Live from Japan!

Oh wait….I can understand how it may be a little confusing. Most of our posts on this blog are about daily life and frustrations, observations and travels. What we forget to talk about is our JOB!

That’s right, we are actually here to do a very important job. We are teachers. So, I thought I would take a little time to give you a job update. Now that I am actually working in the classroom regularly.

I think there is no other way to sum it up other than, I LOVE my job! Sure, it was difficult the first few weeks, when I came to work but had nothing to do. But, now that I am in the classroom everyday working with the students, I LOVE it. I LOVE it. I LOVE it.

I have always liked teaching, obviously, since that is what I studied in graduate school and chose for my career. But, I like teaching here even more than I did at my school in Chicago.

Here, I only have to do all of my favorite parts of teaching. I do not have to grade papers, call parents, create exams. I do not have to fight through the bureaucracy every time I want to do something. I do not have to reprimand students (at least not very frequently) and I do not have to worry about students spitting in my water bottle. My students do not fight, they do not curse (well, if the do I can’t understand them), and are, for the most part, completely respectful.

It is a joy and a pleasure. I do not leave work stressed out with an arm full of papers still to grade. I do not spend the majority of my working time doing paperwork. Instead, I spend the vast majority of my work day planning for my students. Creating fun, interesting learning activities to do in class. I spend lots of time working with them in the classroom, and having conversations with them outside of the classroom.

In addition to working with and for the students, I am also a resource to the English teachers outside of the classroom. I work with them to practice English, help them grade papers, answer grammatical questions. Essentially, I am the native English speaker on call. Here, whenever they need me.

No job is without flaws. And this job is no exception. One of the largest difficulties is not having a team of people to lesson plan with and bounce ideas off of. When I taught in CPS (Chicago Public Schools), I always had several other teachers that I worked well with and we would plan together and share ideas. Here, aside from my husband at home, I am largely on my own.

Also, the students are not accustomed to the style of teaching I do. I have been encouraged by the Japanese Teachers of English to teach like I would at home. In fact, many of them have marvelled at my methods and how much fun the students seem to have while learning a lot (quite a compliment). Even still, it is much more difficult here to get students to participate and contribute to class. Often, when I ask questions or request volunteers I find myself looking out at a sea of blank faces. It can be discouraging.

Despite the discouragement, I try to come into each class with energy and excitement. I talk loud and I tell jokes. They laugh and they have fun. And, I think, with time they will be comfortable enough to take risks and become a part of the action, instead of just watching it.