Recent Posts
Wet Hot Japanese Summer: Keeping Cool in the Classroom
How can we deliver engaging, informative lessons that students will retain, when neither they — nor you — want to be in a sweltering classroom with no AC?
By Liam Carrigan on August 7, 2018
Forward Together: 5 Ways to Build Bridges Between Teachers and Dispatch Companies
Sometimes, simple steps can make a big difference — like these ideas for helping ALTs and dispatch companies in Japan reach more mutually beneficial relationships.
By Liam Carrigan on July 25, 2018
ALT Super Powers: From Unexpected to Awesome in the Japanese Classroom
When teaching in Japanese classrooms, inspiration for ways to help can sometimes come from the most unlikely sources — and don’t always involve your English lessons.
By Liam Carrigan on July 18, 2018
Using Down Time as a Language Teacher in Japan for Self-Improvement
What’s the point in having all that free time as an ALT if you can’t make good use of it?
By Liam Carrigan on July 10, 2018
Bringing the Concept of ‘Real Life’ English into the Classroom
As an assistant language teacher, sometimes it’s who you are here rather than where you come from that matters most to your students
By Liam Carrigan on July 4, 2018
Making the Best of It: Creating Positive Outcomes from Negative Situations at School
As an ALT, you can expect to face some tough challenges in the classroom. Here’s how I overcame two of the worst.
By Liam Carrigan on June 26, 2018
LGBT in Japan: Yes, it Gets Better!
Being queer in Japan hasn’t always been easy, but I want to be one of many voices that says it gets better.
By Alex Rickert on April 24, 2018
5 Soft Skills ALTs Acquire that Are Resume Builders
Learn how being an assistant language teacher in Japan has turned you into a valuable team player for your next employer.
By Cara Lam on April 19, 2018
Cool in the Classroom: How to Work Better With Japanese Teachers
There is nobody better to prepare the teachers than you. The perfect ALT will be proactive but tread lightly.
By GaijinPot Partners on October 18, 2017
To Be a Better ALT, Start Bonding with other Teachers
Don’t underestimate the power of relationship building when it comes to strengthening your bonds — and thus the quality of your classes — with your Japanese teachers of English.
By GaijinPot Partners on September 19, 2017
Celebrate the Differences: Use Events as Extra Lesson Material
Are you running out of ideas for your ALT lessons? Or do you need a little break from the mundane teaching schedule? This is the perfect time to introduce your culture to your students.
By GaijinPot Partners on September 4, 2017
Surviving Summer As An ALT In Japan
In summer, ALTs working for a dispatch company often get about six weeks off work, whether you asked for it or not.