Hi!
Seeking advice from the wealth of knowledge on here.
Here's me...
PGCE Primary with QTS
CELTA
Exp
2 years ESL (pre qualification)
2 years post exp Year 6 teacher (British curriculum bilingual school in Asia)
Obviously no home/NQT exp
What are my best bets for jobs in Japan?
Doesn't have to really be in Tokyo, either.
Are there well paid bilingual schools available?
It seems there are some options.
Ideally I'd like to stay in a mixed split curriculum environment.
Prospects in JP
Response
So your really an NQT, you havent done induction? I ask because the upper tier (and a majority of the mid tier) British schools are going to make the distinction, they will ask where you did your induction, and what your supervisors report was.
I know a lot of qualified teachers working the ESOL trade in JP. Your going to be doing the same. You have no qualified teaching experience in a regulated or independent school, youve basically been teaching English for academic purposes,you can say you were a real HRT, but HOS/admins/recruiters know it was really just a vehicle for English lessons when your in a bilingual school. I doubt your post qualification experience will count, it will probably get you into one of the premium agencies, but unlikely to get you scale credit for salary.
You best bet is one of the man, many, many foundation and kinder schools popping up in JP. They pay a little better then general ESOL (because you have to change diapers), salaries for those positions are about 25K¥/month with travel. The average ESOL salary now in JP is about 220K¥. None of the bilingual schools pay "well" compared to ISs
A small minority of bilingual schools will sponsor a visa, and they wont provide relocation or an OSH package.
I see two options for maintaining a mixed curriculum (bilingual) school assuming you DO NOT want an IS, is applying to the other foreign national schools that have a need for English language instruction, such as the the Korean school, Swiss school, Lycee, Gymnasium/Abitur, etc. The second option is that IB is coming to the domestic education market in JP, meaning JP schools offering IB to JP nationals (local schools), they will still need language B, and if you IB training and some experience that could be an in for you.
In the short term, get to JP now, the new term starts in April, and if youre there to interview (because schools and agencies like seeing people in person and want demo lessons) being there is the way to get a job. One of the big eikaiwa chains will probably pick you up, more so if your female. Keep doing that while looking for a vacancy more suited to your preference. It helps the eikaiwa work for newbies is typically during non traditional hours allowing you to interview during schools normal operation hours.
I know a lot of qualified teachers working the ESOL trade in JP. Your going to be doing the same. You have no qualified teaching experience in a regulated or independent school, youve basically been teaching English for academic purposes,you can say you were a real HRT, but HOS/admins/recruiters know it was really just a vehicle for English lessons when your in a bilingual school. I doubt your post qualification experience will count, it will probably get you into one of the premium agencies, but unlikely to get you scale credit for salary.
You best bet is one of the man, many, many foundation and kinder schools popping up in JP. They pay a little better then general ESOL (because you have to change diapers), salaries for those positions are about 25K¥/month with travel. The average ESOL salary now in JP is about 220K¥. None of the bilingual schools pay "well" compared to ISs
A small minority of bilingual schools will sponsor a visa, and they wont provide relocation or an OSH package.
I see two options for maintaining a mixed curriculum (bilingual) school assuming you DO NOT want an IS, is applying to the other foreign national schools that have a need for English language instruction, such as the the Korean school, Swiss school, Lycee, Gymnasium/Abitur, etc. The second option is that IB is coming to the domestic education market in JP, meaning JP schools offering IB to JP nationals (local schools), they will still need language B, and if you IB training and some experience that could be an in for you.
In the short term, get to JP now, the new term starts in April, and if youre there to interview (because schools and agencies like seeing people in person and want demo lessons) being there is the way to get a job. One of the big eikaiwa chains will probably pick you up, more so if your female. Keep doing that while looking for a vacancy more suited to your preference. It helps the eikaiwa work for newbies is typically during non traditional hours allowing you to interview during schools normal operation hours.
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Rhysboy
Re: Prospects in JP
I'd say your prospects are pretty good for a job in Japan. There are a couple of bilingual schools that you may want to take a look at. Check out the reviews on the paid section of this site.
Re: Prospects in JP
Haha Psyguy, haven't been on here for awhile and good to see you're still on it!
Yeah an NQT back home. I definitely don't wanna work at top tier international school, or basically under any management that aren't fairly relaxed. Not up for it. Make of that what you will!
I wouldn't take an ESL academy type position.
I guess the PNET program in HK may change my mind though.
If a school doesn't accept my teaching experience from my current workplace, I wouldn't want to work there I guess.
Thanks for the tips though!
My membership ran out some time ago, but I know of a few bi-lingual schools that look good.
If anyone knows any good places lemme know!
Yeah an NQT back home. I definitely don't wanna work at top tier international school, or basically under any management that aren't fairly relaxed. Not up for it. Make of that what you will!
I wouldn't take an ESL academy type position.
I guess the PNET program in HK may change my mind though.
If a school doesn't accept my teaching experience from my current workplace, I wouldn't want to work there I guess.
Thanks for the tips though!
My membership ran out some time ago, but I know of a few bi-lingual schools that look good.
If anyone knows any good places lemme know!