Japanese-Speaking Elementary School Teacher

Position: Full-Time or Part-Time
Grade Levels: Kindergarten–5th Grade
Subjects: Japanese Language Arts & Mathematics

About Japanese Academy of San Diego

Japanese Academy of San Diego (JASD) is a private bilingual Japanese-English elementary school serving students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Our program provides students with a strong academic foundation in both Japanese and English while fostering cultural awareness, creativity, independence, and respect for others.

We are seeking a Japanese-Speaking Elementary School Teacher who is passionate about education and enjoys working with children. The teacher will provide Japanese-language instruction in Japanese Language Arts and Mathematics and will play an important role in preparing students for performances and cultural presentations throughout the school year.

Position Overview

The Japanese-Speaking Elementary School Teacher will be responsible for planning, preparing, and implementing age-appropriate lessons for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

The teacher will provide instruction primarily in Japanese Language Arts and Mathematics, while collaborating with other members of the teaching team to support students’ overall academic and personal development.

In addition to classroom instruction, the teacher will help students develop confidence, creativity, teamwork, and presentation skills through school performances, cultural activities, and special events.

This position may be structured as either full-time or part-time, depending on the candidate’s qualifications, availability, and the needs of the school.

Primary Responsibilities

Japanese Language Arts & Mathematics

• Plan, prepare, and implement age-appropriate Japanese Language Arts and Mathematics curriculum for Kindergarten through 5th grade.
• Develop engaging daily and weekly lesson plans aligned with students’ developmental levels and academic goals.
• Provide instruction primarily in Japanese and support students in developing their Japanese language proficiency.
• Teach reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and other Japanese Language Arts skills appropriate to each grade level.
• Teach mathematics concepts and problem-solving skills appropriate to each grade level.
• Assess student understanding and monitor academic progress.
• Provide additional support and appropriate differentiation for students with varying levels of Japanese language proficiency and academic ability.
• Prepare instructional materials, worksheets, activities, assessments, and other classroom resources.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and communicate concerns or areas of improvement with the appropriate staff.
• Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to help students build confidence and independence.

Performances & School Events

• Plan, prepare, and implement student performances for school events throughout the academic year.
• Teach students songs, dances, skits, speeches, presentations, and other performance pieces as appropriate.
• Organize and rehearse students for school performances and cultural presentations.
• Help students develop appropriate stage presence, confidence, teamwork, and performance skills.
• Coordinate with other teachers and school administration regarding performance schedules, costumes, props, music, scripts, and other necessary materials.
• Incorporate Japanese culture, traditions, music, and performing arts into school events when appropriate.
• Assist with school-wide events, cultural celebrations, and special programs.

Classroom & Student Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a positive, respectful, structured, and supportive classroom environment.
• Maintain appropriate classroom management and student expectations.
• Supervise students and ensure their safety and well-being.
• Encourage students to use appropriate Japanese language and communication skills throughout the school day.
• Support students’ social-emotional development and encourage respectful interactions among classmates.
• Follow school policies, procedures, and educational standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with English-speaking classroom teachers and other Japanese teachers to support the school’s bilingual curriculum.
• Communicate regularly with school administration regarding curriculum, student progress, classroom needs, and upcoming events.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school activities as required.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with parents and guardians when appropriate.
• Work as part of a collaborative teaching team to support the overall mission and educational goals of JASD.

Qualifications

• Native or highly proficient Japanese language ability.
• Experience teaching elementary-aged children preferred.
• Experience teaching Japanese Language Arts and/or Mathematics preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field preferred.
• Japanese teaching credential or teaching certification is a plus, but not necessarily required depending on experience and qualifications.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Ability to plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate curriculum.
• Comfortable teaching students across multiple elementary grade levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively with both Japanese- and English-speaking teachers.
• Experience with student performances, music, dance, drama, or cultural activities is a plus.
• Patient, enthusiastic, dependable, and professional.
• Passion for working with children and supporting their academic and personal growth.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic educator who enjoys creating a positive learning environment and is comfortable taking an active role in both academic instruction and school events.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring creativity and energy to the classroom and who enjoy helping children develop their Japanese language skills while also fostering an appreciation for Japanese culture.

A successful candidate should be able to work independently when planning lessons while also collaborating closely with our teaching team.

Schedule

Full-Time or Part-Time opportunities available.

Schedule and teaching hours will be determined based on the candidate’s availability, qualifications, and the instructional needs of the school.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to info@japaneseacademysd.com or call 858-571-7000 for more information.

• Resume
• Brief cover letter or introduction
• Teaching experience and/or experience working with elementary-aged children
• Description of your Japanese-language teaching experience
• Availability and preferred full-time or part-time schedule
• Examples of previous experience organizing or instructing student performances, if applicable
• 3 References