Teaching English in Japan: The Impact of Educational Background on Teaching Quality
Teaching English in Japan: The Impact of Educational Background on Teaching Quality. Part 1. Can one piece of paper make a difference? This article explores the various levels of English teaching education among teachers in Japan. It provides an overview of the qualifications and training that teachers possess, particularly focusing on those at the lower levels of language instruction. The discussion also examines whether holding a certification can enhance teaching effectiveness.
One of the most commonly asked questions by foreigners interested in teaching in Japan is: Does certification matter in an eikaiwa (private language school) or ALT setting? For Japanese students, have you ever noticed differences in the quality of teachers and wondered why? Or are you curious about the standards and qualifications of your teachers whether they be Japanese or foreign?
Let’s explore these topics in a little more detail.
Levels of Education and Qualifications in ESL/EFL - Foreigner Status
In Japan, the levels of education and qualifications for ESL/EFL teachers can be categorized into several ranks. Here’s a general overview:
The quality of ESL/EFL teachers in Japan can vary widely depending on their qualifications, experience, and the institution they work for. Generally, higher qualifications and specialized training lead to better teaching quality.
What is TESOL / TESL / TEFL / IELTS?
These programs (except IELTS) typically cover areas such as language acquisition, teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management.
I chose to pursue the TESOL certification because it encompasses both TEFL and TESL.
Does a foreigner need a certificate to teach English in Japan?
This is the most common question I have encountered from foreign teachers in all my years of teaching English. The answer is no. As seen in the Levels of Education section, a native speaker with only a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies can teach in most eikaiwa, as an ALT in many public schools, and for many online companies. However, this is generally the entry-level position, and further advancement often requires additional qualifications or setting up one’s own eikaiwa. Additionally, most Japanese students are not aware of these certificates.
There is a ceiling on how much a teacher can earn based on the company size and a limit on how far up the management ladder one can go. Eikaiwa and online businesses pay their teachers based on the number of students the company has. Since the fall of the original NOVA in 2007 and the rise of online teaching and various juku (cram school) initiatives, eikaiwa businesses, in general, have been getting smaller and smaller. The overall ceiling for teachers is steadily decreasing and the demand for more highly skilled teachers is increasing which emphasizes the current volatility that this market is undergoing.
From personal experience, I have worked in both large (NOVA) and small eikaiwa. The last eikaiwa I worked for decreased everyone’s salary significantly due to the loss of business over the years, and sadly, I had hit the ceiling of my wages long before that, too. This was acceptable in my opinion at the time.
Lastly, if you are a teacher thinking of living in Japan for a longer time than your contract, just know that there really isn’t enough money to survive on when you have a family and more expenses like mortgages and loans.
Does a Japanese teacher need a certificate to teach English in Japan?
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan sets broad standards for education, including English teaching. These standards can be flexible and vary based on the specific needs and preferences of each Board of Education. In Japan, a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is not strictly mandatory for Japanese teachers to teach English. However, having such a certification can significantly enhance their job prospects and teaching effectiveness. Many educational institutions prefer or require teachers to have a TESOL or TEFL certification to ensure they are well-prepared for the demands of teaching English.
When I was taking my TESOL certification in Canada, I was surprised to find that most of the students were Korean, with none from Japan. I learned that in South Korea, there is a strong emphasis on English education, and teachers generally need a TESOL or TEFL certification in addition to their own standards. While it’s not always mandatory, most institutions prefer teachers to have these certifications to maintain high teaching standards in English teaching.
How can a TESOL/TEFL/TESL certification help?
In order to keep this text heavy article brief, I will conclude Part 1 here. In Part 2, I will wrap up the article by discussing the benefits and possible drawbacks of obtaining a certification and the reasons behind it. It will include personal anecdotes from my experiences both with and without a certificate, as well as during my time as a teacher trainer. This will address the question: Can one piece of paper make a difference? I hope you look forward to the next part.
If you found this article helpful, please leave a like and consider subscribing for more content like this. For example, check out my article on Critical Thinking, which explores the integration of critical thinking in English lessons, the educational differences between Canada and Japan, and the beneficial outcomes of adopting an overall critical thinking mindset.
Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day wherever you are.
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