About WinBe

WinBe is a time-tested, continuously expanding English Conversation School in operation since 2000. Our goal is to elevate English education in Japan to a new level, with usable results gained from a conversation and culturally driven curriculum. Our instructors are encouraged to provide students with fun & creative classes that focus on real-life conversational skills - we believe when students are having fun, they are more engaged; and when instructors are having fun, they provide the best possible lessons.

Students are assisted in determining a series of challenging yet obtainable goals over set periods of time, creating an ‘invisible staircase’ by which they strengthen their self-confidence and motivation; thus, providing them with the power necessary to confidently tackle progressively harder challenges later in life.

This develops a child's sense of independence and ability to do anything of their own accord, in the hope that they will in turn positively approach challenges in their lives. We strive to equip children with the confidence and skills to lead their own way through life without being influenced by someone else's sense of values or judgment.

WinBe instructors work with their school's Japanese staff, head office staff, and other WinBe instructors to assess the needs of their students and provide them with the best possible lessons. Classes emphasize practical language, and instructors conduct their classes completely in English. WinBe provides instructors with a set curriculum and lesson plans that are designed to help students achieve certain goals. Instructors are then tasked with thinking about how to present that material with energy and enthusiasm.

We would like our instructors to see themselves as the representatives of their respective countries and act accordingly in a fun and professional manner at all times. An instructor's perspective: "Working for WinBe is about achieving your full potential as a constructive and creative instructor."

Working at WinBe

While Working with WinBe, instructors can make the most of their time in Japan with a strong salary and ample vacation time. Some instructors choose to pursue a career with WinBe, but instructors who return home will benefit from the valuable skills and experience they received working in Japan. Living and working in Japan can be a rewarding experience, but it's not for everyone. Applicants must be ready for the challenge of living abroad and adapting to a new culture. If you're ready to take on this challenge and you have the necessary qualifications, we want to hear from you.

Life at WinBe

The native English instructor is the centerpiece of a WinBe school. WinBe instructors work with their school's Japanese staff, head office staff, and other WinBe instructors to assess the needs of their students and provide them with the best possible lessons. Most WinBe students are children ages 3-14, but instructors may be asked to teach both children and adults. Classes emphasize practical language, and instructors conduct their classes completely in English.
Instructors work five days a week with a two-day weekend. A shift at WinBe is eight hours, which includes a forty-five minute break. While WinBe has a set curriculum, instructors use their creativity to prepare fun and interesting classes that best suit their students.

We would like our instructors to see themselves as the representatives of their respective countries and act accordingly in a fun and professional manner at all times. An instructor's perspective... "Working for WinBe is about achieving your full potential as a constructive and creative instructor."

Training and Support

Our goal is to take enthusiastic, energetic and creative people and help them build the skills they need to be great instructors. For many WinBe teachers working with WinBe is their first teaching job. All new instructors receive initial training to learn the WinBe method, and on-job-training in a classroom to build practical experience. When settled at their schools, teachers can receive support from trainers and a community of WinBe instructors. Teachers use a detailed curriculum developed by WinBe Curriculum team. WinBe teachers are also provided with additional resources such as supplemental lesson plans, worksheets, CDs and so on. There is continuous training through workshops and seminars that allow instructors to bounce ideas off of each other and seek, or provide, advice on various topics.

Teaching Kids

We believe that students learn the most when they are having fun and this is especially true with kids. Each class, WinBe instructors help children reach English-language goals through games, songs, and other activities. These classes also give instructors the best opportunity to express their creativity. WinBe instructors can have a profound impact on how kids in Japan perceive learning English and cultural interaction for the rest of their lives. In some cases, a child's first teacher may be a WinBe instructor..

Working Conditions

Salary Base salary starts at ¥250,000~270,000 depending on experience.
Bonus The instructor will be paid a renewal bonus of ¥100,000 upon completion of one-year contract
and contract renewal.
Contract Minimum one-year contract which can be renewed based on job performance.
Work Hours

Instructors work 8 hours a day, including a 45-minute break, 5 days a week (generally Tuesday through Saturday.)
Shift times are typically 13:00-21:00 on weekdays, and 10:00-18:00 on weekends. (Schedules may differ depending on the school.)

Events
Instructors are occasionally required to participate in special events on Sundays, including Spelling Bees, Speech Contests, and seasonal events.
Contract Minimum one-year contract which can be renewed based on job performance.

Benefits

Working Visa Visa sponsorship available (Applicants must meet Immigration requirements and must have at least a two-year Associate’s Degree or higher, preferably a university degree)
Training Initial training and a month of on-job-training in the classroom is given to all new instructors prior to the start of the academic year.
Transportation
Reimbursement
All work-related commuting costs are covered.
Career
Advancement

Opportunities for promotion.

Holidays
and Leave
Company holidays fall predominantly on the three main holidays in Japan; Golden Week, Obon and New Year. Instructors also receive ten paid vacation days a year after having worked six months.
Transportation
Reimbursement
All work-related commuting costs are covered.

School Locations

WinBe has schools all over Japan, and each area offers different opportunities for teachers. Schools in big cities have excellent access to museums, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. Living in these areas can be convenient and exciting. Big cities often feature a blending of cultures, and many instructors enjoy eating at eclectic restaurants and meeting people from different countries.

Schools in more rural settings or smaller towns often provide instructors with the best opportunity to learn the Japanese language and experience authentic Japanese culture. Many rural areas are famous for a local delicacy or festival, and the people tend to be very welcoming. Rural schools can be close to public beaches, national parks, or ski resorts. Wherever you live and teach, Japan has a world-class transportation system that allows you to easily access almost anywhere in the country.

FAQs

I applied online recently. When will I receive a response?

After you submit your documents online, your application will go through our screening process. We will contact successful candidates via email within five working days.

Do I need a University degree to be eligible to apply?

Yes, we require a minimum of a 2-year associates 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

No, if your visa status is one of the following:

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

What level of English do I need?

Native-level English fluency is required.

How will the interview be conducted?

Interviews will be conducted via Skype.

I will graduate University next year. When should I apply?

We are able to begin the screening and interview process prior to an applicant's graduation. However, as the Immigration office in Japan requires a copy of your degree when submitting your visa application for processing, we recommend that you apply no sooner than a month or two before your graduation. Applying any sooner will not necessarily expedite the process.

Do you hire part time Native English Teachers?

We mainly offer full-time positions, but also have part-time opportunities available on a case by case basis.

How many students will I be teaching at a time?

There will be up to 6 students in a class.

Does WinBe use a curriculum?

The foundation of any WinBe class is our strong curriculum. WinBe instructors developed this curriculum over many years based on their experiences in the classroom and the needs of their students.

Is the training in Kanto mandatory?

Yes - this will include lecture-based training as well as observational and on the job training (OJT).
We also organize workshops throughout the year to help our intructors develop their skills. All training is fully paid.

What level of English do I need?

Native-level English fluency is required.

Do you offer visa sponsorship?

We do offer sponsorship to successful candidates that meet the requirements of the Japanese Immigration Department.

Do you hire all year round?

Yes, we do. However, due to the academic school year in Japan starting in April, most new teachers are hired between December and March, enabling them to complete all initial and on-job-training prior to the commencement of the school year.

Where are your schools?

We have school locations in the Kanto, Kansai, Chubu, Chugoku, Tohoku, Hokkaido and Kyushu areas.

Do I get to choose what location I wish to be placed in?

We try to accommodate area preferences. However, this will be dependent on demand for new teachers in the area.

Do you hire from overseas?

Yes, we welcome applications from candidates currently in Japan as well as overseas.

How far in advance of my start date should I apply?

If you are residing overseas the visa process can take approximately two or three months. Applying three or four months in advance of your planned employment start date is recommended.

How long is a contract with WinBe?

We offer 1-year renewable contracts.
There is no limit to the number of times you can renew your contract. We require a minimum commitment of 1 full year.

What are my working hours?

A WinBe shift is generally Tuesday - Saturday, 8 hours per day.
Weekday shifts: early afternoon to late evening.
Saturday shifts: late morning to early evening.
Start times will depend on the school.
Most WinBe teachers work five days in a row and with two consecutive days off.

What age groups will I be teaching?

Generally, WinBe students are between the ages of 3-14 with ocassional lessons for older students depending on the school.

Where are your schools?

We have school locations in the Kanto, Kansai, Chubu, Chugoku, Tohoku, Hokkaido and Kyushu areas.