From ALT to Permanent Teacher: Navigating Japan’s High School System

So, you’ve spent a few incredible years as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan. You’ve built strong relationships at your school, fallen in love with the culture, and now you’re dreaming of something more permanent. You want to move from a supporting role to having your own classroom, especially in a subject you’re passionate about. Is this path possible? Absolutely. While challenging, transitioning to a permanent teaching position in Japan is a goal many have successfully achieved.

Understanding the Landscape

The Japanese public school system has specific hiring pathways, primarily designed for Japanese nationals. Permanent, tenured positions (known as seishain) in public Senior High Schools (SHS) are highly competitive and often require full administrative licensure from a Japanese prefectural board of education.

Your previous experience as an ALT is a huge asset. It demonstrates cultural adaptability, firsthand knowledge of the Japanese school environment, and proven ability to collaborate with local teachers and staff. Those strong connections you’ve maintained are not just pleasantries; they are your professional network and can be invaluable for hearing about opportunities.

Key Pathways to Consider

1. The Direct Hire Route

Some municipal or prefectural Boards of Education do directly hire foreign teachers for limited-term contracts, sometimes in specialized roles like English communication or international studies. While these may not be the coveted tenured positions, they offer more stability and responsibility than many ALT dispatcher contracts.

• Focus your search: Regularly check the official websites of prefectures and cities where you’d like to live. Look for terms like 「外国語指導助手」 (foreign language teaching assistant) or 「国際交流員」 (international relations coordinator) but also for more specific subject listings.

2. The Science Teaching Dream

You mentioned a passion for teaching science. This is a fascinating angle. Public schools teaching science in Japanese require, as you’d expect, exceptional language skills and likely a Japanese teaching license. However, your advanced degree and subject expertise open another, potentially perfect door.

3. International Schools: A Strategic Fit

This is where your profile—a postgraduate teaching degree, substantial subject-specific experience, and a drive for language mastery—shines. Accredited international schools in Japan:

• Hire for permanent, full-time classroom teacher positions.
• Use curricula like IB, AP, or other national systems (e.g., American, British).
• Teach science in English.
• Value Western teaching qualifications and experience highly.

While competitive, this path aligns directly with your credentials and passion. It allows you to be a science educator first, in an English-medium environment, while living in Japan. Japanese language skills remain a strong advantage for daily life and enriching student interactions.

Your Action Plan

• Leverage Your Network: Have informal conversations with your former principal or vice-principals. Express your long-term goals. They may have insights or know of emerging programs in their district.
• Certify and Translate: Ensure your teaching license and degrees are properly notarized, translated, and ready for application packages.
• Target the International School Market: Update your CV to international standards. Register with recruitment agencies like Schrole, Search Associates, or TES that specialize in international school placements. The main hiring season runs from October to March.
• Commit to Language Mastery: Your plan to advance to N1 level is commendable. For any role within the Japanese public system, this is not just beneficial—it’s often essential. It demonstrates profound respect and commitment.

The journey from ALT to permanent teacher requires strategy, patience, and a clear assessment of where your unique skills are most valued. By building on your solid foundation and strategically targeting the international school sector, you can turn your dream of a permanent, subject-focused teaching career in Japan into a very achievable reality.