A. When making your opening speech to your school, speak in both Japanese and English. The speech can be very short and, if you don't speak Japanese, use the CLAIR Japanese study books to help you compose a few lines. You will have plenty of free time in your first month, so use this time to write a very short speech about yourself. Again, you look professional if you have taken the time to prepare the speech in advance.
B. Research, study, and learn about your job and team-teaching. Almost every teacher made this statement. Regardless of how much teaching experience you have, or how many Japanese classes you have taken, you still have a lot to learn about Japanese education and the concept of communicative education. Also, each school is different. What works in one school may not work at another school. Some ways to obtain information are through your JTLs, other ALTs, your Board of Education, and professional organizations such as JALT (Japanese Association for Language Teachers). Finally, during the first month, read all of the books provided by CLAIR and your Board of Education. These books contain good ideas for team-teaching and lesson planning as well as information relevant to your job and life in Japan. Additional resources are available at the Kyoiku Center as well as at the Southern Illinois University campus in Nakajo (call 0254-43-6200 for directions).
C. Always make lesson plans. You should always write a lesson plan, even if the other teacher always writes the plan and you basically follow the plan of that teacher. Always have your own documentation of the lesson plan. Not only does this give you a source of reference for the future, but rewriting another teacher's plan allows you to go back over it mentally, giving you a smooth presentation in class. The ideal situation when planning for team-teaching is to sit down together and come up with a plan. However, you should still have your ideas written down before discussing the plan with the JTL. Again, this gives you time to research the material being covered and the kinds of activities that would work with that material. Then you and the JTL can put the ideas together and come up with a true team-teaching plan. Preparation before discussion also shows that you are interested in your job and have taken the time to research the lesson before the planning begins. However, there will be times when your plan is the only plan. Therefore, thorough planning will be even more valuable for these situations. Before making any team-teaching plan, be sure to ask the teacher what materials are being covered. I realize that this can be difficult in regular and one-shot schools. However, a phone call or fax to the school can be very helpful. Remember, be flexible and always try to learn from each team-teaching experience.
D. Be flexible, patient, and willing to compromise in most situations. All of the teachers said that it is important to show patience and flexibility when building a relationship with both the students and the teachers. Don't rush students if they don't answer immediately, but also know when to push students when they need it. Never get upset by students' reactions--try to act in a very calm, rational and stern manner when the need arises. Overreacting to a discipline problem gives the student exactly what he/she wants--attention. However, not reacting to a situation can also be disastrous. You need to find the middle ground, but be patient and flexible based on the situation and the student or teacher. However, when situations arise that do not allow for compromise, stand firm in your beliefs. If you're too upset to discuss the situation calmly, take the time to calm down and review the situation. Call another ALT or the Kyouiku Center ALT, talk to another teacher, take a walk, or write down your frustrations. Always remember that hysteria will not resolve the situation and will probably scare everyone in your office.
E. As much as possible, try to relax and become friends with teachers and staff at your school. Since the majority of your time will be spent with them, the people in your office can become like family. Most of the teachers really want to get to know you. Also, there may be times when you have problems. The teachers want you to feel free to consult them, regardless of whether it's a problem about your apartment or with a fellow teacher. And please feel free to ask your teachers about Japanese traditions, customs, culture, or other items. Showing an interest in Japan gives everyone the impression that you want to be in Japan and are interested in learning about the country.
F. Smile, be happy and enjoy yourself. When you smile, you give off a very relaxed atmosphere. This atmosphere opens up communication between you and the students, whether it be in the classroom, in the hall, or at the train station. This eventually leads to better communication in your English classes.
G. Find a way to encourage students. Just like smiling, encouragement relaxes students and leads to more open communication. Even when they make mistakes, encourage students to talk and praise them for even the smallest things. This builds self-confidence in your students.
H. Conduct yourself in a professional manner when dealing with students. It's great to get to know your students, but you must understand that there is a fine line between being "good friends" and maintaining your professionalism as a teacher. Remember that first and foremost you are their teacher--someone they look up to and respect. Once you have established this relationship you can work on building a friendship that has both trust and respect.