#Japan #Tokyo #MEXT #Japanese Schools #Pre-Dispatch Roles

Opportunities for Japanese Teachers Abroad: MEXT Seeks Candidates for Pre-Dispatch Roles

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has announced an open call for applications for pre-dispatch teachers to Japanese schools overseas, slated for the 2023 academic year. This initiative aims to enrich educational facilities abroad, allowing educators to gain valuable international experience while contributing to the learning and development of children in Japanese communities worldwide.

1. Recruitment Details

MEXT plans to recruit a limited number of educators for each overseas location. The teaching positions primarily target Japanese schools that serve the diaspora communities.

2. Placement Duration

Typically, candidates will be dispatched for a period of two years. However, if desired by the successful candidates, this period can be extended by up to one additional year, contingent upon evaluation. It's important to note that in some cases, the maximum placement duration may be influenced by visa regulations and tax issues depending on the host country.

3. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

- Must have acquired either an elementary or middle school teaching license by March 31 of the academic year they are applying for.
- Should ideally possess at least one year of teaching experience in Japan at elementary or middle schools, or relevant instructional experience from private educational institutions.
- Applicants should be approximately 29 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Candidates must be healthy, both physically and mentally, to withstand long-term stays overseas.

4. Disqualifications

Individuals cannot apply if they fall into any of the following categories:

- Those who have served a prison sentence or are subject to disciplinary actions under the Educational Personnel Act concerning violent incidents against students.
- Those without the proper teaching credentials or who are unable to acquire them by the specified deadline.

5. Job Responsibilities

Pre-dispatch teachers are expected to engage in the following activities under the supervision of the relevant school management committees:

- Conduct educational activities and provide instruction to students at Japanese schools located overseas.
- Depending on the needs of the school, they may also teach at both elementary and middle school levels.

6. Remuneration and Benefits

- Pre-dispatch teachers will be appointed by the Minister of Education and situated under the school management committee at their respective schools.
- They will receive allowances akin to those provided to MEXT dispatch teachers, including overseas allowances and travel costs for their assignments. However, this position does not provide an employment contract, so health insurance must be arranged independently.
- However, during the tenure abroad, teachers can access medical coverage under a mutual aid scheme specifically set up for overseas education staff.

7. Application Procedure

Interested candidates should download the relevant forms from the MEXT website, fill them out, and submit them online as specified. The required documents include:
1. Application Form (PDF)
2. Evaluation Survey (Excel)
3. An essay addressing the selection topic (Word)
4. A letter of recommendation (Excel) from an eligible person.
Applications should be sent electronically to the designated office along with a notification email confirming the submission.

8. Important Dates

The application deadline is set for July 4, at 10:00 AM. Following this, candidates will undergo a two-stage selection process consisting of an initial screening based on documentation and a subsequent online interview.

9. Selection Process

Candidates will be informed of their results via email, with specific details regarding subsequent stages provided only to those who progress.

10. Pre-Dispatch Training

Successful candidates will participate in a mandatory online training session scheduled for January of the year preceding their dispatch. Failure to satisfactorily complete this training may lead to withdrawal of the appointment.

Conclusion

This recruitment phase by MEXT represents a significant opportunity for young educators to contribute their skills internationally while immersing themselves in diverse cultural experiences. Those interested in applying should act swiftly to meet application deadlines and ensure they align with the eligibility criteria outlined.

For further queries regarding applications, interested parties can contact the MEXT as detailed below: