An applicant for this position must be a native English speaker, hold a college degree, and have had at least one year of classroom teaching experience. TESOL/TEFL qualifications and experience are welcomed.
Since Summer Day Camp is a camp, not a language school, English teachers must be willing and able to teach language with an active rather than an academic approach, using role playing, games, songs, and other innovative techniques focused on making the campers’ experience at Summer Day Camp fun and authentic as well as a valuable learning experience. English teachers are responsible for two classes, each meeting for two hours a day, once in the morning and once after lunch. Materials and support are available in the English Resource Center and from the English Director, but teachers are responsible for planning and running their own classes and utilizing the Counselors who come with the camper groups to provide the optimum experience for all.
A Lead Specialist must possess skills in the area of instruction as well as classroom management. Lead Specialists plan and teach their activities and are normally adult teaching professionals. They are responsible for directing the Senior/Junior Specialists who are hired to assist them. Senior/Junior Specialists are never expected to take charge, but to assist the Lead Specialist under his/her direction.
A Senior Specialist must be at least college-age. A Junior Specialist must be at least 15 years old or have completed the ninth grade.
Counselors must have a strong desire to work with children and be able to supervise a group of 16 boys and girls throughout the camp day. Each camper group is attended by one Junior and one Senior Counselor. Counselors are expected to assist with simple instruction when required by an English Teacher or a Specialist, and to handle all logistic, emotional and disciplinary issues within their group.
Counselors are paired as much as possible to ensure that at least one knows ASIJ, speaks Japanese and has experience at SDC. The Senior Counselor is expected to help develop the Junior Counselor. Support and training is available from the Staff Development Specialist. A Senior Counselor must have completed one year of college or equivalent. A Junior Counselor must be at least 15 years old or have completed the ninth grade.
A Swimming Instructor should have an appropriate background in instruction or competitive swimming. Applicants with current Senior Lifesaving qualifications are especially welcomed. Swimming instructors must be willing to work within a program which stresses the teaching of swimming skills and water safety, not recreation.
*Chofu campus only. These positions are usually filled by high school and college students.
