ALT FAQs - Working Conditions 2

Training

Do you provide enough training?

We will provide one week of training at our main office, plus one week of on-the-job training where a manager/director will be available to offer feedback and answer questions.

Do I get paid during the training period?

Yes, 11,000 yen per day.

Commute

How long is the average commute? How will I travel to my schools?

Most ALTs travel to school by bicycle. Some even walk on foot! The typical commute is 5 - 20 minutes by bike.

If ALTs are assigned to a school where it is necessary for them to commute by train, ABC PLUS reimburses their work-related transportation expenses.

If ALTs need to commute between different cities where it is not possible to take a train or bus, a company car would be provided for commuting purposes.

Professional Attire

What is the required dress code?

Clothing standards in Japan are conservative and professional.

In the classroom (Less formal, not casual):
all teachers must wear clothes with sleeves and a collar
Male teachers must wear a tie when asked.
Jeans, shorts or T-shirts are not accepted.

In meetings at school or the school board (Formal):
ABC PLUS ALTs must wear business attire when you are asked, especially during school ceremonies and school meetings.

Men; a dress shirt, tie, and business style pants are required on all ABC PLUS related business.
Women; professional attire, inclusive of skirts below the knees or business style suits are required on all ABC PLUS related business.

Preparation / Resources

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

20 minutes per class on average, plus meeting with Japanese teachers to discuss lesson plans. You must submit your lesson plans one week ahead of each class by email or fax. The curriculum ABC PLUS offers will you give you some ideas, but you need to ask the Japanese teacher if your plan suits the class beforehand. Preparations are 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 and the School Board administration.

Junior High School:
The Japanese teacher will tell you about their vocabulary and grammar focus, and the textbook will tell you what sentences students need to learn and memorize at the same time.
You need to prepare three different classes for each grade. You need to ask Japanese teachers what students are learning and what the teacher expects you to teach. You can also use some materials ABC PLUS offers you. You are allowed to use your own materials after you have received the Japanese teacher's permission.

Elementary School:
Again, it may take about 20 minutes to plan each elementary school class. You need to consider that the lessons are for beginner level students so try to appeal to what they find interesting and make the lessons fun. 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. Again, the ABC PLUS curriculum will provide some ideas. Please keep in mind that elementary schools expect lessons to be instructional, multicultural and fun.

What resources are available for teachers?

ABC PLUS teachers have access to a large number of teaching resources. We offer you Music CDs, flashcards, a junior high / elementary curriculum, sample lesson plans and more.