For many native English speakers, teaching English is often the gateway to an extended stay in Japan. Many of these individuals become Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), a specific role within Japan’s public school system and part of the country’s effort to promote English language education. ALTs are not full teachers and do not have primary responsibility for classes. They assist Japanese teachers, and the utilization of their skills varies widely. This role is closely associated with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET), which began in 1987. However, ALTs can also be hired through private dispatch companies, not just JET. Many ALTs only stay for a few years before returning to their home country or pursuing another career. Some, however, stay long term. Today, we will take a deep dive into what it means to be an ALT and the future of English language instruction in Japan.

Key Takeaways

* Alphabet Soup of Acronyms: Don't be intimidated by the many acronyms associated with teaching English as a second language. Throughout the interview, Elizabeth patiently explains the meaning and importance of each one. See below for a link to the organizations behind many of the acronyms.

* JET or Bust: There are many places in Japan where native English speakers can teach English as a second language. Based on her personal experience, Elizabeth strongly recommends starting with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, even if only to gain experience living and working abroad before returning home. For those interested in continuing their education while teaching English in Japan, Elizabeth suggests several viable options. ALT Training Online (ALTTO) is a particularly good place to start.

* How to Find Teaching Jobs: Relatively high-paying teaching positions, particularly at private high schools and in post-secondary education, are difficult to find. These positions often require a teaching credential and tend to be advertised primarily by word of mouth. However, Elizabeth offers tips about other resources that can help you land these types of jobs.

Timeline

Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.

Key Contacts

Substack:

TESOL: https://www.tesol.org/

Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET): https://jetprogramme.org/en/

ALT Training Online (ALTTO): https://altto.net/

JALT Job Listings: https://jalt-publications.org/tlt/departments/career-development-corner/jobs

Online Teaching Japan (OTJ): https://www.facebook.com/groups/603548090241536/

English Teaching Japan (ETJ): https://ltprofessionals.com/etj/

#ElizabethScally #JET #JETProgramme #ALT #CIR #TESOL #ESL #ALTTO #JALT #OnlineTeachingJapan #EnglishTeachingJapan #ChibaKunGlobalPartners #BujinkanBudoTaijutsu #RealGaijin #エリザベススカリー #JETプログラム #語学指導 #外国青年招致事業 #英語教師 #第二言語 #外人 #外国人 #チーバくんパートナーズ #武神館 #リアル外人

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