Japanese teachers who just hate their ALT

[Otaku]

How would you handle a Japanese teacher who, for no reason, does not like the ALT?

[sonofobed]

Correct them in front of the students in the middle of class

[pakalikaPakalika]

Let me correct myself, a Japanese teacher in a ES

[sonofobed]

What are they doing that makes you think that they hate the ALT?

[Paul]

great question son!

[TENGU]

Tell them that it is their legal responsibility to teach the class and not yours, what kind of contract are you working under? find out if it is haken or itaku. There are plenty of ways to screw with them once I know that.

[Paul]

Tell them that it is their legal responsibility to teach the class and not yours, what kind of contract are you working under? find out if it is haken or itaku. There are plenty of ways to screw with them once I know that.

Start bringing up legal responsibilities in a discussion about why someone likes you or otherwise is sure one quick way to find one's self out of a job when the next contract period comes up.

There is nothing wrong with trying to find out reasons real or imagined why a teacher doesn't like their ALT or any person for that matter and not everything revolves around contracts either.

[TENGU]

Tell them that it is their legal responsibility to teach the class and not yours, what kind of contract are you working under? find out if it is haken or itaku. There are plenty of ways to screw with them once I know that.

Start bringing up legal responsibilities in a discussion about why someone likes you or otherwise is sure one quick way to find one's self out of a job when the next contract period comes up.

There is nothing wrong with trying to find out reasons real or imagined why a teacher doesn't like their ALT or any person for that matter and not everything revolves around contracts either.

What's so wrong with pointing out the legal responsibilities of teachers here, for the most part they are unimaginitve, indifferent, myopic drones who do the minimum necessary and see themselves as deliverers of information rather than fosterers of intelligence.

You actually think that a JTE (or the majority of Japanese) who is openly hostile to an ALT (gaijin: as you like to call us) would for a second enter into an open dialog regarding the whys and wherefores of their behaviour, discuss feelings and their origins, . Maybe down in Okinawa people are different, the Japanese I speak to don't consider them real Japanese nor their culture as being true Japanese, but up here on the mainland it's like dealing with a colony of autistics.

Before you get all antsy about me using "autistic" go look up the definition.

I'd bet a dime to a dollar that an ALT with broken Japanese, approaching a openly hostile JTE with minimal English ability, with a discussion about feelings towards them would reduce the ALTs chance of rehire far more quickly than pointing out it is the teacher's job to teach.

But what do I know, I'll defer to to your decades of experience as an ALT.

[wingbanditHyrule's #1 Mascot]

I've found that sometimes just doing your very best to carry a lesson, making sure the kids are happy and enjoying themselves, is the best way to deal with it. It shows them that whether they like you or not, you are doing your job. I've met a few ES teachers who I could tell would rather be anywhere else in the world but in a classroom with me, but I just let it go and focus on what I'm there for, which is to help the kids. If they're happy, I don't really care about the teacher or what they think of me. If the teacher is being OPENLY hostile with you however, then you should talk to someone, someone who hopefully speaks some english. Confrontation is probably not the best option.

[Richard_BenoitEnglipedia Drone]

Wow, quite a lot of speculation over this problem with so little information to go by. I would like to hear a bit more juicey tidbits in the form of personal anecdotes as to the JTE's exact behavior. From what I gather it has nothing to do with how to teach, or who should teach or contracts.

[sonofobed]

I'm all about doing your job and making them feel stupid for doubting you. Go for the passivle aggressive approach if you want to get back at them. Just don't be obvious and use the Gaijan card if and when needed.

[Paul]

What's so wrong with pointing out the legal responsibilities of teachers here, for the most part they are unimaginitve, indifferent, myopic drones who do the minimum necessary and see themselves as deliverers of information rather than fosterers of intelligence.

Because it has nothing to do with whether or not a teacher likes or dislikes a particular ALT. You should be aware of that.

Plus legalities are not something that an ALT should be discussing with a HRT. If or when the situation calls for that type of discussion it should be held between the ALT, Principal, or Vice-Principal, and at the minimum a representative of the ALT's BOE or contracting organization/business.

You actually think that a JTE (or the majority of Japanese) who is openly hostile to an ALT (gaijin: as you like to call us) would for a second enter into an open dialog regarding the whys and wherefores of their behaviour, discuss feelings and their origins, . Maybe down in Okinawa people are different, the Japanese I speak to don't consider them real Japanese nor their culture as being true Japanese, but up here on the mainland it's like dealing with a colony of autistics.
.

The comment highlighted is just plain asinine and you know it. Again you walk a fine line be careful.

What anyone thinks or feels about who is "real" Japanese or otherwise has nothing to do with the topic at hand. Granted leeway is given to most posts here, however your comments here are flamebait.

Before you get all antsy about me using "autistic" go look up the definition.

Refer to the sentences italicized above for my response here.

I'd bet a dime to a dollar that an ALT with broken Japanese, approaching a openly hostile JTE with minimal English ability, with a discussion about feelings towards them would reduce the ALTs chance of rehire far more quickly than pointing out it is the teacher's job to teach.

First off it isnt a JTE that is being discussed in the OP it's a HRT in ES.

It isnt an ALT's position to "tell" any teacher what or how they should be teaching in the first place, and any ALT that does is potentially hanging themselves.

Secondly any ALT that even attempts to get into a deep discussion about feelings with a perceived hostile JTE or HRT without having a third party present should be forewarned that they are walking on thin ice.

But what do I know, I'll defer to to your decades of experience as an ALT.

Lastly refer to my response above. I am not going tolerate flamebaiting from you or anyone.

[pakalikaPakalika]

Well, I guess i set something off here.　But I asked what to do because everytime i talk to her, she has the vibe like she is better then me, and always looking to point out things she thinks is worng. Another reason I say she hates me is because last week, when the students were at the pool, some of the boys were climbing in the window to change. Well when she saw them and asked what they were doing. They told her I said they can crawl in the window. She came yelling at me in front of all the students. And oh btw, I did nto say they can crawl in the window. But she did not believe me. So to me, her thinking is basically that I am lower then the kids when it comes telling the truth.

[pakalikaPakalika]

I've found that sometimes just doing your very best to carry a lesson, making sure the kids are happy and enjoying themselves, is the best way to deal with it. It shows them that whether they like you or not, you are doing your job. I've met a few ES teachers who I could tell would rather be anywhere else in the world but in a classroom with me, but I just let it go and focus on what I'm there for, which is to help the kids. If they're happy, I don't really care about the teacher or what they think of me. If the teacher is being OPENLY hostile with you however, then you should talk to someone, someone who hopefully speaks some english. Confrontation is probably not the best option.

I like that response wing..

[Richard_BenoitEnglipedia Drone]

@ Paul ... nice

[Richard_BenoitEnglipedia Drone]

As Wing said. Whatever you do, fighting fire with fire here is not the answer.

You will have to do your very best to keep your nose clean and do a GREAT job. That is to say your influence rubs off on the kids and the teachers.

Being extra kind, taking to extra odd jobs around the school, being especially fair to the teacher in question.

The thing is here after a while, even if the said teacher still can't play nice, but everyone else seems to be able to get along with you, then it is the one JTE who will look like the instigator and be reviealed for what they really are.

Good luck and stay positive, keep working on your image till the karma comes round, and the case takes care of itself.

[Richard_BenoitEnglipedia Drone]

Wait wait I lVed up? I went from a hot gal with a bow and arrow to a ... SUMO? Level up? Only if you are talking about poundage... I digress.

[Paul]

Well, I guess i set something off here.　But I asked what to do because everytime i talk to her, she has the vibe like she is better then me, and always looking to point out things she thinks is worng. Another reason I say she hates me is because last week, when the students were at the pool, some of the boys were climbing in the window to change. Well when she saw them and asked what they were doing. They told her I said they can crawl in the window. She came yelling at me in front of all the students. And oh btw, I did nto say they can crawl in the window. But she did not believe me. So to me, her thinking is basically that I am lower then the kids when it comes telling the truth.

First off thank you for sharing the specifics. Sounds to me from your explanation here that the HRT had a chip on her shoulder well before you came into her classroom. Here are a few suggestions that you might want to consider trying.

First, try talking to her if you can, and ask her why she treats you the way she does. I know that isnt going to get you anywhere but it helps your position when you take it to the next level. By at least attempting to discuss the misunderstandings with her first you have taken the first, and positive step, of attempting to clear the air with her. But ensure that you do not get angry or upset when discussing things with her. Getting angry will only make things harder.

Next if talking to her does no good, go to the grade level supervisor teacher and talk to him or her, and clearly lay out your concerns and thoughts about why this particular teacher causes you difficulties. The teacher in question may very possibly have problems with other teachers in the school and may already be known for making or causing problems.

If nothing positive happens from that talk to the Principal and or Vice Principal of the school and ask them for advice rather than come to them bitching and moaning about this particular teacher. Your position in the school is tenuous at best so to come across as being a team player and looking for advice and or a solution on how to get along better with the teacher would be looked at positively rather than just another foreign ALT unwilling to get along with the system and or school.

As hard as it may be, showing your own faults first, not being able to communicate well enough, not understanding what the problem is will actually show that you are trying to improve yourself and it will get across the message to the Principal and VP that there are problems with one of their teachers and how the teacher deals with you as their ALT.

If you have had no problems with any of the other teachers at the school and have a good record there and only have problems with this one in particular your reputation as being a good ALT will proceed you as well.

I would strongly suggest NOT to bring up anything related to legalities as they have nothing to do with personality conflicts and would only weaken your position in any discussions as well.

Lastly stay cool through the whole thing. Getting ticked off is not going to help the situation in any way.

[wingbanditHyrule's #1 Mascot]

Well, I guess i set something off here.　But I asked what to do because everytime i talk to her, she has the vibe like she is better then me, and always looking to point out things she thinks is worng. Another reason I say she hates me is because last week, when the students were at the pool, some of the boys were climbing in the window to change. Well when she saw them and asked what they were doing. They told her I said they can crawl in the window. She came yelling at me in front of all the students. And oh btw, I did nto say they can crawl in the window. But she did not believe me. So to me, her thinking is basically that I am lower then the kids when it comes telling the truth.

Oh man... does not sound good. But we have to think about it in another way too. Some teachers, lets be honest, really don't like giving their classroom up to someone else, foreigner or not. Some teachers, yeah, you get the ones who are like yeah whatever, do what you like, haha. But there are others who run a tight ship, and so it's almost like we're barging in, even though it's a topic they don't know how to teach themselves. So when she corrects you and everything, just remain polite and go by what she wants for the most part. Just take it as her trying to keep some control over things, since she is the teacher.

That pool incident sounds pretty unfair though. And I mean, why would you tell the kids that and then lie about it? Hm. Maybe she was having a bad day. Shake it off though. She's obviously the one with the problem here, not you. Just keep polite-- be the better person!

[TENGU]

The comment highlighted is just plain asinine and you know it. Again you walk a fine line be careful.

sorry, it was a cheap shot.

I am not going tolerate flamebaiting from you or anyone.

would you please remove Richard's image then.

Anyway, let's help out the OP

@OP, some people who have been here for a long time and may be working under direct contracts with local BOEs may not be fully aware of the situation for other ALTs who may be hired by such abominations as W5, interac et al.

Firstly you should know that in the eyes of BOEs anyone who comes to to the schools as an ALT via a haken company is seen as product, they are tendered just like supplies of tables and chalk, to add insult to injury they have to pay the 5% sales tax on them. This is this only position in schools that is treated in such a way. Regardless of whether or not the ALT is fantastic or not, for the most part the BOE only sees the hired company and teacher A, B, C etc.

If you are hired via an "itaku" contract, you are supposed to take all your instruction from the company you work for, you are technically NOT ALLOWED to discuss anything relating to the school with the people in the schools, yeah I know, ridiculous isn't it. Anyway, the reason for this is twofold, firstly "itaku" contracts are much cheaper, secondly it moves all responsibility for the handling and behavior of the ALT to the hiring company, as any google search will show you, these kinds of companies flout the law and make a mockery of moral decency.

Now in reality it is impossible as a teacher and as a social creature to work to an "itaku" contract. For all intents and purposes this is fine, the teachers don't know the law and will, for the most part, want to talk to/be involved with you to some extent. However, if, in the situation you described, you were to approach a teacher regarding the interpersonal problems you perceive, they could simply make a complaint to the BOE about it, the BOE not knowing anything about you, not caring about the "product" being a person will most like complain to the hiring company. Now for hiring companies the words "ALT complaint" are equivocal to "chances of contract renewal just went down", you have to remember the hiring companies are only interested in getting contracts, not quality of service, not ALT happiness, just the money they can skim from the pay the ALT should be getting for doing a difficult job. If the complaint is considered severe enough, a completely arbitrary decision could be made and you could simply be fired, without warning, without reason or explanation. Of course that kind of conduct would technically be in contravention of basic labor law but as most of these companies are skirting around the law on a regular basis it happens regularly, you can find numerous precedents online if you so wish to look.

Anyway, this is just one possible scenario based on what you stated and Paul's observation of her having a chip on her shoulder. If she does have that chip, I'd advise you to keep well clear of her, you are in no position to "defend" yourself, no offense that's just how it is.


That being said, the above doesn't apply to people working under a haken contract, you are free to deal with the schools as you wish, but of course within the bounds of common sense.


In response to Paul's advice as to taking the matter to the next level in sequence, I strongly advise against this in whatever contract situation you might be in. While it might seem to be a solid idea from a Western point of view, you couldn't do anything worse here in Japan. There is a deeply rooted notion of "kata" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kata ignore the martial arts bit, the last paragraph will give you a basic idea) throughout everything Japanese, you will be forgiven for not knowing this by the people involved but it will still not work in your favor. If you to failed in your attempt to resolve a situation only to take it to the next level, it would cause such disruption to the "harmony" of the people involved that you could never repair it, you most likely wouldn't sense it but it would be there under the surface, that disharmony might manifest itself through such passive aggressive actions as giving you mediocre reports (not good in the hiring company's eyes) or simply cutting you off from other school activities. Be very careful when breaking kata, it will only come back to bite you.



As for a serious method of dealing with the idiot, just ignore her, you are there to do a job, that's all. Do your job, suck up the crap, be polite and expect nothing. She is the one with the problem, NOT YOU, there's going to be one like her almost everywhere you go, you only have to put up with her an hour a week, no big deal. Get on with everyone who is willing, those who are not are of no importance, they won't give you a second thought when you're not in sight, do the same, as hard as it might be for the duration of the class, it could be worse, no.


Forget about it, it's not your problem.

[David-Joiny1]

Mindless myopic drones..Haha yes I agree with you 100%. It's such a claustrophobic conformist atmosphere. No wonder the products of the Japanese education system are non-intuitive corporate slaves. The teachers at my school have NO lives. Arrive at 7, leave at 8. I see no joy on their faces or can experience no real human interaction with them. Cold.

[David-Joiny1]

Many of the teachers seem to regard the ALT as a lifeform just above the people who sleep in parks and treat you accordingly. I have spent many years in Japan as a successful ALT and have just gotten used to it. Just zone it out as best you can is my advice and always be a pampering syncophantic fool when they ask you for something.

[moolooman]

My mum used to tell me of her days working at the Post Office when she was young. She tells me of the two men who had calenders by their desks. They had the number of days they had left till their retirement up, and at the end of each day they scratched off one day. One day less.
It is my first year in Japan. I see some of what Joiny talking about happening. I don`t let it worry me. When it does start to worry me I will stop, and do something different.
I believe it is the Japanese education system who has provided you with a livelihood for the many years you speak of. I suggest that you are looking the gift horse in the mouth.
People who whinge irritate me.
Finish with the funky smilie to lighten the mood of my post.

[sonofobed]

Lol, you do realize that the OP was about 5 months ago?

[moolooman]

[Paul]

It's called being a necromancer! Bringing the dead back to life!

[sonofobed]

Damn it, I hate Zombies too.

Although the Necro's kicked ass in Diablo 2.

[moolooman]

Is there a racehorse called Necromancer? If not, there should be.

[sonofobed]

Would be shocked if there isn't one. There has been so many horses, with so many ridiculous names.

[sonofobed]

http://www.funhorsenames.com/funny-horse-names.html