When You are in Tokyo
There is an old proverb that says
" When in Rome, do as the Romans do".
English teachers living in Tokyo should adhere to the customs,
attitudes and ideas of the local people.
Mike's English School teacher's should know that they are highly
respected by the people of the Tama area. For the last thirty three years
former teacher have earned this respect.
Members of the community treat the Mike's English School teachers very
well as soon as they know who you are.
The locals watch the teachers and they judge the school based upon the
actions of the teachers, for good and for bad.
In order to preserve our good reputation and relationship with the
community, the school asks asks the teachers to be aware of some
cultural differences.
Appearance is very important in Japan.
Even before they take a lesson, students often determine good teacher
by just simply looking them.
Students and community members will judge teachers by looking their
clothes and hair.
The school always expects the teachers to wear nice,clean clothes, and
dress well as a professional teacher would. Do not wear clothes that
you would wear to a picnic when coming to work.
A visitor might not join our school because of the unprofessional dress
of the teachers.
Unprofessional dress means dirty, wrinkled, mismatched, revealing, or
too casual.
Even when you are not working, please do not walk in the area of the
school (or the shopping area around it) wearing your "grubbies".
Always look clean and neat when in public.
When teaching, be careful not to do anything that might offend your
students.
Do not to eat anything nor chew gum in the classroom.
Don't yawn in front of the students even if you cover your mouth.
The students might think that the teacher does not like teaching them.
Do not watch the clock during the lesson, otherwise the students might
think that the teacher is tired of teaching them.
Do not cross your legs while teaching, that looks very rude to the
students.
Never sit or stand on a tables or on books.
When you are out and about in Japan, do not eat in public places such
as on the train and eating as you walk is considered bad manners.
Please obey all traffic signal and never walk on a red light.
Lastly, don't forget that the students are the customers at Mike's
English School. The school expects the teachers be nice, friendly
and professional at all times.
If you abide by these cultural rules, your stay here will be enjoyable.