After seeing some videos recently from some other well known youtubers on living in Japan and going through very negative stories on 'the reality' of living and working here and such and such, I really do appreciate the fact that yes, whilst there are bad things (as with anything in life), you also are one of a handful I know to offer a very level headed and fair minded view of things in living over here. Thanks!
At least one of these types exist in every job. Put the weight back on their shoulders by making sure it is approved with the teacher as stated by these two. If they decide they don't like it later respectfully ask why they approved it. If they go silent or try to make excuses ask in the nicest way to please not approve lessons without being 100 percent it's what they think will work. If they continue to ride your ass feel free to confront them with what they are doing full on. In some Instances confrontation will shut a lot of people up in Japan when they realize you aren't going to be scared and will bite back. Honestly some bullies have never had this happen to them in the work place as Japanese are very peaceful and work with in the harmony of the work place. Finally, if things escalate or continue to be miserable find a new job in your free time for finacial security. After let kocho sensei or the owner know why, when and who has pushed you to the point of quitting.
Thanks guys! I'm going through a similar problem with a teacher at one school. I did notify my company about my situation and what I had experienced in the classroom, and they asked me to get advice from other teachers on their thoughts. I wrote my lessons, and even tried hard to come in early and stayed late just to have a moment to talk with that teacher. It's sad that she didn't give 2 minutes in the day to even talk. So, I am expected to plan a 50 minute lesson without even knowing the page number of the textbook. When I teach the class, I am always interrupted and questioned about my teaching style. Also, I was told in front of the class to explain the grammatical structure in Japanese as well. Then, the teacher would go to the back of the classroom and cover her ears the whole time until she felt like stopping me from teaching. Pretty belittling, isn't it? I am happy to say that my other schools don't experience any conflict about team teaching. In fact, I get a lot of praise which means I'm doing the right thing and am being proactive about my teaching job. But, I want to know what do you think I should do to fix this problem? I did a craft activity with English targets and it went well. However, I don't want to do something like that for every class because it takes much preparation time and I want focus more on conversation.
I was in JET for 3 years in Iwate prefecture. On JET, there are many ways to move, some ways are more difficult than others. It is relatively easy to move within the prefecture. I had a friend move from his town to another to be closer to his girlfriend that he met on the program. Others were able to stay in their towns, but change from teaching at high schools to elementary schools and vice versa. Basically, you have to ask your rep ( They are called CIRs) and discuss your options with them. If you cite a decent reason, and there is an opening, they generally can move you or change your schools, as long as there is an opening. To move to other prefectures, its a bit more difficult, but it is not unheard of. I had a friend live in Iwate for 3 years, then apply for another teaching position in Shiga and taught there for 2 more years there. Out of all of the teaching gigs I had in Japan, JET was by far the best, so if you can stay in and perhaps move within the program, I would recommend it.
In my contract, I work in tandem with the Homeroom Teacher. The HRT leads the class and when it comes to explaining certain points of language or culture at my Elementary School, I am thankful that the HRT's sometimes or English Advisors can help explain it to the students. This was quite helpful during my powerpoint on Halloween I did. The teachers were very happy to help convey where necessary and I do bear in mind to reign in the language I use and keep it as basic as I possibly can.
I know I'm late but I had a similar experience in Elementary school. All the teachers including the head English Teacher liked my lesson, but this one teacher had a problem with it. No matter what I did he made life hell, this was in my first year. I found out later from the other teachers that he was just an asshole to every one. What I started doing was show him the lesson I was going to do the day before and made him adjust it how he liked. Eventually, he let me do what I wanted because the kids hated what he did. I usually had this problem with the teachers who knows English well.
Another great video... I worked with a woman in a kids school many years ago and she was asking them the date. She said it was Wednesday when it was Tuesday. I politely corrected her, and she thanked me for it. But when we got back to the office, she turned on the waterworks and said I embarrassed her in front of the students! I told her she embarrassed herself and the manager demanded that I apologise. I said no and if they tried to make me I would quit right there and then. Of course they went further by complaining to corporate. Ultimately I told corporate to shove it where the sun doesn't shine!
I've been in Japan for a long time, and although I've never been an ALT I have taught a fair number of Japanese English teachers, either in conversation schools or private lessons. And while they expressed both positive and negative opinions about the ALTs they worked with in terms of professionalism, attitude, performance, etc., one common feeling they expressed was that the ALTs really didn't understand or appreciate their position as a permanent teacher at their school and the pressures that came with it. They had to answer to school officials, students' parents, etc. They were there for the long haul, basically, while the ALT would be leaving, often sooner rather than later...
Any particular reason you didn't mention anything about potentially losing your apartment and key money (along with the other money one must pay) because of leaving company A for company B before fulfilling your contract? Wouldn't that be very expensive when you add it all up dollar/yen wise? What did it cost YOU extra to leave mid contract and what other hardships did you incur because of leaving early? THANKS!
+William B Okay. To answer those I will go in order. But put most simply we did not discuss those... because there aren't any that would be especially discourage you from making the jump. 1. There is no penalty for leaving your company mid-contract. They are not binding contracts. 2. Key money by definition is money that you pay and never see again so by that fact you cannot (lose) it. It's gone the moment you pay them. It is not like a deposit you where you get the money back. 3. Not all apartments have key money so when you move to the next you can very easily find one that does not require that of you. 4. Many companies financially assist you when you move between companies and subsidize portions of your costs. 5. Moving between companies is awesome and there are many many many great jobs.
Greetings Dave! For starters, thank you so much for your informative videos. I just finished mailing my documents to Interac and hope to be there at some point next year. Your videos make me feel as though I won't be going in blind. I do have a couple of questions though. I thought the contract with Interac would bind you to them for the agreed term of a year. How is it that Dean and yourself (you mentioned looking at different companies in another video) are able to do go to other jobs? Thanks!
+Gigi Haas (drunkenveggie) Yes, you most certainly are. In the land of mice and men we do need contracts, but it exists mostly to outline the specifics of how you will go about working. It creates a clear outline of what is expected of you and whatever other details like, say, renting a car. In regards to switching companies it is non-binding. You may switch if you'd like, the one exception from leaving a job in your native country would be that companies over here usually expect a greater amount of courtesy for notice: one month for example. This allows them time to find a new person to place at the school and is usually no issue because many jobs looking to hire you on not usually in a huge rush.
Awesome topic! I wonder how they'd handle it if they had multiple teachers (I've been assigned 7, none of whom speak English!) but only 1 is actin a fool. Does this happen more with English-speaking JTEs than non? Food for thought...
Some ppl. have big EGO's. Can't be helped-just be cool, and what ever they (Japanese teachers) suggest-you agree to it . Basically "Yes, Massa" attitude-that's the attitude that saves your "nerves". Compliment-always compliment those "beatches" tell them how "unique" they/their method is.
Really surprising to hear that in JHS the ALT is being expected to lead the full class when a JTE is present. I work in two JHS and I literally just sit back and chill. I do whatever I can to help out the kids or assist the teachers but my role is secondary almost all of the time. At first it was frustrating that I wasn't playing a more active role in the classroom but honestly the students need the Japanese explanation from the teacher as most of them don't read the explanations in the textbook. There's a lot the kids need to understand for as far as grammar points for their high school entrance exams and what not so I think it's a poor decision on that guys school to let him lead the classes entirely. Lessons should be done cooperatively at all times or at least half and half with the JTE communicating what they'd like you to do.
+blood runner This... is a fantastic point. We would agree with this completely. That said although It is definitely a very rare situation in which this occurs, it totally exists and is useful to be aware of.
+DaveTrippin Cooperative lessons would be best. Or maybe, the English teacher must assert authority and tell the JT to sit down and only speak when spoken too. I'm not a teacher in any shape or form, but have watched and worked with student teachers. The best supportive mentoring teachers would always take a back row seat and defer unless extra support is necessary.
I work with a JHS teacher who... just constantly seems to f@ck with me. But... after a while I realised, that actually, it's really not a case of him disliking me. In fact, he talked to me for like 45 minutes the other day about how he's worked with over 40 ALTs and I'm definitely one of his favourites. So, it's not a personal thing... that said... he really seems to like to throw me under the bus when he can. I think it's mainly just to constantly establish that I'm the subordinate.
keeping in mind that jet is a job, not a career, when others do not respect your bottomlines... reflect to see if your bars set for them are too high and consider adjusting your own expectation. give it your best effort a month or 2. do the best job that you could with that person's feedbacks wholehearted. if you have honestly tried your best and that person is still serving you shxt tacos? fuxk them. move on. it's them. it's not you. because you know you gave it your best. keep in mind, to you, jet is a stepping stone. it is a job. but to those haters out there, it is their career and their sad sad little shxtty world.
To all the TEACHERS. Never forget, whether you're JET, ALT, ELT or what ever ..T, your job is ONLY to assist Japanese teacher(s)-that's all. If you're serious aboyt teaching-STAY in your own country, acquire all the necessary teacher: degrees, licenses, etc. and teach in your own country. While in Japan-you're basically a "nobody" - just some dude/gal from foreign country-lucky enough to be referred to as "sensei". In all honesty-what kind of a "sensei" are you anyways? Are you an accredited teacher? Do you posess any degrees, licenses from accredited institutions fromJapan? Of course not.Assistants-assist-that is all they do ;) Accept it. When in Rome-do as Romans do ;)Imagine-you're an accredited teacher in your own country. Suddenly,one day some "gaijin" shows up in your classroom. How would you feel about them? Happy? or "who the f @## are you-telling me how to conduct my classes? I believe, the latter one is more likely your reaction.Look at the bright side-no matter how "terrible" some of the teachers might be, if you're truly a great teacher-students will still like you. If they don't, then you're a "cock" yourself ;)
+Royalty Free Music (Makomas Production/Urmas Mollerson) I would be careful of insisting that you are only an assistant. It's true that some schools want you only to assist (a large amount do) but in Dean's case, the guy in this video, his schools wanted him to lead every class he was in for the entire duration of the class, and even made clear on their lesson plans they did not want to assist him. He was the teacher plain and simple. There a variety of ways in which the schools run. You can be a "serious" teacher in Japan and be paid as well if not better than your home country. Your accreditation is the experience you gain through years of teaching in Japan and the different experiences that you encounter. This is especially true in the elementary setting where the teachers often have almost no English ability and it is actually the norm that you would lead the classes. This isn't an attack on your view point as there are a variety of situations that exist as you describe it. I am however suggesting that there is a larger picture, that is all. Thank you again for checking out the video and for offering some commentary on the issue.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
After seeing some videos recently from some other well known youtubers on living in Japan and going through very negative stories on 'the reality' of living and working here and such and such, I really do appreciate the fact that yes, whilst there are bad things (as with anything in life), you also are one of a handful I know to offer a very level headed and fair minded view of things in living over here.
Thanks!
Awe, sad to hear Dean's leaving, but happy he's found another (better) job in Tokyo! Sounds exciting for him, and wish him the best of luck!
At least one of these types exist in every job. Put the weight back on their shoulders by making sure it is approved with the teacher as stated by these two. If they decide they don't like it later respectfully ask why they approved it. If they go silent or try to make excuses ask in the nicest way to please not approve lessons without being 100 percent it's what they think will work. If they continue to ride your ass feel free to confront them with what they are doing full on. In some
Instances confrontation will shut a lot of people up in Japan when they realize you aren't going to be scared and will bite back. Honestly some bullies have never had this happen to them in the work place as Japanese are very peaceful and work with in the harmony of the work place. Finally, if things escalate or continue to be miserable find a new job in your free time for finacial security. After let kocho sensei or the owner know why, when and who has pushed you to the point of quitting.
+unrested Wise words. You've got a great channel man. Thanks for dropping by and commenting on one of the vids! Cheers.
thanks! good topic on this one. hope you are having a great 2016
Thanks guys! I'm going through a similar problem with a teacher at one school. I did notify my company about my situation and what I had experienced in the classroom, and they asked me to get advice from other teachers on their thoughts. I wrote my lessons, and even tried hard to come in early and stayed late just to have a moment to talk with that teacher. It's sad that she didn't give 2 minutes in the day to even talk. So, I am expected to plan a 50 minute lesson without even knowing the page number of the textbook. When I teach the class, I am always interrupted and questioned about my teaching style.
Also, I was told in front of the class to explain the grammatical structure in Japanese as well. Then, the teacher would go to the back of the classroom and cover her ears the whole time until she felt like stopping me from teaching. Pretty belittling, isn't it? I am happy to say that my other schools don't experience any conflict about team teaching. In fact, I get a lot of praise which means I'm doing the right thing and am being proactive about my teaching job. But, I want to know what do you think I should do to fix this problem? I did a craft activity with English targets and it went well. However, I don't want to do something like that for every class because it takes much preparation time and I want focus more on conversation.
I was in JET for 3 years in Iwate prefecture. On JET, there are many ways to move, some ways are more difficult than others. It is relatively easy to move within the prefecture. I had a friend move from his town to another to be closer to his girlfriend that he met on the program. Others were able to stay in their towns, but change from teaching at high schools to elementary schools and vice versa.
Basically, you have to ask your rep ( They are called CIRs) and discuss your options with them. If you cite a decent reason, and there is an opening, they generally can move you or change your schools, as long as there is an opening. To move to other prefectures, its a bit more difficult, but it is not unheard of. I had a friend live in Iwate for 3 years, then apply for another teaching position in Shiga and taught there for 2 more years there.
Out of all of the teaching gigs I had in Japan, JET was by far the best, so if you can stay in and perhaps move within the program, I would recommend it.
In my contract, I work in tandem with the Homeroom Teacher. The HRT leads the class and when it comes to explaining certain points of language or culture at my Elementary School, I am thankful that the HRT's sometimes or English Advisors can help explain it to the students. This was quite helpful during my powerpoint on Halloween I did. The teachers were very happy to help convey where necessary and I do bear in mind to reign in the language I use and keep it as basic as I possibly can.
I know I'm late but I had a similar experience in Elementary school. All the teachers including the head English Teacher liked my lesson, but this one teacher had a problem with it. No matter what I did he made life hell, this was in my first year. I found out later from the other teachers that he was just an asshole to every one. What I started doing was show him the lesson I was going to do the day before and made him adjust it how he liked. Eventually, he let me do what I wanted because the kids hated what he did. I usually had this problem with the teachers who knows English well.
Interesting story. Thanks so much for sharing your perspective and taking the time to check out the vid!
I don't have this problem so much... but great listen! Thanks guys!
Thanks for checking out the vid man. Appreciate the support.
Another great video... I worked with a woman in a kids school many years ago and she was asking them the date. She said it was Wednesday when it was Tuesday. I politely corrected her, and she thanked me for it. But when we got back to the office, she turned on the waterworks and said I embarrassed her in front of the students!
I told her she embarrassed herself and the manager demanded that I apologise. I said no and if they tried to make me I would quit right there and then. Of course they went further by complaining to corporate. Ultimately I told corporate to shove it where the sun doesn't shine!
I've been in Japan for a long time, and although I've never been an ALT I have taught a fair number of Japanese English teachers, either in conversation schools or private lessons. And while they expressed both positive and negative opinions about the ALTs they worked with in terms of professionalism, attitude, performance, etc., one common feeling they expressed was that the ALTs really didn't understand or appreciate their position as a permanent teacher at their school and the pressures that came with it. They had to answer to school officials, students' parents, etc. They were there for the long haul, basically, while the ALT would be leaving, often sooner rather than later...
It goes both ways. Shitty ALTs working with good teachers as well. I know as my wife used to be a Teacher in Japan.
This is true.
Any particular reason you didn't mention anything about potentially losing your apartment and key money (along with the other money one must pay) because of leaving company A for company B before fulfilling your contract? Wouldn't that be very expensive when you add it all up dollar/yen wise? What did it cost YOU extra to leave mid contract and what other hardships did you incur because of leaving early? THANKS!
+William B Okay. To answer those I will go in order. But put most simply we did not discuss those... because there aren't any that would be especially discourage you from making the jump.
1. There is no penalty for leaving your company mid-contract. They are not binding contracts.
2. Key money by definition is money that you pay and never see again so by that fact you cannot (lose) it. It's gone the moment you pay them. It is not like a deposit you where you get the money back.
3. Not all apartments have key money so when you move to the next you can very easily find one that does not require that of you.
4. Many companies financially assist you when you move between companies and subsidize portions of your costs.
5. Moving between companies is awesome and there are many many many great jobs.
Greetings Dave!
For starters, thank you so much for your informative videos. I just finished mailing my documents to Interac and hope to be there at some point next year. Your videos make me feel as though I won't be going in blind.
I do have a couple of questions though. I thought the contract with Interac would bind you to them for the agreed term of a year. How is it that Dean and yourself (you mentioned looking at different companies in another video) are able to do go to other jobs?
Thanks!
+Gigi Haas (drunkenveggie) Yes, you most certainly are. In the land of mice and men we do need contracts, but it exists mostly to outline the specifics of how you will go about working. It creates a clear outline of what is expected of you and whatever other details like, say, renting a car. In regards to switching companies it is non-binding. You may switch if you'd like, the one exception from leaving a job in your native country would be that companies over here usually expect a greater amount of courtesy for notice: one month for example. This allows them time to find a new person to place at the school and is usually no issue because many jobs looking to hire you on not usually in a huge rush.
Awesome topic! I wonder how they'd handle it if they had multiple teachers (I've been assigned 7, none of whom speak English!) but only 1 is actin a fool. Does this happen more with English-speaking JTEs than non? Food for thought...
Definitely a good question.
Can you speak Japanese to the kids outside of class with Interac?
Some ppl. have big EGO's. Can't be helped-just be cool, and what ever they (Japanese teachers) suggest-you agree to it . Basically "Yes, Massa" attitude-that's the attitude that saves your "nerves". Compliment-always compliment those "beatches" tell them how "unique" they/their method is.
Really surprising to hear that in JHS the ALT is being expected to lead the full class when a JTE is present. I work in two JHS and I literally just sit back and chill. I do whatever I can to help out the kids or assist the teachers but my role is secondary almost all of the time. At first it was frustrating that I wasn't playing a more active role in the classroom but honestly the students need the Japanese explanation from the teacher as most of them don't read the explanations in the textbook. There's a lot the kids need to understand for as far as grammar points for their high school entrance exams and what not so I think it's a poor decision on that guys school to let him lead the classes entirely. Lessons should be done cooperatively at all times or at least half and half with the JTE communicating what they'd like you to do.
+blood runner This... is a fantastic point. We would agree with this completely. That said although It is definitely a very rare situation in which this occurs, it totally exists and is useful to be aware of.
+DaveTrippin Cooperative lessons would be best. Or maybe, the English teacher must assert authority and tell the JT to sit down and only speak when spoken too.
I'm not a teacher in any shape or form, but have watched and worked with student teachers. The best supportive mentoring teachers would always take a back row seat and defer unless extra support is necessary.
I work with a JHS teacher who... just constantly seems to f@ck with me. But... after a while I realised, that actually, it's really not a case of him disliking me. In fact, he talked to me for like 45 minutes the other day about how he's worked with over 40 ALTs and I'm definitely one of his favourites. So, it's not a personal thing... that said... he really seems to like to throw me under the bus when he can. I think it's mainly just to constantly establish that I'm the subordinate.
Your guest doesn't know how to communicate. Is that an English teacher?
keeping in mind that jet is a job, not a career, when others do not respect your bottomlines... reflect to see if your bars set for them are too high and consider adjusting your own expectation. give it your best effort a month or 2. do the best job that you could with that person's feedbacks wholehearted. if you have honestly tried your best and that person is still serving you shxt tacos? fuxk them. move on. it's them. it's not you. because you know you gave it your best. keep in mind, to you, jet is a stepping stone. it is a job. but to those haters out there, it is their career and their sad sad little shxtty world.
wholeheartedly*
To all the TEACHERS. Never forget, whether you're JET, ALT, ELT or what ever ..T, your job is ONLY to assist Japanese teacher(s)-that's all. If you're serious aboyt teaching-STAY in your own country, acquire all the necessary teacher: degrees, licenses, etc. and teach in your own country. While in Japan-you're basically a "nobody" - just some dude/gal from foreign country-lucky enough to be referred to as "sensei". In all honesty-what kind of a "sensei" are you anyways? Are you an accredited teacher? Do you posess any degrees, licenses from accredited institutions fromJapan? Of course not.Assistants-assist-that is all they do ;) Accept it. When in Rome-do as Romans do ;)Imagine-you're an accredited teacher in your own country. Suddenly,one day some "gaijin" shows up in your classroom. How would you feel about them? Happy? or "who the f @## are you-telling me how to conduct my classes? I believe, the latter one is more likely your reaction.Look at the bright side-no matter how "terrible" some of the teachers might be, if you're truly a great teacher-students will still like you. If they don't, then you're a "cock" yourself ;)
+Royalty Free Music (Makomas Production/Urmas Mollerson) I would be careful of insisting that you are only an assistant. It's true that some schools want you only to assist (a large amount do) but in Dean's case, the guy in this video, his schools wanted him to lead every class he was in for the entire duration of the class, and even made clear on their lesson plans they did not want to assist him. He was the teacher plain and simple. There a variety of ways in which the schools run. You can be a "serious" teacher in Japan and be paid as well if not better than your home country. Your accreditation is the experience you gain through years of teaching in Japan and the different experiences that you encounter. This is especially true in the elementary setting where the teachers often have almost no English ability and it is actually the norm that you would lead the classes. This isn't an attack on your view point as there are a variety of situations that exist as you describe it. I am however suggesting that there is a larger picture, that is all. Thank you again for checking out the video and for offering some commentary on the issue.