Job Discussion Forums

[Modest Mouse]

Is there a teacher blacklist in Japan?

(For teachers' names to be put on in case they break a contract or make an employer mad, which would prevent them from getting another job in Japan.)

[nawlinsgurl]

Serious doubt it. But then again there are sites where ppl can make death threats and suicide pacts sites...so maybe...

[Glenski]

There may be one between certain employers, but it's likely to be all in Japanese. Why are you worried, if I may ask?

Most employers probably don't talk to each other anyway.

[Mapleblondie]

If you are wondering about it because you have taught in Korea and know that THAT country has one, take comfort in knowing Japan is quite a different country. As far as I know, Japan doesn't have a blacklist...but then again, with all the foreigners currently in Japan, I think you'd have to do something REALLY bad to be "marked" in any sense. I've only ever heard of teachers losing their jobs because they came unprepared or didn't show up on time/regularly, etc.

[Khyron]

I seriously doubt it. Unlike in Korea, WE are the owners of our work visas (well, technically immigration is... but that's not the point). In Korea, your boss has control of you, but in Japan... you have freedom. Freedom to change your job at will, freedom to teach privates without fear of being arrested, freedom to work multiple jobs, and so on.

Your employer sponsors your visa, and that's about it. I don't think they have any pull at immigration at all. Sparkling Japan!

If you want to get banned from Japan, you have to break some serious laws. Winners don't do drugs.

[southofreality]

[stevenbhow]

I doubt there is any thing like an official blacklist, but in smaller cities where nearly everyone in the English teaching community knows everyone else word of mouth travels a long way. I've seen some people effectively get blacklisted for joining the union, threating lawsuits, or breaking their contract. It doesn't mean that you won't be able to find a job, but it will be very difficult to get hired by the better paying schools. Creating the right image for yourself seems to be the most important thing here. Intellegence, teaching skills, and common sense are often of secondary importance.

[Modest Mouse]

So what I'm hearing is a collective NO.

Thanks for your input!

[Quibby84]

Do you know how long that list would be???? haha!

[Brooks]

I only know of the university blacklist.

[markle]

I just noticed that your in BKK. You have to keep in mind that ESL industry is huge in Japan compared to Thailand. There is no physical way for schools to keep track of dodgy teachers. Even at the University level I think this is true.

[Brooks]

no, I meant the list of universities that aren't good to work for.
It is from Debito, the activist.

[AgentMulderUK]

Some Companies certainly seem to keep blacklists.

Shane is one. I turned them down 3 times over the last 5 yeats for various reasons. After that I applied for a quite convenient PT position and was told "You have turned us down too many times so we cannot employ you"

Fair point really.

In retrospect, I was lucky.

[southofreality]

[Apsara]

I must admit that even though I'm sure you had your reasons for turning them down after applying, it's not really surprising that a company would think you were a bit of a time-waster after it happened 3 times.