Pinoy guide to happy living in Japan

Better communication, better life

WE are now living in a society where changes are constantly occurring in technology, the way we live and how we think. The technological advances create the need for all of us to constantly update our knowledge in order to be competitive in the job market.
As a good example of how our knowledge can become obsolete, a few days ago, I heard my supervisor complained that he could not keep up with the changes in technology anymore since he could no longer use his cellularphone easily. Technology is changing so quickly and it sometimes worries people that they are not keeping up with changes as they happen. I know some people who do not feel comfortable even in using an iPhone.
Also, technology is changing in the workplace. Technology is advancing and many of the jobs considered “blue collar” labor in the past, nowadays need a high level of education in order to do the job. For example, in agriculture, workers are able to operate machines with sophisticated technology. In my grandfather’s time, he only needed to turn the key, whereas nowadays we have to understand technology and be able to operate machines controlled by computers.
Our jobs as Assistant English Teachers also require us to keep up with advances in new teaching skills and resources. Therefore failure to keep up with advances made could result in you being unmarketable. An example of recent changes is the ongoing introduction of technology into the classroom, such as interactive whiteboards, and the upcoming introduction of compulsory English education for elementary school grade 5 to 6 students.
If you want to keep abreast of future changes in teaching trends, you are coming to the right place by working with Selti. As a company that takes an interest in its employees, clients and students, we provide comprehensive training to keep you updated with the constant changes in the fi eld of teaching.
>>URL: http://www.selti.co.jp

Interview with ALT Training Manager

Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am from Indiana in the USA where I grew up with two sisters and a brother. I attended Transylvania University and graduated with an Elementary Education degree.
After graduation, I managed the day care for kindergarten children and the after school care for all ages. The next year I was offered a position to team teach fourth grade in a small private school. I accepted and spent the next six wonderful years teaching different ages in the school.
In 2001, I decided that a change would be good and decided to come to Japan. I didn’t speak any Japanese or know much about the country but I had only intended to stay for one year. That was almost nine years ago.
First, I worked for a conversation company for over a year and then decided that I missed the classroom and accepted a position teaching junior and senior high. I found several members of the staff delightful but the students were wonderful! After two years, the school decided to relocate and commuting was too much for me.
Luckily, though, I saw the position for a trainer of this company advertised. I applied, survived the interview process and the rest was history.
Now, I am the ALT Training Manager and have the opportunity to work with hundreds or even thousands of teachers every year.

What can people learn in the workshops?

Honestly, it is not possible to make a teacher in a day, week or even a month. The focus of the workshops is to give the attendees enough information to be able to go to the schools and be able to survive. We like to touch on all aspects of life in schools. From the moment that you step onto the school property, through introductions and the fi rst trip into the classroom, until you leave social gathering with Japanese staff. We want to make sure that you have enough information to make you start exciting, not frightening.
For the longer workshops, we are able to introduce the basics of lesson planning and give you a few activities and techniques to take with you into the classrooms.

What are the main advantages in attending the workshops?

This is actually an easy question. Every workshop, I have people who attend that have several years of teaching experience in Japan. Like most of us who did not start with this company, they have received little, if any, orientation or training on what to or not to do. When they come to us and we give them tips and then tell them why, you can see the light of understanding start shine.
Another aspect is that, it is time permitting; we try to make the workshops as interactive as possible. We show and then you do. It is an excellent opportunity for experienced teachers to get some feedback their teaching.

How often do you have the workshops for Selti?

That changes on demand.Usually eight or nine a year.

What do you recommend for people looking for Assistant Language Teacher positions?

First, it is important to remember that so much depends on a positive fi rst impression. Make sure that you look the part of a professional at that fi rst meeting with the school or company.
Also, make sure that you are speaking slowly and clearly. Don’t let nerves increase your talking speed or decrease your pronunciation.

Can anybody become an Assistant Language Teacher?

No. The simple truth is that we are all good at some things and not good at others. To be successful as an ALT, you need to be creative and fl exible. You need to show a positive attitude, even when sitting in the Teacher’s Room. As I said, that fi rst impression is very important, so make sure you start with that big smile and continue on from there.

What other companies offer similar workshops, orientation or training?

I honestly don’t know. Several offer a short orientation. The company I worked for before this one offered nothing.
I have completed workshops, orientations, and training sessions for well over 3000 people and have never had anyone tell me that another company had a better program. On the other hand, I have had many, many, many people who tell me that our sessions were far superior. I like to think that we are head, shoulders, knees and toes knees and toes above the rest.

Do you have a message for people reading this newspaper?

If I offer any words of advice, it would have to be to make sure that you enjoy what you are doing. If you have a position in a school, you are working with the best that Japan – or any country – has to offer. It should be fun. If you have fun, so will your students. If you are not having fun, then the job is not worth of your time and your time is much too precious to waste.

  Selti Human Resources and Class Management Division

    Phone: 03-3234-7731 Fax: 03-3234-8156
Fujibo Bldg 3F, 2-10-28 Fujimi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071

       URL: http://www.selti.co.jp