Funder: Japan Foundation of Los Angeles
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Lead Teacher application first deadline)
Funding Amounts: Assistant Teacher compensation fully covered for up to two years, plus host-school educational materials funds
Summary: J-LEAP places native Japanese-speaking Assistant Teachers in U.S. K–12 schools to strengthen Japanese language instruction and cultural exchange.
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) brings native Japanese-speaking Assistant Teachers to U.S. K–12 schools for up to two years. Jointly administered by the Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institution, the program pairs each assistant with a school’s Lead Teacher for team teaching. It aims to strengthen Japanese language programs while nurturing a new generation of qualified Japanese language teachers.
Students gain opportunities to hear authentic Japanese from another speaker and observe communication between teachers. Assistant Teachers can also serve as cultural ambassadors through local events and activities. The 2023–25 Year 12 cycle included six school partnerships across Hawaii, Alaska, California, Iowa, Minnesota, and Texas.
