Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (JLEAP) – US K-12 Schools
Forecasted
Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (JLEAP) – US K-12 Schools supports schools with native Japanese Assistant Teachers to strengthen language instruction and cultural exchange through team-teaching.
Funder: Japan Foundation of Los Angeles
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Lead Teacher application first deadline)
Funding Amounts: Assistant Teacher compensation fully covered for placements up to two years, plus educational-material funds for host schools
Summary: JLEAP places native Japanese Assistant Teachers in U.S. K–12 schools to strengthen Japanese-language programs through team-teaching 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 (JLEAP) brings native Japanese Language Assistant Teachers (ATs) to U.S. K–12 educational institutions for up to two years. Started in 2011, the program is jointly administered by the Japan Foundation and the Laurasian Institution. ATs team-teach with a school’s Japanese-language Lead Teacher (LT), strengthening existing language instruction while helping nurture a new generation of qualified Japanese-language teachers.
Students gain opportunities to hear authentic Japanese, interact with a native speaker, and observe communication between their teacher and the AT. Lead Teachers and ATs receive professional development together, supporting their teaching practice. The AT can also serve as a cultural ambassador through local cultural events and activities, extending the program’s intercultural exchange beyond the classroom.
