Conversation School FAQs - Working Conditions 2

Training

Do you provide enough training?

ABC PLUS will provide one week of training with the head teacher, plus one month of one-the-job training where you will meet weekly with the ABC PLUS head teacher to discuss any questions and to offer feedback. The director, head teacher and senior staff members are always available to answer any further questions or concerns new staff may have, but we are sure new teachers will feel confident to begin their classes after the initial training period.

Do I get paid during the training period?

Yes, 12,000 yen per day.

Commute

How long is the average commute? How will I travel to ABC PLUS?

Apartments will be within 5 - 10 minutes walking distance of ABC PLUS In the event that teachers must commute between our 2 English schools, all transportation costs between a teacher's apartment and school will be covered by ABC PLUS.

Professional Attire

What is the required dress code?

We ask that men wear a dress shirt, tie, and business style pants on all ABC PLUS related business. Jeans, T-shirts, polo shirts, and shorts are not acceptable. Sweaters and vests are acceptable, but you must wear a dress shirt and tie underneath.
Women may wear dress pants, skirts, dresses or Capri pants, but never shorts, jeans or T-Shirts. Women should consider that they are expected to look professional when selecting shirts. Thus, sleeveless, low cut or tight shirts are unacceptable. Also, skirts and dresses should not be too short. Keep in mind that you will be active in the classes you are teaching, and will be sitting on the floor. Therefore please dress appropriately.

Preparation / Resources

How many hours am I expected to spend preparing for class each day and how is this compensated?

Planning time generally takes 20 minutes per class on average. For children’s classes, you will need to be extremely enthusiastic in order to engage your students so think carefully about what games and activities you will use in the classroom. The ABC PLUS curriculum will provide some ideas. Please keep in mind that parents expect lessons to be both instructional and fun. High School and Adult classes follow a textbook, but it’s important to use planning time to think of ways to expand upon the text and make the class more interesting for students.

Teachers are allotted 2 hours each day to plan their classes and preparation time is already included in your salary. If your lesson is not adequate (not well organized, lacking in materials, etc.), you may have to attend a meeting with ABC PLUS management.

What resources are available for teachers?

ABC PLUS teachers have access to a large number of teaching resources. We have a wide range of flashcards, games, toys, music, textbooks, sample lesson plans and many more learning resources. Additionally, we provide all teachers with an ABC PLUS Curriculum for children's classes.