Global Community Fellowship: Elementary Homeroom Teacher (Japan)

About the Global Community Fellowship

The Global Community Fellowship is a 13+ month program for recent university graduates and starting as well as experienced professionals. Fellows work at NGOs, schools, universities, and social enterprises across Asia to support community development, capacity-building, and education. By working directly with communities, Fellows get hands-on experience learning how organizations in Asia are using creative and innovative methods to address critical social challenges.

Fellowship Post Summary: Futaba Elementary School

Futaba Elementary School is seeking an enthusiastic, creative teacher to join their established and successful Global Communication Course as a Homeroom Teacher. Homeroom teachers in Japan are responsible for caring for students’ overall academic and social development. In addition to teaching the subject classes of math, science, home economics, physical education, and English, Homeroom Teachers also guide students in social-emotional learning such as: how to greet others with respect, how to treat friends with kindness, how to behave appropriately in a school setting, and how to keep the classroom clean.

Futaba Elementary School follows the Ministry of Education curriculum, and English, Math, Science, PE, and Home Economics are all taught in English. During the homeroom period, the Homeroom Teacher will be assigned a Japanese co-teacher, but subject classes (math, science, home economics, physical education, and English) will be taught just by the Homeroom Teacher.

Futaba students have very high levels of academic ability, and the school is looking for a teacher who is excited to support and challenge them daily. This is not an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) position, and is ideal for candidates who are able to serve as the lead teacher for a class.

The position is renewable yearly, with the potential for tenured status.

As a Catholic school, religion is taught as part of the school curriculum by specialist teachers. Students and teachers recite the Lord’s Prayer together every morning and attend mass after school every afternoon. There is no requirement for Homeroom Teachers to be Catholic, however teachers should be comfortable working in a religious setting where Catholic teaching is offered.

Eligibility Requirements

• Academic: At a minimum, completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree
• Citizenship: There are no specific citizenship or residency requirements. However, US citizenship or citizenship of certain other countries may facilitate the visa process.
• Language Skills: Native English language fluency is required. Japanese language proficiency is not required, but basic Japanese skills and an interest in learning the language is preferred.
• Credential: Full teaching license from their home country (elementary preferred, but not essential). Online licenses / certifications and substitute certifications are not acceptable.
• Work Experience: Teaching, training, or tutoring experience. Experience and ability to follow a curriculum using a constructivist, project-based approach alongside an understanding of second language acquisition.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic Advising and Tutoring
  • Experience working with youth or English language learners
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn advising and counseling techniques
  • Background in liberal arts and science education
  • Experience leading one-on-one or small group sessions that cater to the academic needs of students
• General
  • Demonstrated computer proficiency (G-Suite and other educational apps)
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to work independently and in a team
  • Flexible and able to support with unexpected changes
  • Ability to serve as an effective bridge between multiple stakeholders
  • Strong interest in and/or experience working with social issues in Asia or the US
  • Strong oral and written communicator, especially in cross-cultural contexts; comfortable working with English language learners
  • Commitment or interest in staying for multiple years

The Global Community Fellowship offers Fellows a competitive local living stipend, funded through VIA, our partners, alumni donations, and grants. Fellows are responsible for preparatory and travel expenses, as well as personal expenses while on program.

Costs Covered:

• Approximately three weeks of training, covering program management, cross-cultural communication, leadership development, local language lessons, and teacher training
• Travel, emergency medical, and evacuation insurance (fellows will be reimbursed for any add-ons they need to purchase directly when completing their enrollment)
• Access to mental health support services
• Living and housing stipend while working at your post (based on local cost of living)
• Intra-Asia travel for program activities (e.g., training, mid-year, and wrap-up conferences, if held in-person)
• Mini-grants for language study (tutors available at some posts)

Costs Not Covered:

• Vaccinations (cost will depend on individual insurance)
• Initial visa costs ($150-$300, depending on country)
• Roundtrip airfare to/from Asia (usually around $2,000)
• Meals and optional activities during training and conference ($300-$500)
• Personal travel while at post or after Fellowship has ended

Native English language fluency is required. Japanese language proficiency is not required, but basic Japanese skills and an interest in learning the language is preferred.