When I first started teaching in Japan, I had a desk, a smile, and no real idea what I was supposed to do. Like many Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), I found myself in classrooms without any formal training, expected to “team teach” with little direction, little context, and no roadmap.
That’s why I started ALT Training Online (ALTTO) over a decade ago.
ALTTO is a free, open-access platform built to support ALTs with what they actually need: practical, thoughtful, context-specific teacher development. The site currently hosts 10 training courses, all designed with the realities of Japanese public schools in mind. Topics include classroom management, teaching listening and speaking skills, lesson planning, and even working with special needs students—areas where many ALTs report feeling most unprepared.
The content isn’t theoretical. It’s written by people who’ve done the job—former ALTs now working in universities, teacher training programs, and curriculum development. They understand both the challenges ALTs face and the opportunities the role can offer.
Thousands of ALTs have taken our courses. Some take just one; others complete several. The feedback has been humbling. One participant wrote:
As an ALT, I was completely lost in this job, so I really appreciate these courses. They’ve helped me feel more confident and prepared to contribute.
And the courses are just the beginning.
During the pandemic, we began hosting live talks and online meetups—spaces where ALTs could share ideas, ask questions, and connect with others navigating similar uncertainties. For a role that’s often isolating, these sessions created a sense of community.
We also launched ALT Voices, a YouTube series where ALTs speak candidly about their experiences in schools across Japan. These interviews are honest, human, and often quietly profound—offering a glimpse into the many versions of ALT life that rarely make it into official materials.
At its core, ALTTO is about making things just a little clearer. A little more connected. A little more professional. It’s training, yes—but it’s also a reminder that you’re not alone in this job.
If you’re an ALT in Japan—or thinking of becoming one—visit altto.net. Every course is free, and every click is a step toward understanding what you can do in this role.
Because while the job may not come with a manual, we’ve done our best to write one anyway.
