ALT: What is an ALT in Japan?

The World Famous ALT (in Japan)

    "I don't know what it does exactly.........

                              ............but it sure seems to enjoy the internet." 

most Japanese school teachers

*For more posts similar to this one, see Teaching Jobs in Japan

ALT = Assistant Language Teacher. 

Aliases: NET (Native English Teacher)
            ATE (Assistant Teacher of English)
            LSOB (Lazy SOB)
         
So, just what does an ALT do exactly? What are the responsibilities of an ALT? What should an ALT strive to be?


These questions are answered throughout this entire blog, but in this little installment, I focus on what the ALT is supposed to be..............

How would you describe the duties and responsibilities of an ALT?

Here is my official response to the media. I'll offer a more realistic response at a later date:

The responsibilities and duties of an ALT, as with many jobs, are not easily defined. However, I feel that it can be boiled down to one statement:  the sole responsibility of an ALT is to assist in the teaching of English at a host institution. Now, this definition is obviously too simplistic, and every school and BOE (Board of Education/School District) has different expectations. Also, within each school every grade is different as well as each homeroom. What is enjoyable and interesting for one group of students is a terrible bore to another. So, assisting with the teaching of English is something that is not easily defined and needs to change according to each specific group`s needs.

There are some things that the ALT must do. First, during the initial weeks, the ALT must make every attempt to understand the entire scope of his new position. The scope includes getting to know the students, teachers, administration and school board. Of course, the most important aspect is getting to know the students. The ALT should get involved with the club activities and try to talk to them around the school-grounds. The ALT should be asking himself some questions. Are the students quiet or genki? Shy or friendly? Perhaps they like to participate in games, competitions and activities. Maybe, they don`t like to participate at all and an activity is more like pulling a tooth. How is their English level? These questions will help the ALT in the classroom down the road.

As far as the school board, administration and teachers are concerned, the ALT must build solid lines of communication with them. These are the people that the ALT works for and with, and the ALT must understand what the administration and teachers expect and desire.

The ALT is an interesting position. It offers a fairly large range of freedom from the curriculum and lends itself well to creativity. The ALT must be ready and willing to adapt and change any lesson at any time to fit the needs of each specific group of students. For example, what worked well last hour might not work this time because the students are hungry. If an ALT is creative, cooperative and willing to adapt, then that ALT should be able to handle any school day with ease.

Allow me to clear my throat of some wicked buildup of bul.....er um..... anyway.

Do you have a question about Japan or a topic that you are interested in that you haven't found on this blog? If so, please tell me about it in a comment. I will get a post up about it as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!!