Job Description

Job Requirements

KCI is a new, Christ-centered international school opening in April 2026. We are prayerfully seeking passionate educators to join our founding team.

Before applying, please take a moment to read and make sure you understand and agree with the following requirements. We kindly ask that only applicants who meet these qualifications submit an application.

Job Requirements (Must Have)

• Native-level English proficiency
• Bachelor’s degree in Education (or a closely related field)
• Valid teaching license/certification from the applicant’s home country
• Minimum of one year of full-time classroom teaching experience (multiple subjects) at the elementary level in a school setting
• Committed Christian, active in a local church
• Agreement with KCI’s mission, vision, and values
• Applicants currently residing in Japan are preferred; however, overseas applicants are also welcome.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility and adaptability in a cross-cultural environment
• Willingness to comply with background check and safeguarding standards
• Minimum two-year commitment
• Ability to arrive in Kumamoto between January 15 and March 15, 2026

Preferred Qualifications

• ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) certification or eligibility
• Experience in international or Christian schools
• Experience or skills in art, music, and/or physical education.
• Japanese language ability (helpful but not required)
• Driver’s license and access to a car or scooter (for commuting and daily life in Kumamoto)

Our Mission

Kumamoto Christian International provides a Christ-centered education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of every child. We seek to help students grow in wisdom, character, and compassion through learning rooted in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Through English-immersion learning, moral guidance, and a caring international community, KCI prepares students to make a positive impact in the world with integrity, kindness, and excellence.

★ The Kumamoto Christian International (KCI) website will go live on Wednesday, October 22nd . It will still be under construction, but we invite you to visit and learn more about our vision. We’ve also just launched our official Instagram account —please take a look and follow our progress.

★ We also operate Hilltop International School , an established English-immersion kindergarten. To get a better sense of who we are and the learning environment we provide, please visit our Hilltop website or check out our Instagram account .

Job Description

Homeroom teachers at Kumamoto Christian International (KCI) are responsible for leading a single grade level (Grade 1 or 2) and providing both high-quality academics and Christ-centered spiritual guidance. Teaching load averages 20–25 hours per week within a 40-hour work week and includes approximately 2.5 hours of Bible instruction.

Duties include:

• Teach core subjects including literacy (language arts), mathematics, science, and social studies
• Provide Bible instruction for approximately 2.5 hours per week, integrating biblical truth into teaching and modeling Christian values in daily classroom life
• Create a Christ-centered classroom environment that nurtures faith, character, and a love of learning
• Design lesson plans, assessments, and classroom activities aligned with AERO/Common Core standards
• Support students’ academic, spiritual, and social-emotional growth
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Maintain classroom management and establish clear routines and expectations
• Collaborate with colleagues, administrators, and parents to support student success
• Participate in chapel, school events, and extracurricular activities
• Assist with the school’s ACSI accreditation process and contribute to curriculum development.
• Take on additional responsibilities according to gifting (such as art, music, or clubs)
• Engage in professional development and contribute to building a positive, collaborative school culture

What We Offer:

• Health insurance and visa sponsorship
• A supportive, faith-based, and caring working environment
• Small class sizes and a strong sense of community
• 6 weeks paid vacation + all Japanese national holidays
• Assistance in finding housing (note: housing and relocation costs are not covered by the school)
• Opportunities for advancement and leadership as the school expands into upper elementary, junior high, and high school
• Salary increases as the school grows and expands
• ACSI member school
• CAJ (Christian Academy in Japan) Parallel program member
• As a founding teacher, you will have the unique opportunity to help shape KCI’s programs, traditions, and community culture as the school grows.

Why Kumamoto?

Kumamoto, located in the heart of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most livable and welcoming cities. Known for Kumamoto Castle, nearby Mt. Aso, hot springs, and a relaxed pace of life, the city offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, and modern convenience.

For teachers and families, Kumamoto also offers an important advantage — affordability:

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages about ¥65,000/month (≈$444), compared to about ¥150,000/month (≈$1,020) in Tokyo
• A single person’s monthly expenses including rent are around ¥153,000 (≈$1,039), versus about ¥254,000 (≈$1,723) in Tokyo
• Overall, living costs in Kumamoto are about 40% lower than Tokyo , making everyday life more comfortable while leaving room to enjoy travel, dining, and the natural beauty of Kyushu

We are prayerfully seeking dedicated educators who desire to combine professional excellence with a deep love for God and students. If this mission resonates with you, we invite you to apply and join us as we build a Christ-centered learning community in Kumamoto.

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Location

861-8005, 熊本県, 熊本市, １８

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