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chirp
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 148
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 Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 8:05 pm Post subject: Information for Canadians (primarily) in Japan |
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http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/japan-en.asp#1
Although the following is primarily for Canadians, there is additional information that could be helpful for all those who are or are considering teaching English in Japan.
Changes to the Japan Consular Internet Site: New Information for Canadians in Japan
The Consular Section of the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo is pleased to announce that a new publication has been added to the information available for Canadians in Japan. Teaching English in Japan (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/japan-en.asp#pubinfo) is intended to provide information and guidance for Canadians who are considering employment as English teachers in Japan. Developed with the assistance of English teachers and JET program participants, this publication covers a variety of topics of interest to people who are either planning to teach English, or who are already in Japan teaching. We hope that this new publication will useful for our clients, and assist in addressing the many questions and concerns people may have in entering into employment in Japan. |
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chirp
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 148
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| Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 8:10 pm Post subject: |
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I wanted to highlight this section in particular as I can't remember it being mentioned anywhere else on this forum:
The Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) is a 24-hour helpline that provides counselling to foreigners in Japan. For assistance, visit the Web site http://www.telljp.com/index.html or call 03-3498-0231. |
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wangtesol
Joined: 24 May 2005
Posts: 280
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| Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:01 am Post subject: illegal gyomu itaku ALT jobs |
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The following information promotes the undermining of the rule of law in Japan since ALT jobs are based on illegal gyomu itaku (outsourcing). This is not something the Canadian government (founded on peace, order and good governance) can be doing.
email Canada Foreign Affairs that you are outraged that they are promoting illegal gyomu itaku jobs in Japan.
[email protected]
I imagine there are many other problems with the info on this government website. But I'll come back to it later. No info on labour law, right?
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Elementary and High Schools
The average monthly salary is about 260,000 yen, and many schools will provide housing and at least 10 to 20 days off per year, in addition to national holidays. Class sizes tend to be large (35 to 40 students), so maintaining student attention may be a challenge. Actual teaching time can be less than at conversation schools, but teachers� duties usually extend beyond the classroom. The JET Programme (see below) is a good option for those interested in teaching in high schools. It hires over 2,000 native English speakers every year to teach in Japanese schools.
Some schools prescribe the course of study and teaching approach. Others do not even have EFL learning resources. Check whether materials are provided by the school before accepting a job. It also helps to bring your own EFL learning materials. Highly structured programs can often be enhanced through a creative learning approach.
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And why would my duties extend beyond classtime? I think they are talking about the Jet Programme, yet there is a separate section for this on their website. |
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JimDunlop2
Joined: 31 Jan 2003
Posts: 2286
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 4:46 am Post subject: |
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Elementary and High Schools
The average monthly salary is about 260,000 yen, and many schools will provide housing and at least 10 to 20 days off per year, in addition to national holidays. Class sizes tend to be large (35 to 40 students), so maintaining student attention may be a challenge. Actual teaching time can be less than at conversation schools, but teachers� duties usually extend beyond the classroom. The JET Programme (see below) is a good option for those interested in teaching in high schools. It hires over 2,000 native English speakers every year to teach in Japanese schools.
Some schools prescribe the course of study and teaching approach. Others do not even have EFL learning resources. Check whether materials are provided by the school before accepting a job. It also helps to bring your own EFL learning materials. Highly structured programs can often be enhanced through a creative learning approach. |
Not necessarily. There are still many private contracts obtained directly through BoEs that are not JET nor through a dispatch company. The document makes no mention of how ALT jobs are obtained, hence the above quote is technically true.
If anything, I'd say there are sections in the document that are incomplete or improperly defined, rather than outright erroneous.
In addition, there certainly may be many non-teaching duties required of an ALT when you work in such a job. In many cases, ALTs are expected to participate in most or all school activities, which may include: cleaning time, club activities, field trips, serving as an assistant homeroom teacher, attending enaki or other functions with other staff members, sports days, school festivals, judging speech/recitation contests, etc, etc... In essence, if you work directly for a school (or boe) you are seen more as a Japanese teacher and not a dispatch worker.
I'd say that the document is a fair starting point, but I would certainly hope that prospective teachers would do a bit more homework and research than just reading that pamphlet and thinking that they know all there is to know. |
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chirp
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 148
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| Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 12:09 pm Post subject: |
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I agree Jim, there is a lot more research that needs to be done. This is just one more starting point.
Wangtesol, you are welcome to email the Canadian Government if you choose to. |
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wangtesol
Joined: 24 May 2005
Posts: 280
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| Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 11:53 pm Post subject: |
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Dear Forum readers,
Please take a minute to email the Foreign Affairs Department of the Canadian Government regarding the issue of illegal gyomu itaku (outsourcing) contracts that are used by private ALT companies and Japanese schools.
Feel free to use the sample letter below and email to [email protected]
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Dear Sir/Ms,
I see on your website information for teaching in Japan that the section on private ALT jobs does not recognize the problems of many ALT contracts violating Japanese School Education Law. The Japanese Ministry of Education issued an advisement in February 2005 to all prefectural Board of Education that gyomu itaku (outsourcing) contracts are not desirable, and they encouraged school board to use of direct hiring and the JET Programme.
I am sure the Ministry of Foreign Affiairs does not mean to undermine the rule of law in Japan by promoting illegal ALT jobs, so please ammend the information on ALTs to reflect respect for the rule of law.
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