Welcome to Japanese Schools

Kazunari Kawakami

Are you ready for this?

Secrets of JTEs

Secrets of JTEsMany JTEs are not confident in their English. They don’t want to speak English. Some of them even refuse to teach with you.

You should lead the conversation.Ask them Yes/No questions.

Think what would be the most beneficial for the students.

Secrets of JTEsMany JTEs pretend they understand what ALTs are saying.

Talking slowly, repeat, even giving them notes could be helpful.

When you plan team-teaching, make sure they fully understand their roles before you go to class.

Secrets of JTEs

Most teachers are too busy to think. They don’t always have time to meet.

Make a lesson plan, find your teacher’s free period and ask them in the morning to meet and discuss the plan you made.

Find out who are homeroom teachers and who are non-homeroom teachers. The latter have more free time than the former.

Secrets of JTEsJTEs don’t like it when …

ALTs show up in inappropriate clothes.

ALTs show up with a hangover.

ALTs don’t plan how they will write on the blackboard.

ALT’s handwriting is unreadable.

Secrets of teachersTeachers like it when …

ALTs say Hi! Until your coworkers say Hi back.

ALTs smile.

ALTs join school events.

ALTs ask for a help.

ALTs show family photos.

ALTs try to use Japanese.They show you their secret skills and you like it.

Secrets to be a great teacher

The great teacher

The good teacher explains.

The mediocre teacher tells.

The superior teacher demonstrates.

inspires.