7.1.2 Types of training courses and institutions
7.1.2.1 Admissions
7.1.3 Trainers
7.1.4 Curriculum for initial teacher training
7.1.5 Qualifications and standards
7.1.5.1 Qualifications and entitlement to teach
7.1.5.2 Probationary period
7.1.6 Post-qualification induction periods
7.1.7 Key priorities, innovative practices and research in initial teacher training
7.1.7.1 Current key priorities for initial teacher training
7.1.7.2 Innovative practice in initial teacher training during this phase
7.1.7.3 Strategies to support the use of research and evidence in informing policy and practice
7.1.7.4 Current priorities for research into initial teacher training
7.1.7.5 Research that has had major influences on programmes of initial teacher training
7.1.7.6 Recruitment incentives paid to teacher trainees
The present teacher training system in Japan is based on two principles. The first is that initial teacher training must be provided in higher education institutions. The second is that any institution in higher education is able to provide the course providing it satisfies legal requirements and receives approval from the Ministry of Education. The current requirements for initial teacher training courses are prescribed in the Act of Teachers' Certificates and the Order of Regulations of the Act of Teachers' Certificates issued by the Ministry of Education.90
Every institution providing teacher training courses has to submit its syllabus to the Ministry of Education for approval. Conditions for approval are prescribed in the Act and the Order, but actual detailed control of content of the teacher training course and teaching belongs entirely to the university.90
All teachers must hold the relevant teacher certificate, in accordance with the Education Personnel Certification Law 87(see below). In order to obtain this certificate, teachers need to fulfil certain requirements. The prefectural board of education has authority to confer such certificates.89
The Education Personnel Certification Law 87 was introduced in 1949 and revised in 1988, 1998 and 2002 to respond to new needs and update the teacher training system. The Act prescribes not only the types of certificate but the minimum credits and subjects that every candidate must attain before graduation. The 2002 revision introduced flexible measures for the educational personnel certification system with a view to improving links between different levels of schools and improving the teaching of specialist subjects in elementary school. The special certificate system was also reformed to offer positions to working people on the basis of their abilities. Additionally, in order to guarantee the credibility of teachers, actions relating to invalidation and removal of a teacher certificate were reinforced. In sum, the revisions aimed to:
A further review of the Education Personnel Certification Law is taking place in 2007, see 7.1.5.1.
When the number of students trained at universities and colleges as teachers is insufficient to meet demand, special training colleges can train students.89
Initial teacher training must be provided in higher education institutions and there are two types of universities that provide teacher certification courses. The first are those which were previously teacher training colleges and became state universities, for example the University for Education, or those that became the Faculty of Education in state universities. The second are those universities in the private and municipal sectors. The current initial teacher training course is prescribed in the Act of Teachers' Certificates and the Order of Regulations of the Act of Teachers' Certificates issued by the Ministry of Education.90 89
Every institution providing teacher training courses has to submit its syllabus to the Ministry of Education for approval. Conditions for approval are prescribed in the Act and the Order, but actual detailed control of content of the teacher training course and teaching belongs entirely to the university.90
Initial teacher training courses in universities last for four years. 90
When the number of students trained at universities and colleges as teachers is insufficient to meet demand, special training colleges can train students.89
For entry into the undergraduate teacher training programmes in Japan, all candidates must take the National Entrance Examination, which consists of five areas:
Candidates scoring highest on the National Entrance Examination are most likely to attend the most prestigious teacher training programmes. Most national universities also administer their own entrance examinations in addition to the National Entrance Examination, that is each undergraduate programme can have its own examination, consisting of specific subjects. Performance on both types of examination is considered when determining whether or not to accept an applicant. In some cases, interviews are also an entrance requirement.93
In schools, student teachers are supervised and evaluated by an experienced teacher under the approval of the principal. In addition, a committee of members of the teacher training programme formally examines these evaluations.93
Kindergarten teachers are trained as generalists.90
The subjects for which a student must obtain credits to obtain a teacher certificate for kindergarten are broadly divided into three categories:
With regard to "subjects related to curricula", a student must study the substance of each subject mentioned in the National Curriculum Standards for kindergarten.89
The "subjects related to the teaching profession" are six in number:
The "subject related to the significance of the teaching profession" should cover the significance of the teaching profession and teachers' roles, the content of teachers' duties, and opportunities to help students choose their future career goals.89
The "subject related to basic theories of education" should cover:
The "subject related to the curricula and the teaching methods" should cover:
The "subject related to student guidance, counselling and career guidance" should cover:
The "general exercises" must include analyses and research on more than one of the problems common to humans or those faced by Japanese society. They should also include methods and techniques for guiding infants with regard to such problems.89
With regard to the "subjects related to curricula or the teaching profession", students are required to study either "a subject related to curricula" or "a subject related to the teaching profession".89
A student who wishes to obtain a nurse teacher's certificate must obtain credits in a subject related to child protection, a subject related to the teaching profession and a subject related to child protection or the teaching profession, in addition to the Bachelor's degree, a nurse's licence and a public health nurse's licence.89
The minimum number of credits required to receive the teacher's certificate depends on the type of teacher certificate. The calculation of credits is the same as that used in universities by the Standard for the Establishments of Universities. 15-30 hours per one credit of lecture or exercise is required, and 30-45 hours per one credit of experiment, practice or technical exercise is required. Within that standard, each university may decide the details.89
In addition to these credits, candidates must earn two credits in each respectively of Japanese constitution, physical education, foreign language communication, and operation of information equipment.89
Trainee teachers are also required to undertake practical experience in schools during their training. This usually last for three to four weeks.93
To obtain a teacher certificate from a university or college, a student must possess credits in the subjects stipulated in the Education Personnel Certification Law 87 in the teacher training course. After obtaining these qualifications, a student receives a teacher certificate from the relevant prefectural board of education, which is empowered to confer the teacher certificate. 89
Types and classifications of teacher certificates
There are three types of teacher certificate:
The first two certificates are required for a person to become a full-time regular teacher, and the last is necessary to become an assistant teacher. The general certificate is further broken down into advanced certificates, first-class certificates and second-class certificates. As basic qualifications in general, the advanced certificate is equivalent to a Master's degree, the first-class certificate is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, and the second-class certificate is equivalent to an Associate degree. To become an elementary school, lower secondary or upper secondary school teacher, a Master's or Bachelor's level qualification is required. However, those with a second-class certificate are able to teach children in kindergarten, and at elementary school and lower secondary school level.89
Certificates are conferred by type of school, such as kindergarten, elementary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school, school for the blind, school for the deaf, or school for the otherwise disabled. In addition, teacher certificates for lower secondary and upper secondary schools are categorised by subjects. There is also a teacher certificate for schools for nurse teachers; this certificate is the same regardless of school type. No-one can be a teacher without at least one of these certificates.89 90
The general certificate is valid in all prefectures and is valid for life. 89
The special certificate is designed to enable working people who do not have a general teacher certificate, but do have professional knowledge, experience and skills from their careers, to enter into teaching positions. However, as a general rule, teacher training should take place in the university setting. The special certificate is valid for life, but only within the prefecture that conferred it.89
The temporary certificate is a teacher certificate that is conferred only when it is impossible to recruit someone with a regular teacher certificate. This certificate is valid for three years, and only within the prefecture that conferred it.89
A graduate with a teacher certificate cannot automatically become a teacher in a state sector school. The number of persons wishing to become teachers usually exceeds the quota. Each prefectural board of education holds a recruitment examination once a year in their own region. This examination is "normative", that is, all who pass are eligible to teach, but in reality it is highly competitive. It comprises written tests, interviews, skill tests, thesis examinations and aptitude tests. Those who pass this selective procedure are selected as teachers for those localities. If vacancies do not occur, candidates for teaching must sit another examination in the following year.90 92
Revision of Education Personnel Certification Law
In June 2007, the Diet (Japan's legislature) approved a bill to revise the Education Personnel Certification Law, which will introduce a new renewal system for teaching licences. Teachers will be required to renew their licence to teach every 10 years by completing 30 hours of continuing professional development activities.95 Principals, assistant principals and teachers whose performance is judged to be excellent, may be exempted from the activities if they are considered not to need them.96
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Recent reforms in teacher training and the licensing system to improve teacher quality include:
There are no other routes for individuals to become teachers in Japan other than those mentioned above.93
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