Link to the original post in case you missed it or don’t remember:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/JETProgramme/comments/vje7f9/lowlevel_visit_school_super_bad_class/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf](https://www.reddit.com/r/JETProgramme/comments/vje7f9/lowlevel_visit_school_super_bad_class/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
OP: So I decided to cruise by and go with the philosophy that if they didn’t care, it’s not my problem. JTE has very little backbone besides saying the occasional “be quiet “ or “shizuka”.
Today, 2 students went a little far. 70% of the class listened to me and the others didn’t care or were disruptive. They got into pairs and did their speaking activity. I was helping another group with their speaking and 2 students come over and jumping around, singing and acting crazy. I ignored them. They are the usual suspects so I always ignore it. I continued to help the pair with pronunciation and one student touches my hair and back inappropriately. I mildly snapped: I said in the deepest voice “触らないで (sawaranaide/don’t touch me)” and the student laughed and the other one said “eeeehhh” and touched my hair. I said in English really loudly “don’t touch me. Are you 5 years old?”. This causes the class to be quiet (when they are usually rowdy and loud). In a really meek voice, the student who touched me the second time said in Japanese “I don’t understand…” and I translated in Japanese what I said. She looked disappointed and sat down. The other student/goon followed them. Everyone was a bit shocked so the ones who usually don’t care actually began to do the pair work. Those two kids are like the ringleaders, so I guess them getting embarrassed made the class quiet down and do their work.
The JTE spoke with them and called me over. They both stood up and apologized. I explained in English why it’s inappropriate especially for high school students and the JTE translated . One student who touched me tried to say in English “it’s japan…touch teacher okay!” I explained I’m American and it’s a no-no for high school students to touch teachers. They tried to argue that “it’s Japan, so follow the status quo” type of deal but I stood my ground, and the JTE stuck beside me. They apologized again and were quiet the rest of class.
JTE apologized for their actions and I told them it’s not their fault, the students are immature and need to be told when something isn’t good. JTE told the homeroom teacher and had a quick meeting with the class during 2nd period (before letting the other teacher begin teaching) and I got called to come back to the class. The entire class apologized again and I said I forgave them and to act like high schoolers, not elementary schoolers (in Japanese). That was the end of that. I won the battle, maybe not the war. I’ll see next week if the attitude change sticks.
Edit: fixed grammar errors
8 comments
Well done for standing up for yourself. You certainly have more back-bone than most JTE’s, maybe even most ALT’s and CIR’s as well!
It would be interesting to see how they act from now on. Please keep us updated, and keep up the awesome work!
Well done! Students, schools, and co-workers need to understand boundaries and that we were hired because we’re not Japanese. This was actually a cultural exchange moment for them.
You did it right. Great job.
Fellow low-level high school JTE here. Except, I’m based in a public school in Tokyo, so I only go to the one school. Currently in my 6th year.
Firstly, this really shouldn’t be the job of a JET teacher, but if you’re JTE isn’t doing it then you can either endure the situation or set the standards yourself.
I have a lot of experience with difficult class and students with this kind of behaviour.
> One student who touched me tried to say in English “it’s japan…touch teacher okay!”
This is absolutely not true. Not sure why your JTE isn’t calling them out tbh. I’d guess they are one of the more passive/timid JTE’s who doesn’t control their class very well. When I run into this I try to make sure we are both on the same wave length when it comes to discipline. I work with the same 3-4 teachers each week, though. Not sure how easy it will be for an visit school. Any time they do something that crosses the line, speak with their homeroom teacher. If you’re worried about speaking to the HR teacher, just follow this format: 1. Apologise 2. Explain what happened and when 3. Listen to response 4. Thank them and apologise again.
> They tried to argue that “it’s Japan, so follow the status quo”
This is what we call “testing boundaries”. As I mentioned above, they are bullshitting you. Don’t negotiate, just make the rules very clear and tell them what happens if they cross the line. Do not budge an inch on this.
Being a strict teacher is really not my style, but with these kinds of classes/students you really have to hold the discipline if you want to get any classes to actually get rolling.
Unless your JTE does their job, ignoring the issue will not work. Ever.
Wow thanks for the advice. This hasn’t happened to me yet in Japan. I’m glad you stood your ground and were firm enough so the students understood.
[deleted]
[removed]
Good, you gotta yell at em in front of their peers, the only way really. Be as rude as possible tbh.
> “it’s japan…touch teacher okay!”
Yeah, nah dawg.