar, and oral communications among students. ALTs are responsible for developing teaching materials and activities in consultation with the homeroom teacher for each class.

In elementary schools (sogako) the ALT is basically in-charge of lesson plans and do the lessons themselves with some assistance from the Japanese teachers. These classes for kids are basically fun-filled and usually recruiting companies make nice lesson plans for kids.

ALTs jobs in high schools are less demanding but also are less satisfying. Tanagers in high schools sometimes make fun of their teachers and do not pay attentions to lessons in classes. It will be frustrating if one ends up at a school where the students smoke and act like delinquents.

Prior to beginning their new assignment, all new ALTs undergo a professional training program organized by their recruiting companies. This covers such topics as working in Japanese schools, code of conduct, techniques and activities, first day and first class and survival Japanese.

ALTs will sometimes have to help with language training of Japanese Teachers of English. This is done in several ways such as helping teachers during teacher meetings, demonstration classes, and during language seminars. Sometimes, there will be school district or regional meetings where you may be asked to help prepare and provide teaching information to your colleagues. Usually, you will do this with a Japanese Teacher of English from one of your assigned schools.

ALTs work approximately 25 hours per week. Classes are scheduled between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm from Monday to Friday. Occasionally ALTs may be requested by schools to attend a special school event such as the Sports Day or Cultural Day on Weekends.

Salary may vary depending on the number of hours assigned on each month and also the place of work. Most ALTs working regularly qualify for a salary of about 220,000 yen per month. National income taxes are approximately 7% and are automatically deducted from salary. Some of the recruiting companies offer subsidized accommodation, health insurance and cover work related travel expenses.

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Anonymous   | | 2008-02-25 13:25:35 Japanese immigration requires that teachers make a minimum of 250,000 yen in order to be eligible for a working visa. 220,000 doesn't even meet this requirement. Another thing to consider is which agency to go through. Many of these agencies are there to take advantage of foreign nationals who know nothing of the Japanese Labor Laws. Check the labor laws before you sign a contract. If there are any illegal clauses in a contract, you don't need to honor that contract.If you work directly for the BOE, expect to make about 350,000 per month. The angencies cream off about 1/3rd of your salary. Also, national income taxes have changed. They are now 5 percent with the prefectural tax also at 5 percent. Reply 5   1

jon - that is a good comment   | | 2008-02-27 16:42:01 Thanks for sharing these information, which i am sure would save people from those unscrupulous agencies. Reply 1   1

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