THE FACTS In June many four-year and junior college students in their final year of school who are hopeful of obtaining a teacher's licence descend on public schools around the country for hands-on teaching experience. These student teachers spend their time with a particular class to learn about being in charge of a group of students and assist the teaching of particular subjects. Most student teachers spend about two weeks at school, although prospective physical education teachers spend about three weeks. During the first week, these apprentice teachers watch how classes are conducted from the back of the classroom. From the second week on, they actually lead classes, and it is the regular teacher who stays in the rear, watching how the trainees are doing. Each middle school is usually visited by four to six student teachers each year. Middle school students look forward to learning from the teacher trainees. They become good friends since they're fairly close in age. At the end of the practical teaching course, the students and apprentices bid farewell, lamenting the fact they will have to part. THE SCENE Four student teachers visited Sakuramichi Middle School in Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, from June 9 to 21, 1997. The students enjoyed learning science, social studies, home economics, and music from the friendly trainees, who talked freely to the students and listened to them in return. The trainees were popular for venturing out into the schoolyard during lunchtime to play with the students. Parting is always sad. "Thank you for everything," the students said in unison while handing the student teachers bouquets of flowers and cards with everyone's signature on them. Some students broke out in tears. The trainees were also moved and promised to become good teachers after graduation. The job market for teachers is hardly rosy, though. In fact, there are very few openings at middle schools today. Getting hands-on teaching experience does not guarantee a teaching position, since only a small minority can actually become teachers. At Sakuramichi Middle School, there has been no new teacher straight out of college for many years.

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