Please consult this checklist whenever
you start a new lesson.
Make sure you have all the students details and
don`t lose things, name addresss, tel, birthdays,
class location, and contact number. Please send
us a copy of the list for the data base.(eg to send
birthday cards). Also don't lose your contract or
questionnaires.
It is a good idea to make a map or to drive the
route to the class again before the first lesson
plus arrive before usual the 1st time.
Consult the schedule and discuss any problem dates.
If in the future you or the students request any
changes please consult us first. Try to think of
someone who can perhaps substitute for you if need
be- otherwise give us enough notice to cover.
If you are driving, make sure you have all the
correct paperwork. The same rule obviously applies
for immigration. We cant help you with these matters.
Take care- these are your own liabilities.
Make sure you have all the texts you need. If
these havenft been decided yet then experiment
eg with student cards and Xeroxes from the suggested
text. Then decide which text to use asap.
Concerning hours worked and books delivered to
yourself or via you to the students, keep a clear
note of everything that you are to do and payment
due.
Keep a spare copy and hand out/collect lesson
questionnaires to each student on the 4th lesson
or thereabouts, and then send to us. Hand them out
again with reports after every 6 months.These are
very useful resources for self-assessment since
Japanese people are known for not expressing their
opinions. This allows both you and I to know how
better to fulfil the lesson aim or impress the student.
Note also that the first month is really a trial
period so do your best to fulfil their needs/desires.
Whatever you do, don't make any private lesson
arrangements with our students. Naturally, the more
professional and reliable your work/attitude, the
more opportunities will come your way. If students
ask you to teach them or their friends privately,
just tell them politely to consult the school. Incidentally,
we have explained the policy to them and they have
signed an agreement not to make any private contracts
with you either.
Why do we ask you and our students
to respect this rule?
Because advertising for new classes, the average
class makes a profit only after 6-12 months; whilst
a students` introduction`s free.
Be prepared for each and every class. Try to make
next week`s lesson plan and notes and materials
and set tape as you are finishing this week`s class.
Plan to arrive 5 mins early so you will be able
to review your plan and start on time stress-free.
Keep in touch if you have problems eg with childrens
behaviour, or you are unhappy with the arrangement
or think you will need to quit then the more advance
notice we have the better we can prepare or negotiate
for it.
Please make make that extra effort with your first
classes. If you start on a good foot, the chances
are the pace will keep up.
Basically the terms are October to March and
April to September. Hopefully the students will
renew the contract and the less changes, the better:
it affects students perceptions a lot if teachers
fulfil the term period.
Because of this, we operate a flexible bonus system
for most classes.. Basically the bonus is twice
a year and averages two weeks of salary each time.
The amount will depend on class circumstances eg
your renewing and the length of your contract plus
students` renewal/ satisfaction.
If you know you will be sick or absent for the
next days class call us. Otherwise call the students
direct if you don`t get a reply from us before 22.00
( so make sure you keep their no. easily on hand
in your phone/diary) On the day, if you`ll be even
a short time late, call the students to tell them.This
matters a lot in Japanese society. Whatever fax
or telephone messages we send each other, please
just reply asap to confirm we got the message.
Some people who study English are the kinds who
don't manage to follow social rules well. They may
try to hog your time or to dominate the class. In
such cases please be aware and gently disappoint
them .You are paid for your time as are we, so I
recommend you don't overdo it.
By all means try to find means to get to know
the students socially and thus solicit opportunities
to practice their English. From time to time you
will also receive information on various social
events you or they can attend please hand it out
each time and solicit their interes; try to find
out who may be coming.
Please make use of cultural events such as Halloween
and Xmas in your lessons. If you want to make one
of the lessons a party great. We have lots of ideas
and materials to offer you.
If you are teaching free conversation café
lessons, please note that system is more flexible
for students and cancelled lessons are not paid
but you should try to offer make up lessons/time.
Please confirm how many hours payment you are due
each month If student has a multiticket , you must
sign it to get paid!
