Private / Public school | School career in Japan

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School Career in Japan
Private / Public school

You may already have an image of a “private school” and it is probably very different depending on what country you are from and what teaching experience you have. Private schools in Japan are attended by students whose parents pay for their child's education. However, just because of this does not necessarily mean that the students are well behaved or good at studying!

Of course there are many types and academic levels of private schools, but generally speaking each school has an “image” and goal for their students. There is a wide choice of different types of private schools and it is worth researching your school before you decide about taking a position or not.

Most private schools have more time within the timetable for English classes, meaning that there is generally a standalone English Conversation class within the timetable providing employment opportunities for Native teachers.

Contracts are made with the school and full time hours usually mean you will be at the same school, however depending on your contract type (direct with the school or through a dispatch agency) conditions are subject to change. Have a look at the other pages on our website for more information about working styles.

If you are a professional, dedicated teacher who likes the stability of only being in one school then a contract at a private school could be the right choice for you.

Japanese public schools vary drastically depending on location and the type of students they attract. It is reasonable to expect student’s academic level and goals to be very different within the same class. Public schools are the most common form of education in Japan they are required by law to use Government approved textbooks.

Contracts are often made directly between the Board of Education and the teacher or through a dispatch agency that usually decides where to place you. Public schools are controlled by the Board of Education and you maybe have heard of the JET program which specializes in Board of Education contracts, JET is one of the biggest organizations sending teacher to public schools. If you are in a rural area, due to small classes and size of schools as well as the lack of class hours set aside for English, there is a possibility you will be required to teach at many different schools in your weekly schedule, possibly even different levels of school such as Elementary, Junior High and Senior High.

Board of Education budgets are usually strictly set for the year and are very tight; meaning that no matter how good a teacher you are, you may not be financially rewarded in the way you might expect.

For more information on rural life and contract types please see our other pages. If you are the kind of teacher who likes to teach a variety of students but wants to keep some free time, who wants to experience Japanese rural life or study Japanese, a public school could be for you.