A Career in Education

As you are probably already aware from the population forecasts of young people, there is a continuous decline in numbers of junior and senior high school students.

Accordingly, the demand for teachers is expected to decline markedly in the future and there is also a trend towards reductions in the number of people employed by prefectural boards of education. Even so, the number of people acquiring teacher’s licenses and the number of aspiring teachers is on the rise. Moreover, some boards of education are showing a marked preference for employing temporary workers, or attracting people already in work into these jobs, which makes it increasingly difficult for recent graduates.

There are separate primary and secondary examinations for those wishing to become teachers in national schools. After passing these tests, candidates’ names are put on the waiting list where they remain until a suitable opening comes up. It should be noted this may take a considerable time.

Inquiries regarding the exams should be directed to the education bureau of the prefecture in question. Information regarding exams for prospective teaching staff at private schools is normally made public from Autumn onwards, so check the Faculty of Humanities bulletin board and the Career Services Office for new information weekly.