Subject: Seeking Private High School English Teacher (Muroran, Hokkaido)
Kaisei Gakuin, a co-ed Catholic high school, is seeking a full-time American or Canadian English teacher who is available to start teaching April 1st, 2004.
Each candidate should have:
1.) at least one year of ESL teaching experience (in Japan) with high school students
2.) an education-related undergraduate (BA/BS) and/or TEFL certificate
3.) native English language ability with an American or Canadian accent
For those with limited teaching experience and education, the salary starts at ¥320,000 per month. Those with greater ESL teaching experience and/or more advanced English education experience can receive an additional ¥10,000 to ¥50,000 to the base salary. Bonus payments of about ¥50,000 may be awarded up to three times a year. Upon completion of a 1-year contract, return airfare to America or Canada will be paid. Saturdays and Sundays are days off and in addition to the standard Japanese Holidays, an additional 10-paid vacation days are awarded each year. A furnished apartment (within walking distance of the school) is provided with a monthly rent of around ¥43,000. Visa sponsorship is also available.
Kaisei Gakuin is a unique high school which allows the two foreign teachers full creative freedom in the classroom. Class sizes are small (4-12 students) and there is no team teaching with the Japanese teachers. Being a Catholic high school with strict student rules, Kaisei students are very well behaved and even a bit motivated to speak English. I've haven't had a sleeping student in my class yet! The administration is open to suggestions from the foreign teachers and frequently implements them. For example this year from their initiative, we had a Halloween party where students dressed up like English words and this coming spring we will perform The Wizard of Oz in English.
Neighboring the high school there is a Kindergarten where teaching possibilities may exist if desired. It's impossible to become bored at Kaisei Gakuin because there's always a school event going on. Examples include; sports day, the school festival, volunteer day, English speech contest, hiking day, open school, and the annual ski trip.
Because this is a desirable position, the successful candidate should be highly motivated, willing to take initiative and go the extra mile for the students.
The following is the official information...
DESCRIPTION
Kaisei Gakuin has been providing quality education to the youth of Muroran and its surrounding communities since the foundation in 1934 by the Benedictine Sisters from the College of St. Benedict. The School employs approximately 30 teachers. Of these teachers, twelve are employed as Kindergarten teachers. The others work in the Senior High School, teaching subjects such as Japanese Language, English Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Religion, Ethics, Home Economics, Science, Health and Physical Education. While the school is run by a Catholic administration, nearly all teachers and students are not Catholic. Most importantly, the class atmosphere of the school is very positive and receptive to learning. Students and teachers work well and cooperatively together.
LOCATION
Kaisei Gakuin is located on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, in the port city of Muroran. Muroran is conveniently located near renowned spa areas like Nobribetsu and Lake Toya. The city is surrounded by mountains and ocean. In Muroran, it's possible to go surfing in the summer and skiing in the winter. How many other places can boast that?!? Sapporo is a little over an hour away by train.
THE SCHOOL'S CAMPUS
Kaisei Gakuin is comprised of three basic buildings, the Kindergarten, the dormitory, and the Senior High School. An auditorium and gymnasium are connected to the Senior High School. The school grounds also contain a three-court tennis complex and an outdoor sporting field.
ACADEMIC LIFE - THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The staff of the Senior High School strives to provide its students with a competitive education to enable them to enter a university of their choice. The curriculum focuses on preparation for the university entrance examinations, preparation for the social and public requirements of daily adult life in Japan, and increasing international and cultural awareness. In Muroran, Kaisei Gakuin is renowned for its focus on English Language instruction. For its small students population, the high school employs six English Language instructs, two of whom are native English speakers.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
After school, many students enjoy extracurricular club activities. The cultural activities focus on flower arrangement, tea ceremony, chorus and the art club. Other activities focus on sports and health, such as the basketball team and tennis team. While still other clubs focus on academic improvement and international awareness, such as the English Conversation Club and Student Council.
ANNUAL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Throughout the year, the students take part in several exciting and challenging activities. In the summer, the student government sponsors a two-day school festival, filled with food, music, and creativity. In the fall, the students take part in various volunteer activities. Also during the fall, the students are able to experience hiking through the nearby mountains. In the winter, each student takes lessons from a professional ski instructor during their physical education class. Then, throughout the winter term, the students and teachers enjoy a ski trip somewhere in the beautiful mountains of Hokkaido. Entertainment events (music, dance, games, sports, comedy skits) are scheduled for the holiday occasions throughout the year.
Because this is a very desirable position, the successful candidate should be highly motivated, willing to take initiative and go the extra mile for the students. With your application, please send examples of how you have done this in previous jobs.
Interested applicants should apply with a cover letter, current resume, and photograph (under 100 kb if possible) by e-mail to:
murorankaisei@yahoo.com
Well qualified applicants will be contacted with further details.
