How to Become a Japanese Teacher

Teaching can be a stable job with good benefits that is attractive to many college students, especially those who have a passion for helping other people. If you are fluent in Japanese and enjoy the culture, you may have thought about becoming a Japanese teacher. As with any other kind of teaching position, there are certain requirements for becoming a Japanese teacher. With some preparation, education and planning, you could find an enjoyable career path in which you help other people learn.

Instructions

1. Major in Japanese in college. Take as many classes as you can in Japanese language and culture. Study hard and practice your language skills often so that they become integrated into who you are. Talk with your Japanese professors and ask them for advice on how to become a Japanese teacher. Ask for help when you are having trouble and try to keep a GPA above 3.0.

2. Study abroad in Japan. While taking classes is integral to preparing to teach Japanese, nothing can compare to the immersion experience of living in the country itself. While in Japan, take time to make friends, get to know the people and experience the culture.

3. Consider a double major in education. Majoring in education will help you to meet the licensing requirements in your state. Before you become a Japanese teacher, you will need a teaching license if you plan to teach in the public school system.

4. Get your master's in education, Japanese or linguistics. Many schools prefer to hire Japanese teachers who hold graduate degrees. If you want to teach in the college setting, you will need to get your PhD. Your college professors can help you to choose and apply to a school that will be a good fit for you academically.

5. Prepare for and take the Japanese literacy exams. Before you can be a Japanese teacher, you will need to show that you are fluent in the language. You will need to prepare for a written exam, reading comprehension exam, translation exam and oral exam.

6. Apply for teaching positions once you have completed your educational, exchange, licensing and exam requirements. Foreign-language teachers are often in demand. Sometimes, you will need to teach a subject in addition to Japanese in order to be considered full time. If you have a degree in linguistics, the hiring school will often offer you a section or two of English to bump you over the top.

References

• Become a Language Teacher