Kobe City: Model Implementation of “Grade (Team) Homeroom Teacher System” in Municipal Schools

School Education Division, School Education Department, Board of Education Secretariat (December 16, 2022)

Kobe City will introduce a “grade (team) homeroom teacher system” in two model municipal elementary schools and two model municipal junior high schools from April 2023.
Although some government-ordinance-designated cities have introduced this system on their own, Kobe is the first city in which the Board of Education has taken the initiative in formulating a policy and implementing the system.

What is the “grade (team) homeroom teacher system”?

A method of classroom management in which multiple teachers are in charge of teaching students in a class on a rotational basis, rather than having a fixed homeroom teacher.

Purpose of introduction

1. To increase opportunities for teachers and staff to interact with students from multiple perspectives and to notice changes in students.
2. To develop students’ diverse abilities through activities and dialogues with many teachers and staff members, leading to their healthy growth.
3. To improve instructional and organizational skills through collaboration and complementation among teachers and staff.

3. “Model Implementation

1. Two elementary schools and two junior high schools will be designated as model schools by the Board of Education Secretariat, and the program will be implemented from April 2023.
2. The secretariat will provide guidance, advice, and support for the operation of the grade (team) homeroom teacher system and school open house.
3. Schools will be open to the public and research discussions will be held during the 2023 school year, and the results of the initiatives and issues will be shared among all elementary and junior high schools in the city.
4. Verify and evaluate the results, and consider city-wide implementation.