Position description

Position title:   Assistant English Teacher (AET)

Location:   Takatsuki, Japan

Responsible to:   Takatsuki City Council through the Takatsuki International Association and the Takatsuki Board of Education.

Purpose:   To assist Japanese teachers in teaching various English skills to the elementary students of Takatsuki and act as a representative of Toowoomba. To assist and cooperate with any international programs between Toowoomba and Takatsuki.

Terms of contract:  The program will commence on the first day of April and will end on the thirty-first of March each year.  AETs are required to arrive in Japan by the end of March.

Pay level/Award:  19,200¥ per working day  – depending on the number of working days in the month. No entitlements are paid for holidays or sick leave. With some months drawing much less than others due to holidays, an average yearly salary (based on 198 working days) would be approximately ¥3,801,600.  In particular, for the month of August, AETs receive very little salary. Wages are paid directly into a Japanese bank account on the 15^th of the following month.

Selection criteria

Skills (essential):

• Ability to prepare and teach English lessons for Japanese youth.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a small team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Japanese culture and customs.

Qualifications:

• Essential: Possession of tertiary qualification (university degree). Certified copy to be supplied.
• Desirable: Japanese language skills are not essential.

Knowledge:

• Essential: Extensive knowledge of Toowoomba and surrounds.
• Desirable: Possess a thorough knowledge of the Darling Downs region and Australia generally.

Additional position requirements:

• Lodgement of an application for a suitability card.
• Applicants will need to obtain a police criminal check, at own expense.
• Current passport.

Main responsibilities:

• Preparation of English lessons.
• Work in conjunction with Japanese teachers to conduct English classes.
• Attend official functions as requested by the Takatsuki International Association, Takatsuki Board of Education and school officials.
• Assist and co-operate with international exchange programs between Toowoomba and Takatsuki.
• Send regular monthly email updates to the International Secretariat, Toowoomba Regional Council and actively assist in the promotion of friendship between Takatsuki and Toowoomba.
• At every available opportunity act as an ambassador for the Toowoomba Region, promoting both the Toowoomba Region and Australia in a positive and educational manner.
• Regularly visit the Takatsuki International Association Office and liaise with staff regarding your responsibilities.

Requirements of the position:

• Working hours will be from 8.30am to 5.15pm, including a 45 minute lunch break.
• Maximum working hours in a five day working week are 40 hours which includes approximately 20 hours of actual classroom lessons.
• AETs will take part elementary classes.
• The successful applicant will be required to attend official functions as requested by the Takatsuki City Council, Takatsuki International Association and/or Education Department officials. These functions may also occur during holiday periods.
• The successful applicant must exhibit the ability to represent Toowoomba Regional Council effectively and professionally, through their public speaking (and social skills) both in Japan and on return to Toowoomba.
• The successful applicant must exhibit pride in the Toowoomba region and Australia and act with decorum, respect and courtesy at all times. If any behaviour is considered inappropriate, the Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council and the Mayor of Takatsuki are at liberty to terminate the contract of employment and dismiss the employee immediately.
• The successful applicant will be required to sign a Contract of Employment for a 12 month period. There may be offers for extending this time, however the successful applicant cannot serve longer than three years.
• Extra part-time employment activities outside the Contract of Employment will not be permitted without the prior approval of the Mayor of Takatsuki.
• The employee shall faithfully observe all rules and regulations issued by Takatsuki City.
• The successful applicant is obligated to fulfil the terms of the contract for the entire contract period.
• The successful applicant would be required to observe a Code of Conduct:
  • To observe with care and sensitivity the customs, traditions and values of Takatsuki City.
  • To refrain from using offensive and insensitive language.
  • To refrain from use of prohibited drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol.
  • To dress modestly and appropriately for the occasion.
  • To refrain from such conduct as could reasonably be expected to reflect badly on Toowoomba Regional Council and the program.

Further enquiries and applications:

Further enquiries can be directed to the International Secretariat,

By phone on (07) 4688 6747

or by email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it