Navigating Japanese School Life: Tips for Teachers

1. Teaching In Japan

2. Getting There

3. At School • Schools are mostly concrete and windows • They are extremely hot in the summer and deathly cold in the winter • The kids have dirt lots that are used to play sports • Most schools have 2- 3 floors and various wings • Every school has a gym where ceremonies are held • Many of your schools will have pools

4. The Daily Schedule • At the beginning of the morning the assistant principal and principal hold morning meetings for the staff • Students generally arrive and go to homeroom before classes begin • Depending on how your school arranges it there is a 15-30 min period called cleaning time where students clean the school • Teachers and students eat lunch at the same time and almost everyone eats school lunch • You could have between 1 – 5 classes a day • Club and special activities start immediately after school

5. Office Etiquette • If you happen to be a smoker there is usually a place outside of the teachers office, or in a separate room in the back where smoking is permitted • If you need or want to talk on your keitei step out of the office to speak • There are usually one or two computers with internet access. Be considerate of other teachers • When winter comes be careful not to blow your nose in public. This is considered very rude. • Anytime you or co-worker go out of town it is customary to bring back a small gift for everyone in the office • ALWAYS greet people as you walk into the office and leave the office for the evening

6. Did That Just Happen?

7. Building Relationships With Teachers & Students • Visit or join other classes (art, science, gym) • Participate in school concerts, and events like field day • Do things with the PTA mothers • Join or create a new club • Introduce cultural events and activities • Eat lunch with the students and join students during cleaning time • Go to office parties • Talk to everyone…all the time…even if they don’t understand you

8. Experiencing America Through You • Smile….from day one • Immerse yourself in the culture and don’t be afraid to try new things • Trade puri-cura with teachers & students • Bring in your favorite foods and drinks for them to try • When possible incorporate your favorite music, movie and TV shows into lessons • Highlight your differences but show-off your knowledge of Japan and Japanese culture • Have a strong work ethic

9. Other Things To Consider Don’t mail a huge box of toilet paper because they do actually have it Your shoes never have to match your outfit…but if you do want to coordinate you can always ride a bike in heels When using a Japanese style toilet make sure the door is behind you Wear a skirt until you get the hang of using the Japanese style toilet • If you are a picky eater you can’t go wrong with Mos Burger, Hokka Hokka, the rice burgers at AM/PM and curry rice is the absolute best!