BENEFITS & PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
We believe that investing in talented, passionate educators and staff drives meaningful learning across our community. Below is an overview of how we support our team through competitive compensation, benefits, and professional learning opportunities.
COMPREHENSIVE COMPENSATION & HOUSING
COMPETITIVE SALARY SCALE
We maintain a clear salary structure to recognize both experience and responsibility levels. Most full-time teachers progress on the scale for each additional year of relevant experience.
HOUSING PROVISION
Full-time teachers qualify for housing support based on marital status and family size. Incoming teachers receive assistance with locating and leasing suitable accommodation, plus a generous settling-in allowance.
TRAVEL & RELOCATION SUPPORT
Overseas initial hires receive a single one-way flight from their home of record, along with local transportation on arrival. Temporary hotel accommodations upon arrival, support with housing searches, and a settling-in allowance help new staff transition smoothly.
HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL INSURANCE
PMAC ENROLLMENT
All full-time employees join the Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private Schools in Japan (PMAC), which offers comprehensive medical coverage, pension, and disability insurance. This social insurance helps ensure you can fully focus on your role while enjoying peace of mind.
OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENT PLANS
Teachers may also opt into additional insurance to cover co-pays within Japan and receive medical coverage overseas. The school partially subsidizes these plans, enhancing financial security for you and your dependents.
LEAVE, BONUSES & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
generous PAID LEAVE & time off
Faculty and staff benefit from school holiday periods and may also take paid leave for sickness, bereavement, parental responsibilities, and other personal circumstances.
CONTINUING EMPLOYMENT BONUS
In the second year of employment and beyond, returning staff receive an annual bonus equivalent to one month’s base salary, typically issued in June.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Teachers receive a generous annual allowance to pursue workshops, conferences, and other professional growth opportunities linked to enhancing student experiences in the classroom and beyond.
HOME LEAVE allowance
For those employed in Years 2–10, a home leave allowance helps maintain personal connections and renew perspectives, underscoring our commitment to staff wellbeing.
A SUPPORTIVE TRANSITION & LIFE IN YOKOHAMA
ONBOARDING & GUIDANCE
Staff coming from overseas or switching careers within Japan receive practical guidance on visa procedures, local registration, and everyday logistics (banking, phone plans, etc.). Our new teacher coordinators foster connections among newcomers and help you settle in with confidence.
A FUN AND BALANCED LIFESTYLE
With a prime location in Yokohama, our community enjoys access to cultural events, waterfront activities, and a comfortable pace of life. Many staff live within walking or cycling distance of campus, forming close bonds within the neighborhood while discovering all that Japan has to offer.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Everyone at Yokohama International School is a learner—teachers, administrative staff, and support teams alike. Our Professional Learning (PL) program is designed to enrich each member of our community and, most importantly, enhance student learning.
A COMMITMENT TO ONGOING GROWTH
At YIS, professional learning is a career-long process that adapts to each educator’s evolving interests and skill set. We believe teachers and staff should:
Pursue opportunities for professional growth regardless of experience or seniority
Collaborate with colleagues to share insights and refine methods to improve learning.
Tailor inquiry to areas that resonate with student needs and personal teaching goals
Stay current with research to ensure learners benefit from the most effective strategies
These principles extend to administrative and support staff, who receive relevant PL aimed at strengthening their professional practice and supporting the school’s mission:
improve student learning
DIVERSE PATHWAYS FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
FORMAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
YIS hosts scheduled Professional Learning days, strategic team meetings, and workshops to cultivate new skills. We also sponsor attendance at regional and international conferences, promoting cross-pollination of ideas.
INQUIRY-BASED & RESPONSIVE
Beyond set events, staff enjoy autonomy to dive deeper into areas of personal interest. Whether through reading groups, ad-hoc committee work, or online learning networks, our community encourages risk-taking and creativity in professional exploration.
THE PROFESSIONAL
GROWTH PLAN (PGP)
We believe in the power of inquiry for educators as well as students. Each year, teachers self-identify a professional focus area that directly impacts classroom experiences. In small, shared-interest groups, they:
- Study a chosen topic
- Take action by implementing ideas
- Reflect on classroom impact
Past PGP topics range from “Making Thinking Visible” and “Blogging in the Classroom” to “Outdoor Education,” “Design Thinking,” and more. These focus groups embrace a cycle of experimentation, feedback, and collaborative discovery, ensuring our educators continue to evolve their practice in ways that resonate across the entire learning community.
JOIN A COMMUNITY OF Growth & INQUIRY
Professional learning at YIS is a deeply rooted culture of curiosity and reflection. Here, you’ll collaborate with dedicated colleagues who value growth, champion innovative methods, and share an unwavering commitment to student success.
Find out where your passion for education can take you. Explore our current openings and find a community where your expertise, curiosity, and commitment to growth will truly make a difference.