Requirements to become a Japanese language teacher depends on where you would like to teach. This page will cover how to become a teacher at K-12 Public Schools, K-12 Private Schools and Colleges and Universities.
When you begin the journey towards becoming a Japanese language teacher, consider reaching out to your local Japanese teachers’ association and the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ). They have plenty of knowledge and you may even be able to find a mentor. Check out our page for Japanese teachers’ associations.
One can also teach at Saturday schools, Non-profit organizations, Businesses, or Online schools, etc. The requirements for becoming teachers vary a lot at these types of organizations, so they will not be discussed on this page. If you are interested in teaching at any of these types of organizations, please reach out to them directly about their requirements.
If you are not a U.S. citizen (permission to work in the U.S. will be required), or if you received your education abroad (your degree or transcripts may be evaluated), details will not be discussed on this page. Please inquire with the school you are interested in teaching at and with your state’s department of education/licensing authority.
◆K-12 Public Schools
Requirements to teach at public schools differ depending on the state you wish to teach in. Generally, you can expect to be required to satisfy basic academic skills requirements and demonstrate subject matter competence, go through an accredited teacher preparation program which qualifies you for a preliminary teaching license/credential, and then a teacher induction program that will lead to a full teaching credential.
States usually offer several different ways to get a language teacher license depending on your education and experience. The biggest difference is usually between those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education major (usually need to go through a 1-2 year teacher preparation program), and someone seeking a bachelor’s degree in education (teacher preparation program usually included in the 4-5 year study).
If you visit LangCred.org, you can search by state and compare certification routes side-by-side. They also have a database of teacher preparation programs, and an excellent FAQ. In fact, the Japan Foundation supported Langcred.org's free webinar about Japanese language credentialing, which you can now find on YouTube here.
Ultimately, asking the state licensing authority/department of education about how to obtain teaching credentials is the best way to get answers to any specific questions.
Using California as an example, this is what the general process looks likeocess:
For more details on the process in California, please visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing website. The California Association of Japanese Language Teachers (CAJLT) also has a page for aspiring teachers on their website.
General Requirements for getting the Preliminary Teaching Credential/Temporary Teaching Permit:
Satisfy the Basic Academic Skills Requirement
Some states use tests to measure basic skills in reading, writing, and math. For example, California has the CBEST, while other states use the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test. Many of these states also accept qualifying SAT scores. Some states such as California and New Jersey recently passed laws to waive the need for basic skills tests for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Demonstrate Subject Matter Competence
Subject matter competence in Japanese language skills can sometimes be demonstrated by a content exam like the CSET for California, or the NYSTCE for New York. Some states use the ACTFL tests (by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) for this purpose as well. States such as California, New York, Oregon, and Texas may accept a major/minor in Japanese in lieu of or alongside tests.
Complete a Certified Teacher Preparation Program
As explained previously, if you already have a bachelor’s degree, some states offer teacher preparation programs that usually take 1-2 years. If you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education, it usually includes a teacher preparation program and can take 4-5 years. Whichever route you choose, teacher preparation programs will usually help you obtain your preliminary teaching credential. The preliminary teaching credential will allow you to start teaching in a teacher induction program or an internship which will lead to a full teaching credential.
We made a list of teacher preparation programs that may lead to getting credentialed as a K-12 Japanese language teacher in the US:
JAPANESE LANGUAGE TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES 2024-2025
Note: This list was updated in 2024 primarily by utilizing information made publicly available by state education authorities. It is only intended for providing initial information for individuals seeking teacher preparation programs to become K-12 Japanese teachers in the US. Please contact the institutions offering the programs, as well as the Department of Education in your state for more information. This list is not exhaustive. If you discover any inaccuracies with this list, or discover additional programs that could lead to obtaining K-12 Japanese language teaching credentials in the US, please let us know by contacting the Japan Foundation Los Angeles at jflaeducation@jpf.go.jp
Additional Requirements for becoming Elementary School Teachers
States such as California, New York, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin have extra requirements for those wishing to become full-time elementary classroom teachers. In addition to any specialization in Japanese, you typically need to meet the general elementary licensing requirements as well, which means passing a broader set of tests and coursework to cover all core subjects at the elementary level. In California, this would mean satisfying the multiple subject requirements through CSET and passing the Foundations of Reading Exam. However, if your goal is to just teach Japanese to elementary students in a specialized subject rotation (i.e., you come in to teach the language class only in a likely part-time rather than full-time position), you might not need to meet the extra requirements.
General Requirements for getting the full teaching credential/license:
Teacher Induction Program
After obtaining the preliminary teaching credential, you will go through a teacher induction program (which typically takes around 2 years) where you teach at a school and make progress toward getting a full teaching credential. Once you complete your teacher induction program or internship, you should be eligible to upgrade your preliminary teaching credential to a full credential.
Apply for the Full Teaching Credential
You must apply for a credential with your state's Department of Education. Visit your state's Department of Education website and research the credential requirements ahead of time. You may also wish to contact the schools you want to work at to ask for their advice on what is needed to work there. Once you have obtained a teaching credential in one state, you cannot freely use it in any other state. However, some states will accept another state's credential as full or partial fulfillment of requirements in the credential application process. This is called "reciprocity."
Note: A few states do not offer a teaching credential in Japanese. Please consult the school you wish to work at and the state educator licensure authority for potential solutions. Some states may recommend getting licensed in another state. Additionally, a school district can sometimes apply on behalf of the teacher for an "emergency certificate" to fill a shortage, which may last a year or longer while the teacher, school district, and state authority work toward a more permanent solution.
◆K-12 Private Schools
Requirements for teaching positions in K-12 private schools in the United States can vary significantly between institutions. While some private schools mandate that educators possess state teaching credential, others may prioritize subject matter expertise, advanced degrees, or teaching experience over formal credential.
For instance, in New York, private schools are required to employ licensed teachers, although they can hire unlicensed teachers if an application is filed before the teacher starts. Additionally, schools may establish their own, more stringent credential requirements for teachers. Elsewhere, some private schools may not require state certification but often expect teachers to hold at least a bachelor's degree, preferably in education or the subject they intend to teach.
Given this variability, it's essential for prospective private school teachers to directly contact the schools they are interested in to inquire about specific employment requirements.
◆Colleges and Universities
If you are interested in teaching at the college level, you need to have an MA or Ph.D. in an appropriate field of study. Typical fields have included:
Note: Fields like Applied Linguistics, Educational Psychology, and Curriculum and Instruction can also be relevant when combined with a focus on Japanese language education.
In recent years, securing a permanent teaching position in higher education without a Ph.D. has become increasingly challenging. Most of the positions offered to MA holders are limited to one-year temporary positions or annually renewed positions, both of which are typically subject to the program's funding situation.
Given these dynamics, individuals aspiring to teach Japanese at the collegiate level long term should consider pursuing a Ph.D. and gaining substantial teaching experience to enhance their prospects for securing permanent positions.
Useful Links
・Mid-Atlantic Association of Teachers of Japanese's (MAATJ's): Handbook Guide to Becoming a Japanese Teacher
・University of Washington: Becoming a Japanese Language Teacher, Lecturer or Professor
・CAJLT: Aspiring Teachers! 日本語教師の志望者の方
5700 Wilshire blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036
jflainfo@jpf.go.jp
323.761.7510
