The Culture Shock of the Japanese school system

Ive now been in Dai Ichi for three months. I find the staff amazing and incredibly smart. All the things that I heard about sexual discrimination against the women workers, I have not seen here. The teachers all respect each other and truly care about the students and each other. I feel really blessed to be in this school. With that said, there are so many things that I have seen in the school that has completely boggled my mind, both in a good way and bad way. I think the most culture shock that I felt in Japan (besides the size of their pizza) was in the way the school works. So instead of having you all wait until you go to Japan to become and assistant English teacher for a year, possibly two, I thought Id save you the plane ticket.

Being a teacher in Japan is a highly prestigious job. Many people in Japan respect teachers and what they do for their children. Teachers are seen as the second parent, sometimes even the first parent. If there is one thing I can say about the Japanese teachers is that they are fully dedicated. Teachers actually follow their classes throughout the year so that the students have consistancy with an authority figure. Teachers will arrive at school at 6am and maybe not leave until 9pm. On the weekends, teachers will most likely be with their students for extra classes, club activities, or club tournaments. Teacher eat, live, and breathe their students. Even when students are on a break for a month, teachers are still in the teachers room working. They rarely have vacation. Compared to my 40 hours a week, Im no match for these teachers.

Another thing is that teachers are constantly circulated within the prefecture (state). The life span of a teacher in a school is roughly 7 years. Around that time, teachers will be called in and the principal will tell them that next year, they are teaching another school in another city. Now, that wouldnt be so bad in a prefecture thats the size of Pasadena, but for Iwate, the largest prefecture in Japan, you could be working at a southern city and then be sent to a school 3 hours away. So you have a family? Well, they can either leave everything to come with you or you can live by yourself. I live in a building they call "teachers housing". I guess I know what that's for now. Ive heard many stories of teachers that havent seen their family for three or four years because they live so far away.

Im not completely complaining about the school systems in Japan. If anything, its incredibly efficient. Students are very smart and grow up well rounded because they have positive role models all around them. If one goes astray, a teacher will be there for them. If the students live away from their family, their school provides comfort. Teaching is a presidious position because teachers are so effective. They sacrifice a lot, but there is a heap of reward that they see. I dont know if I like the system just yet, but this is truly a learning experience.

PS. Teachers have a life span of 7-8 years...principals have a life span of 2-3 years.