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- What’s ALT
ALT stands for Assistant Language Teacher. ALTs work in schools across Japan, participating in English classes alongside Japanese teachers and students. The level of students that ALTs help teach can begin as young as Kindergarten and span all the way up to senior high school. At present, the vast majority of ALTs work with elementary and junior high-age students. Depending on the grade level, English classes at a school can be held anywhere from several days a week to just a few times throughout the year.
One of the unique aspects of ALTs is that they work at public schools. This allows them get first-hand experience with the Japanese educational system and the everyday lives of young learners. ALTs come from a wide variety of backgrounds, with some being experienced teachers while others are looking to start a new career. What they all share in common is a desire to make a difference in the lives of their students.
One of the unique aspects of ALTs is that they work at public schools. This allows them get first-hand experience with the Japanese educational system and the everyday lives of young learners. ALTs come from a wide variety of backgrounds, with some being experienced teachers while others are looking to start a new career. What they all share in common is a desire to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Elementary School ALTs
Japanese elementary schools cover grades 1 to 6, with the students generally being around 6 to 12 years old. ALTs placed in elementary schools focus on allowing students to become comfortable with English as they learn basic vocabulary and grammar. We encourage students to communicate in English not only with the ALT and Japanese teachers, but also with their classmates as well.
Elementary school English classes use a wide variety of games, songs, and collaborative activities to motivate student participation and learning. ALTs also play with the students on the school grounds, interact with them in their clubs, and sometimes eat with them at lunch. If you enjoy working with young children, being an elementary school ALT is absolutely the right choice for you!
Elementary school English classes use a wide variety of games, songs, and collaborative activities to motivate student participation and learning. ALTs also play with the students on the school grounds, interact with them in their clubs, and sometimes eat with them at lunch. If you enjoy working with young children, being an elementary school ALT is absolutely the right choice for you!
“The energy of the children and their smiles motivate me to teach. Not only do they learn from you, but you will also learn from them. Origami, karuta, ayatori, keidoro... these are some of the things that they taught me.” - Spencer, ALT in Ibaraki
Junior and Senior High School ALTs
Junior and senior high school are both 3 years each, and only the former is considered compulsory education. ALTs at these levels teach students around the ages of 12 to 18 years old. As the students' English skills are now regularly tested, there is a greater emphasis on reading and writing in addition to speaking and listening.
The main role of the ALT here is to aid in the students' development in English. This includes evaluating written assignments and helping to improve reading skills. ALTs also continue to foster communication between students by creating interactive and fun skits and other activities.
In some schools, there are English elective classes or after-school English clubs for students who want to take their English skills to the next level. For those who truly wish to challenge themselves, there is an annual English speech contest where students from multiple schools compete.
Also, in junior and senior high schools, after-school clubs and sports are a high priority for the students. ALTs are encouraged to join in as they like. Some clubs are focused on athletics such as soccer, softball, or basketball, but there are often clubs centered around music, art and drama.
The main role of the ALT here is to aid in the students' development in English. This includes evaluating written assignments and helping to improve reading skills. ALTs also continue to foster communication between students by creating interactive and fun skits and other activities.
In some schools, there are English elective classes or after-school English clubs for students who want to take their English skills to the next level. For those who truly wish to challenge themselves, there is an annual English speech contest where students from multiple schools compete.
Also, in junior and senior high schools, after-school clubs and sports are a high priority for the students. ALTs are encouraged to join in as they like. Some clubs are focused on athletics such as soccer, softball, or basketball, but there are often clubs centered around music, art and drama.
“Over the summer, we practiced for the speech contest. My students told me, 'Thank you for teaching us.' For me, there is no greater reward than to see them succeed.” - Zoe, ALT in Saitama
A Day in the Life of an ALT
Many of our ALTs teach at both elementary schools and junior high schools. This combination allows them to draw connections between elementary and junior high English instruction, as well as gain a broader range of teaching experience. However, there are also positions that focus on one level, or in some cases, include Kindergarten or senior high school. Below, please find a general outline of what an ALT's day is like at a junior high school.
When you first arrive at the school in the morning, you will be touched by the enthusiasm of the students as they greet you with a shy smile, a wave, or calls of good morning and hello. Once you enter the school, you change your shoes at the front entrance and make your way to the staff room. The staff room will be your proverbial "home base" for the day, and it is here where all the school's teachers gather in the morning. Students in Japanese junior high schools stay in the same classroom the entire day, and you will go there when you are scheduled to teach in an English class.
Everyone's schedule is different, but you can teach up to 6 periods a day. Sometimes you may have only a few classes (as low as 1 or 2) or sometimes a full schedule, but a typical day is usually between 3 to 5 classes.
After 4th period, the students eat lunch in their classroom, and afterwards clean the rooms and the hallways. After the students are finished with their classes, they have club activities. You can join in on a game of basketball or badminton, watch the chorus practice, or maybe have the opportunity to create something with the art club. The dedication and the comradery of the students will amaze you.
During your free periods or after school, you will have a chance to speak with your fellow teachers about upcoming lessons. You can and should also use this time to prepare teaching materials such as flash cards or work sheets. With a smile and a wave, you bid farewell to the staff and those students still practicing with their clubs.
Every day as an ALT holds surprises and memorable experiences. It is a job that will change your view of the world, and an experience that will stay with you forever.
Everyone's schedule is different, but you can teach up to 6 periods a day. Sometimes you may have only a few classes (as low as 1 or 2) or sometimes a full schedule, but a typical day is usually between 3 to 5 classes.
After 4th period, the students eat lunch in their classroom, and afterwards clean the rooms and the hallways. After the students are finished with their classes, they have club activities. You can join in on a game of basketball or badminton, watch the chorus practice, or maybe have the opportunity to create something with the art club. The dedication and the comradery of the students will amaze you.
During your free periods or after school, you will have a chance to speak with your fellow teachers about upcoming lessons. You can and should also use this time to prepare teaching materials such as flash cards or work sheets. With a smile and a wave, you bid farewell to the staff and those students still practicing with their clubs.
Every day as an ALT holds surprises and memorable experiences. It is a job that will change your view of the world, and an experience that will stay with you forever.