Funder: Japan Foundation of Los Angeles
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Lead Teacher) | January 2027 (Assistant Teacher)
Funding Amounts: Fully covered Assistant Teacher compensation and related support, plus educational-material funds, for up to two academic years
Summary: J-LEAP places native Japanese-speaking Assistant Teachers in U.S. K–12 schools to strengthen Japanese-language education through team teaching.
Key Information: Host schools must arrange a host family for the Assistant Teacher’s first three months.
Description
The Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP) pairs native Japanese-speaking Assistant Teachers with Lead Teachers at 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 strengthens Japanese-language courses through team teaching while nurturing a new generation of qualified Japanese-language teachers.
Established in 2011 following the 2010 Japan–U.S. Summit, J-LEAP promotes dialogue between Japanese and American youth. Students gain opportunities to hear authentic Japanese conversation and interact with an additional Japanese speaker. Assistant Teachers can also participate in local cultural events and activities. The 2018–20 cycle was the program’s eighth year and included six Assistant Teacher placements across six states.
