Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the job requirements?

Applicants must be native (i.e. fluent) speakers of English, and must have a four-year college degree in any subject. You can download an application here.

Q: Is a prior knowledge of the Japanese language required?

No previous knowledge of Japanese is required. However, accepted applicants are encouraged to take seriously the challenge of learning at least some of the language. Even just few basic phrases can open doors and express respect and love to the Japanese people, as well as make everyday living much easier.

Q: What does the job of teaching English actually entail?

As an English teacher, the goal is to nurture students’ expressive ability, with a focus on developing an aptitude for conversational spoken English. Practical emphasis is usually given to two main areas of importance: improving pronunciation and introducing new vocabulary. Thus, teachers are encouraged to talk to the students freely. The finer points of grammar are usually left to the Japanese teachers, since they are explained using Japanese terms and concepts. Some teachers will teach in the privately owned Wakakusa English School, while others will teach in the public Junior High Schools. The two jobs differ vastly, and are so explained individually below.

Q: What is teaching at the Wakakusa English School like?

At the Wakakusa English School, teachers are (for the most part) given free reign to teach their classes as they like. Unlike the Junior High School position, Wakakusa teachers teach their classes by themselves, and plan their classes by themselves. In addition, teachers often create their own props, flashcards, and teaching materials during their planning periods. Teachers at Wakakusa currently use the "Let's Go" textbook series in their elementary classes:

http://www.oup.com/elt/catalogue/isbn/8130?cc=global

Classes tend to be small, making for more opportunities to get to know students. Generally, work hours consist of a morning teaching visit to a local Elementary School, an afternoon break of a couple hours, an afternoon planning session, and evening classes from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm. The 4:00pm and 5:00pm classes are mostly elementary-school students, whereas the 6:00pm and 7:00pm classes are middle-school students. Ms. Katsuko Kawaai is the direct supervisor of all Wakakusa English School teachers.

Q: What is teaching at the public Junior High Schools like?

Thanks in part to an initiative by the Japanese government, some Wakakusa English Program teachers have the unique opportunity to teach in a local public Junior High School. They are considered ALT’s, or Assistant Language Teachers, and work as assistants alongside Japanese Teachers of English (JTE). The nature of their work varies drastically depending on the needs and individual preferences of the school and/or the JTE(‘s). In addition to attending regular classes, Junior High School teachers are sometimes also asked to participate in after-school events, such as school festivals, Speech Contests, Proficiency Test preparation, and the like. They may also usually participate in after-school club activities if they so desire.For more information on teaching in the public junior high schools, click here.

Q: Is prior teaching experience required?

Prior teaching experience, while helpful, is not required.

More to come...