How to Become a Teacher in Japan
| by Alex Skov
Embarking on a teaching career in Japan provides educators with a unique chance to live in a country that blends vibrant cultural traditions with cutting edge innovation. From the metropolitan energy of Tokyo to the temples of Kyoto, Japan is extraordinary setting for current and aspiring teachers to experience cultural immersion and personal development. Plus, a strong national focus on learning the English language creates a plenty of professional opportunities for qualified teachers.
Continue reading below to learn about the process of becoming a teacher in Japan, including must-have qualifications and steps for earning a U.S. teaching license that can help position you as a top-tier candidate in the country’s competitive and rewarding educational landscape.
What Do You Need to Be a Teacher in Japan?
To work as a teacher in Japan, you must meet a specific set of criteria established by both employers and the government. These standards ensure your professional readiness and are essential for securing a work visa. The time it takes to meet these qualifications can vary depending on your existing background and credentials.
The requirements for teaching in Japan typically include:
- A bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution
- A recognized teaching credential like a U.S. teaching license, although some schools will accept a TEFL or TESOL credential for specific roles
- 1-2 years of teaching experience, although not every school requires this
- A clean background check
Earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree is the most time-consuming step in the process, but even if your degree is not in education, you can still pursue an education career in Japan. Programs like Moreland University’s 100% online, 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program offer a flexible, accelerated pathway to earning a full U.S. teaching license.
Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Japan
A U.S. teaching license is a globally respected credential that elevates your profile as an educator. We recommend that aspiring international teachers pursue this certification to broaden their career options. Fully online programs like TEACH-NOW make it possible to earn this license from anywhere in the world.
For many global candidates, the licensure process through Washington, D.C., offers the most straightforward route to certification. You can follow the following steps to earn a D.C. teaching license and begin your journey to teaching in Japan.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for obtaining a work visa to teach in Japan. If your degree isn’t in education, you can still qualify by completing a approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
Enrolling in and completing an EPP like Moreland’s 100% online TEACH-NOW program will equip you with the foundational teaching methodologies and educational theories needed to lead a classroom confidently. Our 9-month program is designed to give busy adults and career changers flexibility, with no application fee and interest-free monthly payment plans, making it an accessible option for educators across the globe.
“I wanted to deepen my understanding of what it is to be a teacher and do it full-time, and that’s why I joined Moreland University’s 9-month teacher preparation program. It’s a rigorous but really enjoyable course that gives you the skills and tools you need to go into the classroom and teach. I learned so much about teaching and, honestly, a lot about myself.” – Patrick, TEACH-NOW graduate & educator in Japan
Step 3: Complete a Clinical Practice
Practical, in-classroom experience is a major part of becoming a certified teacher since it allows you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. This experience is built directly into Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program and can usually be completed at your current school. For those not yet teaching, we provide placement support to help you find a qualifying school.
Step 4: Pass the Required Praxis Exams
To earn your teaching license through Washington, D.C., you must pass a set of Praxis exams. These tests include the Praxis Core for foundational academic skills, a Praxis Subject Assessment for your specific teaching area, and the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam tailored to the age group you want to instruct.
Step 5: Submit Fingerprints and Pass a Background Check
All candidates for a Washington, D.C., teaching license must pass a comprehensive criminal background check and submit fingerprints, which can be done from outside the U.S.
Step 6: Submit Your Licensure Application
Once you have completed the steps above, you are ready to submit your teaching certification application to Washington, D.C.’s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Your submission must include all required documents, such as official transcripts, Praxis results, and proof of your EPP completion.
Once you are licensed, you can pursue higher-paying roles in Japan while navigating the visa process and planning your move.
Can You Become a Teacher in Japan Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes, many teachers in Japan hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field! For some roles, candidates may only need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate. However, completing a formal teacher preparation program like TEACH-NOW can make you a far more competitive applicant for roles at a wider variety of schools and can lead to higher earning potential.
Moreland University Supports Teachers in Japan
Teaching in Japan is a rewarding experience that can accelerate your career while providing rich cultural immersion and personal growth. Earning a U.S. teaching license can help establish you as a highly qualified candidate for educational programs and institutions throughout the nation.
Take the first step toward teaching in Japan today by completing your free TEACH-NOW application. It takes less than 15 minutes to fill out, and after you start the program, you could be just 9 months away from making a difference in a classroom in one of the world’s most storied countries.
