Job Discussion Forums

[stretch]

I'd eventually like to get a Uni job, even though it sounds like they don't treat foreign profs to well (lack of tenure spots?). That being aside, any recommendations on what Masters is the best route in Japan? Are distance degrees accepted there? Anyone with direct masters experience/knowledge would be helpful. Same with the Uni job info. That would be helpful. I'm a patient man, I know I'll be waiting for years to get a decent job. Just looking for some info.
Thanks all,

[Nismo]

It seems like the rumor has it that you'll want to get a masters in TEFL, or English, or Applied Lingustics. For a university position, you should also step it up to a PhD.

[taikibansei]

[PAULH]

[PAULH]

(From the Language Teacher)


To be considered for a full professor's position, you need publications, preferably good ones in large numbers (Washida, 2001, p. 87-8. Some universities or even individual departments have ranking systems for publications and presentations. Even if the university to which you apply does not have an official ranking system in place, some informal ranking will naturally exist; e.g., a TESOL Quarterly publication will carry more weight than a local newspaper editorial. My university--a national one--as well as those at which close colleagues of mine now work, value such achievements along the following simplified lines, from highest prestige to lowest: sole authorship in a refereed international journal, in a refereed domestic journal, in a non-refereed journal; shared authorship in any of the above (worth less than sole authorship); a single presentation at an international conference, at a domestic conference, at a local conference, and finally as a poster presentation. In short, publications are worth more than presentations, books more than articles, refereed more than non-refereed, single author works more than shared, and international more than domestic. Similar systems may exist in other universities and may differ slightly in details, but I trust they are basically the same.


You should submit papers to the highest level journals possible; if the paper is rejected and subsequent editing and resubmission fails, work your way down the ladder of prestige until your paper is finally accepted. Most important, do not feel intimidated. Journals interested in furthering the exchange of ideas and understanding will accept papers from anyone so long as the content is lucid and original. Furthermore, if you are currently working part-time at an institution, you can use that institution for your affiliation. In addition, this affiliation may entitle you to submit papers to the university's or even department's kiyo, its journal, which you should do. The ideal strategy is to submit to the kiyo preliminary drafts focusing on facets of your research, because kiyo are only lightly refereed, thus worth fewer "publication points," while continuing to work on the papers to submit more complete versions to international refereed outlets, making note that preliminary versions appeared in the kiyo. You can also publish works by yourself (Washida, 2001, p. 119-120). Lastly, try to choose catchy, concise, and attractive titles for all your works (Washida, 2001, p. 119-120), since most of your publications will likely go unread beyond the titles in the hiring process.


Japanese r�sum�s, called rirekisho, can be purchased in packages in stores, even in convenience stores; however, some institutions do require proprietary r�sum� forms, which should be explained in the job advertisement, although you may wish to contact the institution to confirm the preferred format. It should also be noted that Japanese r�sum�s are generally handwritten, because the handwriting is felt to give the interviewers added insight into the applicant's character. When properly completed, a Japanese r�sum�, printed or handwritten, provides the applicants with many potential edges: some of the other applicants probably did not submit them, its existence indicates the applicant's willingness to go the extra step to acculturate, and Japanese staff will naturally be more inclined to read and recall something in their native language. While this may only apply in certain cases, the institutions that will survive and thrive are most likely those that are more innovative and accepting of outside opinions and ideas.


Japanese ability can be an important consideration. If a portion, or all, of your interview is conducted in Japanese, bear in mind that Japanese interviewers face the same problems in evaluating Japanese ability that English teachers have in evaluating student ability. There is no uniform standard and interviewers differ on what is essential and what is not. There is the added problem that too much Japanese ability, perhaps indicated by holding a degree in Japanese language or culture, may raise questions about one's commitment to teach English by suggesting a greater interest in speaking Japanese than English. Some universities prefer non-Japanese-speaking foreign staff who are possibly more likely to converse with students in English as well as create an appealing atmosphere of "internationalism" or "foreignness" for both students and staff. Other universities prefer Japanese-speaking foreign staff who can participate fully in the various administration functions, such as hiring committees or curriculum planning, of the university. Interview "tests" of Japanese proficiency range from the realistic (an oral interview in Japanese) to the unusual (e.g., reading the minutes of the previous faculty meeting cold with no background). Rather than spending one's time memorizing the kanji necessary to read the faculty minutes, it would probably be best to concentrate on becoming an effective communicator in Japanese, even if this comes at the cost of accuracy. For those who speak Japanese, credentials are important. The traditional measure of Japanese proficiency is the Japan Foundation's (2002) Japan Language Proficiency Test (www.iijnet.or.jp/jpf/jlpt/contents/main-e.html), which is given annually. A more recent test is the JTOC (The Japanese Test of Communication, www.jtoc.org), which is perhaps less well known than the Japan Language Proficiency Test.


Many positions require applicants to submit reference letters, called suisenjou in Japanese. These should come from the most senior and reputable individuals you know, preferably a Japanese, since the referent will be better understood in terms of ability, position, and reputation. If you are currently studying abroad, ask any Japanese you know well for references, since some of them may be academics working on their graduate degrees: A r�sum� from such an individual could be particularly useful.


Credential inflation is a regrettable aspect of modern employment in many sectors. Having a doctorate in hand is a boon to anyone seeking a job in Japanese academia, yet the degree's importance is not overriding, especially for non-tenure positions. Numerous positions exist for those with an "MA or higher." According to Kitao & Kitao (1996), "[t]hat means...a PhD or an MA plus some university teaching and research experience. For research experience, it is publications that count most." In my experience, foreigners with PhDs teaching English at Japanese institutions tend to view their positions as stepping stones to gaining positions at (typically foreign) institutions where tenure is far more likely: Teaching experience gained in Japan (or elsewhere) can provide an edge. As long as tenure remains elusive for most foreign PhD holders, we expect that job turnover in Japan will continue to provide regular job openings. Moreover, with increasing numbers of Japanese university positions, for both foreigners and Japanese, being offered with contractual limits on length of stay (Monbukagakusho, 2001), some as brief as two years, turnover is structurally reinforced.

[Gordon]

Taikibansei and Paul are right on regarding qualifications. The most common route as Paul mentioned is to get your foot in the door p/t at a university, work on your Masters (or have one already), publish and then look for a f/t job. IMO p/t jobs in unis are not very good because the hours are almost the same without any of the perks. Perks are what makes the job. For example in taniother thread we talked about teaching hours. Sid J mentioned he taught 7 classes/week as a part-timer. I teach 8 as a f/t and I'm guessing I get double his salary and holidays and 2 budgets. However, p/t work gets your foot in the door and when a spot comes open at your school or another your chances of a f/t contract go up enormously.
Yes, distance masters are fully recognized in Japan.

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

Gordon,

You only have a B.A. degree.

How did you become a full fledged professor with only a B.A. degree?

Are you a lecturer or professor?

You say that you're a professor but I think that you're blowing your own horn, aren't you.

A professor with a B.A. ! LOL!!

The academic ranks that I am aware of in Canada are:

Professor Emeritus
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Lecturer

How in the world did you bypass all of the lower ranks and become professor with only a B.A.and not having published any research?

[sidjameson]

Yep, I can say that part time is definitly the poor relation of the university gravy train. I teach 7 90 minute classes a week. 30 weeks a year. I make sure I teach the full 30 as no class equals no pay. I make 2.3 million a year for this. The one thing I can say though is that there is absolutely no extra work invloved. In fact I have never even met my boss.
Mind you 190k a month for two days work with 5 months vacation is still far far better than working for a language school.

[Gordon]

[Gordon]

Sid, that is pretty good part time work, better than most p/t uni jobs. I know people without regular paid holidays.

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

Gordon Wrote:

[Gordon]

I've got nothing against eikaiwa teachers, I've taught at lots of conversation schools before. You, however, have a problem. You like to post after every comment I make. Everyone here that follows Japan threads knows that. What exactly have you added to this discussion? You don't read what the OP says, just what I write. It's called trolling. Thank you for being in my fan club though, but it really is unnecessary.

Professor, lecturer... the same job really. My meishi that the university gives me says "professor" on it, so I guess I am a professor. That should end the discussion now, unless you want to argue with my university about it.

Have a great day, everyone, I'm off to Hawaii for a nice break with my family.
Merry Christmas.

[PAULH]

Why should anyone working at conversation school worry about what a university teacher calls himself anyway? Gordon has a full time job, is half way through a Masters degree and thats good enough for his school.

I work full time, don't call myself professor but if someone (usually another university teacher, we usually dont worry too much about such trifles) wants to call me that thats fine by me and Im not going to stop him or her.

Sounds more like professional envy to me.

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

Paul,

I really don't have any professional envy of you or Gordon.

Gordon is an EFL teacher. An English teacher - and so are you.

In fact, it seems any problems Gordon and I have had with each other have stemmed from my negative comments regarding The University of Southern Queensland.

Gordon took my comments about USQ quite personally and, instead of constructively discussing them, he attacked me personally.

So, when Gordon posts, I just pay attention a little more to what he has to say.

Have a good trip, Gordon.

[Zzonkmiles]

This is so stupid. (the petty infighting, that is)

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Anyway, so that my post is not entirely off topic, with the ever tightening requirements and credentials needed to get a job as a uni prof in Japan, does anyone think that perhaps Japan will soon start to see a DECREASE in the amount of foreigners looking for work here because so many of us are discouraged and simply don't think Japan is worth it anymore? I mean, seriously, I know many people who are wondering why they even came here to begin with because the small amount of coin they're making just doesn't offset the language barrier, cultural isolation, and overall package of being so far away from home and your own comfort zone...