From a foreign perspective, not all rules in a Japanese schools are clear. In fact, many rules in Japanese schools first year JETs don't even realize they are breaking until they are reprimanded!
Most of your co-workers will be understanding. They know that you follow different cultural rules back home and will try to be accommodating but repetitive breaking of rules-- even rules you were not aware of-- can cause a lot of tension in the office.
In an effort to help first years avoid a little embarrassment and cultural friction, the JTEs and ALT at Seitoku JHS put together a small collection of unspoken rules that the ALT should follow:
Most of your co-workers will be understanding. They know that you follow different cultural rules back home and will try to be accommodating but repetitive breaking of rules-- even rules you were not aware of-- can cause a lot of tension in the office.
In an effort to help first years avoid a little embarrassment and cultural friction, the JTEs and ALT at Seitoku JHS put together a small collection of unspoken rules that the ALT should follow:
DOs:
- Do show up on time, if not at least 5 minutes early every morning. Even if you are not late, if you cut it too close too often, your coworkers will notice and it will reflect poorly on you.
- Park your bike in the correct area. Ask your supervisor for this information before the school year starts as some schools have complicated rules for the bike cover and it may even be assigned by number. Thus, it is best to check before parking your bike in the wrong spot and causing confusion for other riders.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Shirts that show too much chest on women or skirts that show too much skin are considered unprofessional, as are shorts, t-shirts, or other casual wear on women or men. For men it's best to wear the tie during the months outside of summer.
- Change your shoes before coming into the school and before leaving. Even if it's just for a moment, Japanese teachers always change their shoes. Please follow the example of your coworkers.
- Call if you are sick. Always call your supervisor and your school if you are going to be sick or if you are going to be late.
- Confirm your schedule with teachers ahead of time. Don't try to check what you need for class the day of. Teachers are very busy and may not have time to meet on the day of.
- Come to teacher parties. Enkai's are important for team building and stronger relationships. Please attend when you can!
- Keep your desk clean. We all share the room and so a dirty desk that spills over onto someone else's desk can become quite a hindrance! Please me mindful of the shared space.
DON'Ts:
The best thing you can do to keep the peace is keep a good relationship with your supervisor and check in on your behavior to make sure you aren't offending anyone. Keep an open mind and try your best!
If in doubt, just ask!
- Don't eat snacks in front of the students. Gum, chips, hard candy, and even cough drops should not be eaten in front of students. Every situation is different, but it is usually safe to eat these in the staff room.
- Don't drink juice or soda in front of students. Students are prohibited from drinking anything but tea and water and so we ask teachers to do the same outside of the staff room.
- Don't use your cellphone in class. Even as a camera or as a dictionary, it is frowned upon to use your cellphone. Please ask permission from the JTE before use.
- Don't upload pictures with students in them. There are very strict privacy laws in Japan concerning minors, so urge you to keep those pictures to yourself. Failure to do so can result in being released from contract.
- Don't share your LINE with students. This poses a privacy risk and also students may take the exchange to be an open call for flirtatious messaging. Save yourself the headache, do not share your LINE.
- Don't block the walkway in the staff room. Teachers need to get by and if its a frequent problem teachers may take it as a lack of consideration on your part.
- Don't wear excessive makeup/accessories/nail polish. Some schools may have a ban on accessories and nail polish. You should check with your school to see what is and is not acceptable.
- What happens at an Enkai or nomikai, stays there. No one will talk about the previous night, so it’s best to have fun and leave it there.
- Don't jump the chain of command if you have a problem. Don’t go all the way to the Superintendent or the BOE for a small issue that can be dealt with by a "lower ranking " person. Start at the problem itself, and if all fails work you way up the chain of command . However, if it is a big issue where you are being harassed (physically or sexually), don't hesitate to contact your BOE or principal. Reaching out to fellow JETS and the PAs is also good resource.
The best thing you can do to keep the peace is keep a good relationship with your supervisor and check in on your behavior to make sure you aren't offending anyone. Keep an open mind and try your best!
If in doubt, just ask!