Physical and Environmental Demands of the ALT Role

The Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) role is active and physically demanding. Link Interac ALTs work in a wide variety of school buildings and communities throughout Japan, and conditions differ considerably from one assignment to another. This statement describes the essential functions and working conditions of the role, so that applicants can make an informed decision before applying.

 

The demands are set out in two parts:

  • Part A describes demands common to every ALT assignment.
  • Part B describes demands that apply to some assignments and not others.

ALTs may be assigned to any location in Japan. The Part B demands that apply to a given assignment are confirmed at the time of placement, and once confirmed, they constitute essential functions of that assignment. The list is representative rather than exhaustive. ALTs must be able to perform the applicable functions, with or without reasonable adjustments.

 

Frequency terms: “Occasionally” means up to one third of the working day. “Frequently” means from one third to two thirds. “Constantly” means more than two thirds.

Part A: Demands Common to All Assignments

  1. Teaching and Classroom Presence: ALTs maintain an active instructional presence for the full duration of each lesson. This means frequently moving about the classroom to engage students, monitor their progress, and maintain a safe learning environment. Lessons last 45 minutes in elementary schools and 50 minutes in junior and senior high schools. ALTs commonly teach four to six lessons per day, at times consecutively. The role also requires ALTs to:
    • speak clearly and project their voice over classroom noise;
    • write on boards at and above head height; and
    • frequently bend, crouch, or kneel to work with younger students at desk level or on the floor.
  2. Moving Around Schools: A typical Japanese school is three or four storeys tall and usually has no elevator. Unlike in many schools abroad, teachers move between classrooms while students remain in the same room. ALTs therefore climb and descend stairs frequently throughout the day, sometimes between separate buildings.
  3. Carrying Materials: ALTs transport their own teaching materials, such as textbooks, handouts, and small equipment, between classes. This requires lifting up to 10 kg (22 lbs) frequently and up to 20 kg (44 lbs) occasionally.
  4. The Full School Day and School Events: ALTs are on site for the full working day, approximately eight hours. They are expected to take part in school life beyond lessons, which may include:
    • eating lunch with students;
    • participating in cleaning time; and
    • joining students during breaks.
  5. ALTs also occasionally attend school events such as sports days, ceremonies, and field trips. These may involve extended periods outdoors, standing, or seated on the floor.
  6. Alertness and Student Safety: ALTs must remain alert and attentive throughout the school day, both to teach effectively and to supervise students safely. In an emergency, including an earthquake or fire evacuation, ALTs must be able to help guide students to safety, including down stairs.
  7. Climate and Noise: Many schools are not fully equipped with central heating or air conditioning.
    • In summer, temperatures commonly exceed 35°C (95°F), with high humidity.
    • In winter, classrooms and corridors can be very cold.
    • Classrooms and school facilities can also be very noisy, particularly with younger students.
  8. ALTs are expected to remain focused and perform their duties safely and effectively in these conditions.
  9. Working Environment: ALTs work in a primarily Japanese-speaking environment and are often the only English speaker at their school. They must be able to work independently in this setting.
  10. Commuting: ALTs must be able to travel safely to and from their assigned schools every day, in all seasons and weather conditions. The means of travel depends on the assignment, as described in Part B.

Part B: Assignment-Dependent Demands

Depending on the assignment, some or all of the following may apply.

 

  1. Walking and Public Transport: ALTs commuting on foot or by public transport may need to:
    • walk for up to 30 minutes each way, on flat or uneven ground;
    • navigate urban environments, including station stairs and transfers; and
    • stand on crowded trains or buses.
  2. Cycling: ALTs in some assignments commute by bicycle for up to 5 km (3 miles)  each way, in all weather conditions, including rain and summer heat.
  3. Driving: Certain assignments require ALTs to drive to and from their schools. ALTs in these assignments must:
    • hold a valid driving licence, together with all documentation required to drive legally in Japan; and
    • be capable of safely operating an automatic transmission car on a daily basis.
  4. Vehicles in Japan drive on the left, and roads may be narrow, mountainous, or snow-covered.
  5. Multiple Schools: ALTs may be assigned to more than one school in a given week. Each school may have its own building layout, routines, and commute.
  6. Severe Winter Conditions: In northern and mountainous regions, winter classrooms may be near freezing, and commuting may involve snow and ice.
  7. Rural Placements: Some assignments are in rural areas. These may have limited public transport, few English speakers, and limited access to specialist services, including certain kinds of medical care.

Equal Opportunities and Reasonable Adjustments

Link Interac is committed to equal opportunities. We will consider each request for reasonable adjustments individually and in good faith. ALTs work in schools operated by our client boards of education, so some adjustments depend on the facilities and policies of the assigned school. In some cases, a different assignment may be the most suitable adjustment. We encourage applicants to raise any adjustment needs as early as possible, so that they can be taken into account in placement decisions.