Tokyo Teacher Training

Posted on April 2, 2007 by Erica Belling

I am officially an ALT! An Assistant Language Teacher that is. I have spent the last 6 days intensively training to become an English teacher in Japan. Do you know how exhausting it is to sing, dance and play games every day? My childhood flashed before my eyes – Duck duck goose; Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes; Rock, Paper, Scissors; Old Macdonald had a farm…it was however, extremely amusing to see grown men sing and act out these songs!

I am both excited and slightly nervous about my first class of teaching English. Not only is it my first time teaching, I am doing it another country, whose schooling system and culture is very different to my own in Australia. I will be eating lunch with the children everyday, teaching them words they have never heard before, helping to develop their minds - I am ‘senseiJapanese title used for teachers, doctors, lawyers and other high level professionals as well as those who have achieved mastery of a particular field. ’ and it is a great privilege.

With being a sensei comes a sense of responsibility and standing in the community – teachers are very important and well-respected in Japan. In smaller communities, the ALT’s photograph is sent to all parents who have children at the school. Before you even arrive, the town will know who you are!

I will be working at a combination of Junior High and Elementary schools across Tokyo. This variety allows me to work with children aged from about 6 up to 15, and will require vastly different techniques and approaches. There is however a few simple rules to follow – speak slowly, keep it simple, and make it fun! I have no doubt I will need to warm up my vocal chords before each elementary class!

The second chapter in my journey begins next week. My transition into Japanese society has so far been easy. My next challenge lies in teaching – trying something new. I believe the best discoveries in life are made outside your comfort zone.