I keep seeing how that’s the best way to go about working as an ALT, but I can’t seem to find out exactly how to go about doing so.
I’ve tried checking my ward’s board of education site (Nerima) but haven’t seen anything resembling jobs listings.
A few of the comments I’ve seen have mentioned getting hired through connections… really hoping that’s not the only way, as I don’t think I know anyone who knows anyone who would be in a position to help, there.
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I don’t really know much, but I would keep in mind that it’s a bit off season to find ALT work, which usually hires for April. Maybe it will be easier to find vacancies right at the end of the year/beginning of 2022?
They interview in November to start in April where I live. You might of missed your chance until next year.
There are many ‘layers’ of BoEs whether it’s at prefectural, city, or inaka. A significant number of BoEs are contracted through either JET or some form of dispatch. Usually, DH postings are through their job boards on-site, more uncommonly on their city website, or through some connection.
It is my understanding that BoEs have a contract with JET/dispatch for X amount of years. That funding is also subsidized, so the overall expense is greatly reduced. If a BoE decides to go DH for an ALT, I don’t believe they get that subsidy.
When including the average shelf life of an ALT, training, hiring, upkeep & responsibility, and overall effectiveness of an ALT, I think BoEs don’t have a lot of reasons to go DH. While I’m not saying that all ALTs are ineffective, it seems like schools don’t place a very high value on them.
You need two things:
1) To find a prefectural or city BOE that already has a direct hire program in place first, instead of hoping your local BOE will change to direct hire.
2) Contact the BOE directly, instead of looking on their websites. Even BOEs with direct hire programs, usually only have anything about it on their website at hiring time, and that is a very short window. Outside of that short window you would never know anything about that BOE’s direct hire program from their website. If you phone, or at least email, the BOE directly (In Japanese), they’ll at least tell you if they do have a program and when they hire.
Keep in mind, many BOEs don’t call it ALT as well (in either English or Japanese. ALT is 英語指導助手- direct translation = assistant teacher. But several direct hire programs are 英語指導員 – direct translation = English instructor), so if you’re relying on online searches in Japanese, 英語指導助手 will miss online search results for different direct hire programs.
In addition, BOEs that do direct hire, do so as it gives them a lot more control over who they get, so there’s more applicant competition than for a dispatch gig.
Others have said that hellowork wasn’t helpful but it’s how I got my direct hire gig so I’d say it’s at least worth a look.
The interview was in both English and Japanese and I had to give a model lesson which I was given time to prepare. The big points they seemed to look for were being outgoing and speaking Japanese.
Just another anecdote to be used as you see fit.
Also check the JALT job listing page. There is a DH job on their right now that looks really good. The same job is also on o-hayo sensei with more details.
Current BOE Direct Hire – Population under 4,000 people
Came the town through dispatch work but worked closely with the BoE on town events. Got to know the town and saw an opportunity to create a night class for citizens.
Proposed the idea with me being direct hire and JHS teacher while keeping the dispatch position in ES but expanding into kindergarten. Didn’t eliminate the dispatch contract so all parties were happy in the end.
Had to be creative but I effectively created my position in the town. This is probably not possible in bigger cities.