Obu Junior High School

Obu Junior High School is a pretty big school, with ~ 6 classes per grade (600+ students and 40+ staff).  You will be one of two ALTs at the school, and will be responsible for co-teaching about half of the classes.  During the school year you will usually attend the school two or three days per week, with the remainder of your workdays taken up by two nearby elementary schools.  In most classes, you will teach lessons planned by an OTE, but you will also be responsible for the planning of some lessons.  Often lessons will be co-planned with your OTE, but it depends on that class’ OTE's teaching style.

The students are a lot of fun, and will often shout “hello!” and wave to you in the hallways as you walk around the school.  However, it’s rare to converse with students for more than a couple sentences in English.  In class, students are shy and don’t raise their hands, so you likely will have to call on students to answer questions.

If your Japanese language ability is low, that isn't a problem!  One OTE is assigned to liaise with the ALTs, and will assist you by translating necessary information (paperwork, scheduling, which days require formal attire, etc.).  The staff room is friendly, though the teachers may be shy, especially about interacting in English.  Don't be afraid to try to interact with them in English (or Japanese)!