Teaching in a private school in Japan offers a very different experience from teaching as an ALT.  Private schools are language institutes, also known as Eikawas.  Their focus is to provide top level education for their students by providing custom made curriculum and access to many foreign teachers.  As an English teacher in a private school in Japan you will not only meet other foreigners, but will also gain valuable teaching and international work experience.

Flexibility
Teachers who choose to teach at private schools should be extremely flexible.  Location preferences are usually not met, but will be decided based on teachers' available start dates and vacancies.  Flexibility in a classroom is equally important as teachers may work with a kindergarten class one hour, and an adult class the next.  The more flexible teachers are, the easier it is to secure a position at a private school.

Contract Duration
All contracts are for a 12 month duration with a possibility of renewal.  Teachers who complete the full term of the contract may be eligible for a completion bonus up to 100,000 yen.

Working Hours
Japan private school ESL teachers work five days a week for a total of 29.5 hours.  The schedule varies from school to school.  A typical day may start between 10:00 and 13:00 hours, and may end at 18:00 and 22:00 respectively.  Teachers receive their schedule in advance.  Working days are Monday-Saturday, but each teacher will have two consecutive days off per week.  A typical week may be Tuesday to Saturday.

Monthly Salary
The starting monthly salary is 250,000 yen plus performance incentives.  When working for private schools in Japan, teachers are a part of a business whose goal is not only to educate but also to be profitable.  Often if a teacher is able to bring more business to the school, or if their students renew their enrolment, teachers receive additional bonuses. 

In order to offset higher living costs in larger cities, teachers who are placed in urban areas will receive a slightly higher salary.

Student Level
Students range in level from beginner to advanced.  They come from varying backgrounds and are aged from young children to adults. Teachers who are able to adapt quickly to varying student levels will find this job exiting and rewarding. 

Housing
Single-occupancy teacher housing is arranged prior to arrival and is in close proximity to the school. Monthly rent is usually 50,000-60,000 yen/month plus utilities (approx. 10,000 yen/month).  All apartments have basic furnishings such as a futon with bedding, table and chair, laundry machine, kitchenette with appliances and utensils.  

Health Insurance
Teachers are provided with health insurance while employed at a private school in Japan.  The insurance plan covers basic medical care, but does not cover any pre-existing conditions.  Teachers have the option of purchasing additional health plans from their own countries.  Teach Away is happy to provide resources with additional health plan options.

Japanese Lessons
Knowledge of the Japanese language is not required for teaching English in private schools.  All teachers will be provided with free Japanese lessons during the first half of their contracts.  These lessons are provided to assist teachers with adjusting to Japanese culture.

Teacher Training
Japanese private schools follow their own unique curricula specifically designed to meet the needs of their students.  As such, it is of utmost importance that each teacher adheres to the school's teaching methods.  In depth training on effective ESL teaching techniques and student evaluation methods is provided in North America prior to departure.  Once in Japan, teachers are introduced to their fellow teachers, trainers, and school staff.

Teacher Responsibilities
Aside from teaching English to students of all ages, teachers are responsible for preparing lessons, counseling students, interviewing potential new students, and bringing a positive attitude to work.  At private schools, teachers focus on teaching conversational English.  Therefore, teachers who are flexible, outgoing, well-rounded individuals tend to enjoy teaching at private schools in Japan.

Vacation
Teachers will receive four weeks of paid vacation during a twelve month contract.  Vacation time cannot be taken all at once and is determined by the school.