EEducation in Japan

First day as a Sub ALT

Hi everyone! This will be my first time teaching, I don’t have any prior teaching experience but luckily I landed a job here in Japan and will now start subbing for ES and JHS. I just want to know what should I expect and do in my first day? Since I’m a sub alt I know I’ll be transfering from school to school. Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

2 comments

  1. Your first class would likely be a self-introduction. Ask the JTE how long you have and make your intro a little bit longer (like 10%) than that.

    Keep it light – name, country, like, don’t like, play, don’t play etc. Practice your introduction, speak clearly and slowly, enunciate, smile, relax. Hey, if you don’t speak any Japanese you might want to do it as your fun introduction to the school staff. Turn up 20+ minutes early on your first day as there is generally a lot you need to sort out and be prepared to be introduced to the entire school at assembly, the staff prior to that, possible photograph, etc. etc.

    Bring pictures you can put on the blackboard. Multicoloured chalk, dice, stickers, etc. etc. Ensure you talk to all the JTEs as soon as possible. If you can’t meet them before they go to their classes pop up to the classroom in the break. They’ve likely organised one member of staff to be your liaison. Try to make their life as easy as possible.

    Suited and booted for your first day (week) then dress like the other teachers but 1 level smarter. Bring comfortable slip on indoor shoes – preferably to match your suit – black, blue or grey is better than bright sneakers.

    Ensure you know where all the useful things are – where to park your bike or car, which shoe locker is yours, toilet, etc.

    Are you going to join the kids for any sports / clubs? Bring a change of clothes and shoes if appropriate, do they have a club that you’d like to join? Maybe you are a good baseball player that can help, note help don’t in any way over step your very junior status, coach? Maybe you fancy trying a Japanese traditional club? Kendo? Calligraphy?

    Be ready to either be ignored or adulated depending on the students, area, etc. Be “cool” about it, either way.

    DO NOT be late, drunk, unkempt, aggressive or loud.

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