Job Discussion Forums

[Jon22]

i applied for ALT position with interac but i got language instructor....is that just another term foe ALT or is that a different position.

excuse the ignorants...i'm nakkered from filling in forms and sending documents to japan and thinking too much

[Glenski]

This looks exactly like a post from another forum where I provided a clear answer.

ALT = assistant teacher to a Japanese teacher, usually in a public school

language instructor is a generic term, most often used for eikaiwas but could be used almost anywhere. It is most often used for solo teachers, but your ALT employer may rightfully want to use this for his own purposes. From his point of view, that's what you are. From the public school (his client) POV, you are an ALT.

[Venti]

I worked for Interac awhile back and taught in elementary schools more than 50% of the time. I didn't "assist" any Japanese teachers at the elementary schools because none could (or would) speak English. They were only there to keep an eye on the kids. Some helped, but most just sat back. I taught elementary classes completely solo. In junior high and high school classes, I was definitely the "assistant."

I think the title "Language Instructor" may have been applied by Interac to make the ALT's have a more professional-sounding title. When I explained the ALT title to Japanese teachers at the elementary schools I taught at, they usually replied with something like "You mean you're not a real teacher?" while showing an expression of disgust. Of course, I never insinuated that we were peers on a professional level; however, the Japanese elementary school teachers often assumed I was something more than just an "assistant."

[anh]

I also received an offer from Interac, but my e-mail said it was to be a "Language Consultant;" though I think it's probably the same as "Language Instructor."

I can't reply yet since I'm waiting to hear back from JET, but the material in the e-mail says to send all my documents/information by a certain date... of course, it doesn't say what that date is.

Did it happen to say in your packet, Jon22?

[Jon22]

[Florizalll]

Did you check Interac"s website or contact someone in recruiting? I think Language Consultants work with business students and not in the schools.