We are dedicated to providing a high-quality English learning environment for children across Japan. To achieve this, we need passionate and enthusiastic teachers who are ready to make a difference in the classroom.

Below are requirements that candidates must meet to be considered for native English-speaking teacher jobs at YARUKI Switch Group. You can also find some of the qualities that we look for when hiring instructors.

We do not require any Japanese language abilities for native English-speaking teaching positions.

(Note: If you are not a native English speaker, but have at least an N2-level proficiency in Japanese, you may be interested in Japanese-speaking/bilingual positions. Check out the Japanese version of our website to learn more.)

If you meet the below requirements and share our vision for helping young learners develop life-changing language abilities, we encourage you to apply. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive and dynamic teaching community where your passion can truly make a difference.

Requirements for teaching jobs

To be considered for a native English-speaking teacher job, a candidate must:

Be a native English speaker

Our curriculum puts emphasis on pronunciation and phonics practice. While we welcome English speakers from a variety of countries with varying dialects and accents, we require teachers to be able to effectively teach and express key concepts in a phonetically natural English environment. Only applicants who can meet the highest standards of fluency will be considered.

Meet education/visa requirements

We require a minimum of a two-year associate degree if your visa status is one of the following:

• No Visa
• Tourist
• Instructor Visa
• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
• Working Holiday Visa
• Dependent Visa 

We do not require a minimum of a two-year associate degree if your visa status is one of the following:

• Japanese National
• Spouse or Child of a Japanese National
• Permanent Resident
• Long-Term Resident

For those with a Designated Activities Visa (ex. Working Holiday, Job Hunting, etc.), please include the specific type when applying. If you hold a Working Holiday Visa, please note that requirements will depend on the agreement with your home country. Please consult your embassy or consulate information page for specific visa policies.

Be able to adhere to dress code and appearance standards

As teachers in Japan, it is important that we present ourselves in a manner that meets expectations for professionalism in a Japanese school setting. In some cases, this may differ from the standards in our home countries. For YARUKI Switch Group schools, teachers must:  

• Adhere to the dress code for their school. Depending on the school, this typically means wearing a branded polo shirt or dressing in business attire (suit with a jacket). 
• Cover all tattoos while at work.
• Remove all piercings (including earrings) before starting their shift.
• Ensure their hair is a natural color.
• Have a cleanly shaved face (no beards, mustaches, etc.).   

Important qualities for teachers

In addition to the above mandatory qualifications, there are qualities we look for when hiring teachers. If you are interested in applying, we recommend you keep these traits in mind while preparing your application and throughout the interview process. We look for teachers who are:

Flexible and creative

We value teachers who are independent, adaptable, and ready to innovate in the classroom. Being able to work well as part of a team and engage with students in fun and creative ways is essential. Flexibility in handling different age groups or adjusting lesson plans to match students’ needs can set you apart. Teachers who can maintain a structured and fun classroom atmosphere are highly appreciated.

Professional and passionate

We look for individuals who are self-motivated, professional, and have a genuine passion for teaching children. A teacher’s attitude plays a major role in the classroom, so we want candidates who are not just knowledgeable, but also compassionate and patient. Prior experience working with kids is preferred, though not required, as long as you bring enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. Being able to manage classroom behavior positively is a key skill that helps ensure a productive and enjoyable learning environment.

Culturally aware and eager to learn

As part of an international team, it's important to embrace cultural diversity and be open to different teaching methods and educational practices. Teachers who are adaptable to Japan’s educational environment and willing to engage with Japanese culture can create a richer experience for students and themselves. A willingness to continuously learn and grow as a teacher is an asset.

Strong communicators

Teaching young children requires excellent communication skills, both in delivering lessons and interacting with students, parents, and colleagues. Being able to simplify complex ideas, give clear instructions, and offer encouragement can make a big difference in a child’s learning journey.