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MUSUBI: One Job, Many Experiences: ALT Teaching Across Japan’s Public Schools

MUSUBI: One Job, Many Experiences: ALT Teaching Across Japan’s Public Schools

Posted on 01/21/2026Last updated on 01/21/2026

If you're thinking about becoming an ALT in Japan, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is:

which school level is the right fit for me?

Whether it's kindergarten, elementary, junior high, or senior high school, each level offers a different experience in the classroom and beyond.

Here's a quick breakdown, starting with compulsory education in Japan.

🎒 Elementary School (Primary School)

Role: Lead the lesson with your Japanese teacher, fun and interactive lessons often with games, songs, and simple activities.
Student Interaction: High! Younger kids love engaging with ALTs.
Lesson Content: Basic vocabulary, phonics, greetings, and classroom English.
Ideal For: Those who are energetic, playful, and patient.

📚 Junior High School (Middle School or Secondary School)

Role: Support the Japanese teacher, often team-teaching.
Student Interaction: Moderate students are more self-conscious, but still curious.
Lesson Content: Grammar-focused; more structure and textbook use.
Ideal For: Those who enjoy more structured lessons and can handle teenagers.

The following levels are non-compulsory education in Japan. We sometimes get these levels but only in selected areas in Japan.

🧸 Kindergarten (Pre-Elementary)

Role: Introduce English through songs, games, and play-based activities.
Student Interaction: Very high ALTs often lead entire activities.
Lesson Content: Simple words, actions, greetings, colors, animals, etc.
Best For: ALTs with lots of energy, creativity, and a gentle approach.

🎓 Senior High School

Role: Assist in advanced English classes or lead discussion-based activities.
Student Interaction: Varies. Students may be more focused on exams but eager to engage if motivated.
Lesson Content: Writing, reading comprehension, presentations, and debates.
Ideal For: Those confident in English grammar and interested in more academic-style teaching.

Each level has its own rhythm, challenges, and rewards.
Many ALTs discover their ideal environment only after trying it firsthand.

Let’s Make April 2026 Happen

If you’re considering a move to Japan to teach English, choosing the right company can make all the difference. At Borderlink, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built and we’d love for you to be part of them.

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※Some images in this article were generated by AI