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Why Becoming an ALT in Japan Could Be the Best (or Worst) Decision of Your Life
You get what you put in, but sometimes you don’t get a lot back
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Working as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan is often seen as an easy way for native English speakers to live abroad. But the job is more complex than it seems. The duties of an ALT can change depending on the region, the employer, or even the school.
Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about becoming an ALT. I’ll share the job’s rewards and challenges so you can decide if teaching English in Japan is the right choice for you.
What Does an ALT Do?
The daily tasks of an ALT can vary greatly. What you do depends on the expectations of the local Board of Education (BOE), the school you’re assigned to, and the Japanese teachers you work with. Many Japanese teachers aren’t trained to work with ALTs, and some don’t even want an assistant in their classroom.
At some schools, ALTs might be expected to lead English lessons on their own. In these cases, the ALT has to create lesson plans, manage classroom activities, and do everything a regular teacher would do. This can be a great way to develop teaching skills, but…
