Narrative Inquiry of a Filipino ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan

Even with their qualifications, Filipino ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) face some unique and intense challenges tied to race, linguistic legitimacy, and social acceptance within Japanese schools and society at large. To substantiate that claim, this study, using a qualitative design and a narrative inquiry method, explored the life and work in Japan of one Filipino ALT based in Osaka under a private dispatched company in partnership with a recruitment agency in the Philippines. It investigated how the participant navigated cultural transitions, role ambiguity, identity formation, and professional challenges in a foreign educational system. The findings, through the five core themes, revealed that while the participant experienced cultural marginalization and role ambiguity, she also demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and pedagogical creativity, contributing meaningfully to the school community. To effectively integrate and empower non-native teachers, it emphasizes the significance of inclusive policies that acknowledge the many backgrounds of ALTs and advocate for structural improvements. It has implications for international teaching programs, school administrators, and educational policymakers who promote equitable and culturally sensitive learning environments in Japan.