There are two teaching roles: ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) and Wakakusa English School Teacher.

Teaching at Wakakusa English School

At Wakakusa English School, you have the freedom to shape your classes within the curriculum. You’ll plan lessons and create the props, flash cards, games, and other materials that help your students learn and keep each class engaging.

Teaching at the Public Junior High Schools

As an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), you’ll work alongside a licensed Japanese Teacher of English (JTE). Every school and teacher has a slightly different approach, so the day-to-day rhythm can vary. In most classrooms, your main focus will be communicative English—helping students speak with greater confidence and improve their intelligibility, pronunciation, and intonation.

In many cases, the JTE plans the lesson in advance. As a native English speaker, you’ll often take the lead on natural pronunciation and may also help develop games and activities that make the material more approachable.

The role extends beyond regular English classes. ALTs may take part in school and community life through:

·       School festivals and sports days

·       Speech contest and proficiency test preparation

·       Optional after-school clubs, including sports, art, and martial arts

These activities are a great way to talk with students outside the classroom and get to know them better. Club participation is up to each teacher, but it is strongly encouraged.

Community, Faith, and Mission

One thing that makes this program unusual—especially in a rural city—is that every junior high school has a full-time ALT. The ALTs in Tamura City are also Christians who live in community and serve together as a mission-minded team.

This is more than a job. Wakakusa teachers regularly take part in community events and activities, serving the people of Tamura and, through that service, serving Christ. The goal is to be salt and light in the community through genuine relationships and practical involvement.

Teachers also help with community programs such as the three fall English camps and the Christmas and Easter events held at the community center.