Location: Nagano, Nagano, Japan
Work Type: Full Time / Experienced (Non-Manager)
Salary: ¥265,000 ~ ¥330,000 / Month
Requirements
- English: Native level (preferred)
- Must currently reside in Japan
- Bachelor’s Degree, 1 year of teaching experience with young students
- Visa sponsorship available
Description
Wakakusa Kindergarten, an IB-authorized private kindergarten in Yoshida, Nagano City, Japan is seeking enthusiastic teachers to join our English Team.
Successful applicants will deliver engaging, fun, inquiry-based English lessons to students aged 2-6 years old. As Specialist Teachers, our English Teachers also collaborate closely with Japanese Homeroom Teachers to provide authentic English instruction that aligns to the Unit of Inquiry and provides opportunities for students to develop IB Learner Profile traits.
When not leading English lessons, English teachers support Japanese Teachers and staff during various parts of the school day, including lunch and recess. English Teachers are also expected to support, plan, and participate in various school events.
Our English Teachers also lead an after-school, extracurricular program called EnCompass, which is a play-based English curriculum using the principles of Challenging Learning by James Nottingham. Both IB and Challenging Learning Professional Development opportunities are available to our teachers.
If you enjoy working with children, are passionate about education, and looking to grow as a teacher, we welcome your application!
Position Details:
Work Hours: Monday – Friday 8:10 – 17:10 with 1 hour break (plus occasional Saturdays or after-school events);
Work Location: Yoshida, Nagano-shi, Nagano-ken, about 10 minutes’ walk from Kita-Nagano JR Station or Shinano-Yoshida Station.
Start Date: No later than November 1st, 2025. Earlier start dates are available and encouraged.
Responsibilities:
Classroom Management, both independently and as a co-teacher
Lesson planning and preparation using the PYP framework
Teaching English using a PYP approach
Participation in weekly teacher meetings and professional development
Assisting with playtime, lunch duties, afterschool programs, and school events
Attending school field trips and other activities
Assessment, record-keeping, and parent communication
Our Ideal Candidate:
Has at least 2 years of teaching experience in Japan, preferably with young learners
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Intentionally prepares and delivers engaging, inquiry-based, student-centered English lessons
Interest or experience with IB PYP education
Strong classroom management skills and high expectations for student learning
Lifelong learner
Flexible and open-minded
A degree or background in early childhood education
Application Requirements:
MUST have at least 1 year of teaching experience at the nursery, kindergarten, or primary level
MUST have native or bilingual English proficiency
MUST have a Bachelor’s Degree
MUST have a valid working visa
MUST currently reside in Japan
Conversational Japanese ability (preferred)
What We Offer:
-1 or 2 year contract
-Monthly Salary of 265,000 – 330,000 JPY, depending on qualifications
-Monthly Housing Allowance
-Monthly Commuting Reimbursement
-Pension
-Health, Social, and Employment Insurance
-Professional Development
-Housing Assistance
-At least 10 days annual leave, and national/school holidays
-Visa Sponsorship