March 23, 2007

Recently, MEXT has changed its interpretation of the teaching license system and the standards used for the establishment of professional graduate schools. According to these changes, an MA in TESOL awarded at the Teachers College Columbia University Japan Campus can be used for an application for the Advanced Class Teaching Certificate (Sensyu Menkyo). Also, the credits obtained here can be used for admission to the new professional graduate schools for teacher development that will be established in some universities in Japan from 2008. Here are some more details:

1. Advanced Class Teaching Certificate (Sensyu Menkyo)
   In the "Kyoshoku Menkyo-Hou", the label "foreign school" had meant the institution whose campus exists outside Japan. However, MEXT changed its interpretation of this and the Japan campuses of foreign schools that have been designated by MEXT can now be included in the "foreign school" category. According to this amendment, those who acquired an MA in TESOL at Teachers College Columbia University Japan can now apply for the advanced class teaching certificate through the test held by board of education in each region.
   *Please enquire at the board of education in your region for more details.
2. Professional graduate school for teacher training
   According to the amendment of the establishment standards, professional graduate schools for teacher development can count credits that have been acquired in other graduate schools as approved credits for their advanced degrees. Consequently, the credits earned in the MA program at Teachers College Columbia University Japan can be counted for admission purposes.
   *Please enquire at the universities that offer the master course more details.

These changes by MEXT recognize the past efforts of the professors, students, alumni and staff of the Teachers College Columbia University Japan Campus to contribute to English education in Japan. The Japan Campus will continue with these efforts to foster excellent teachers, and we will keep you posted of any future changes which may occur with MEXT as a result.

Dr. Terry Royce
Associate Professor & Director
Teachers College Columbia University Japan