Things to Consider Regarding the ALT

　

The most important thing to remember when dealing with anyone is to understand that that person is an individual, no two ALT's are alike.　Ask yourself a question: Do you teach in exactly the same way as all other English teachers in your school, city, or prefecture?　The answer is probably no, and the same holds true for the ALTs as well.　You may have an ALT who has a degree in Education and wishes to have teaching experience in a foreign country.　Perhaps your ALT has actually had teaching experience in the past and already has various plans prepared.　On the other hand, your ALT may want nothing to do with teaching English, but instead is interested in sharing their culture with others.　These are all legitimate reasons to be an ALT on the JET Program and you should take the time to find out how that ALT as an individual can contribute to both the school and classes.

　

Most ALT's will work with several different teachers.　That ALT has to take the time to get to know how each of those teachers works.　The LEAST the JTE's can do is to take the time to get to know how that ALT works.　This can be done in various ways.　For example:

- One obvious way is through simple verbal communication.　

- Another possibility is to have the ALT write down why he/she is on the JET Program and how

they wish to proceed in their classes.　

　

Remember no matter how your ALT feels about his/her position as an ALT, they are NOT Japanese teachers.　They are ASSISTANTS!　If your ALT wishes to have more responsibility and asks for it　 that's great, but remember that ALT's are not a means to make your job easier. YOU are the teacher.　The class is your responsibility.　This is not to say you can't ask an ALT to mark papers.　That is fine, in fact most ALT's will be happy to do that.

　

Also keep in mind that ALT's are not only foreigners on the outside, but on the inside as well.　There may be many things going on inside your ALT's mind that you don't know about.　Remember that he/she is a person with feelings as well.　Try to make him/her feel welcome and be approachable so that they can talk to you if they need to.

　

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