Funder: Japan Foundation of Los Angeles
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Lead Teacher application first deadline)
Funding Amounts: Assistant Teacher compensation and related support covered for up to two academic years, plus educational-material funds for hosts
Summary: J-LEAP pairs native Japanese-speaking Assistant Teachers with U.S. K–12 Lead Teachers to strengthen Japanese-language programs.
Key Information: Host schools must find a host family to accommodate the Assistant Teacher for the first three months.
Description
The Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP) brings native Japanese-speaking Assistant Teachers to U.S. K–12 schools for up to two academic years. Funded by the Japan Foundation and jointly administered with the Laurasian Institution, the program supports team teaching with a school's Lead Teacher. It aims to strengthen Japanese-language courses while nurturing a new generation of qualified Japanese-language teachers.
Students gain opportunities to hear authentic Japanese, interact with a native speaker, and observe communication between two teachers. Assistant Teachers can also serve as cultural ambassadors through community events and activities. Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers receive professional development and support. The Year 9 cohort covered 2019–2021, with additional one-year placements in 2019–2020.
