Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (JLEAP)
JLEAP places native Japanese assistant teachers in U.S. K-12 schools to enhance Japanese language education through team-teaching and cultural exchange.
Funder: Japan Foundation of Los Angeles
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Lead Teacher application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Placement of a native Japanese assistant teacher for up to 2 years; AT’s airfare, stipends, housing, insurance, and host school educational materials costs are fully covered.
Summary: Places native Japanese assistant teachers in U.S. K-12 schools to strengthen Japanese language programs and foster the next generation of educators.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; all deadlines are projected and may change.
Description
The Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (JLEAP) brings native Japanese Language Assistant Teachers (ATs) to K-12 educational institutions across the United States for up to two years. The program aims to strengthen Japanese language programs at host institutions by enabling team-teaching with a native speaker, enriching students' language and cultural experience, and supporting the professional growth of both the Lead Teacher (LT) and the Assistant Teacher. JLEAP is jointly administered by the Japan Foundation Los Angeles and The Laurasian Institution.
Participating schools receive comprehensive support, including the AT’s salary, travel, living, and housing stipends, as well as funds for educational materials. The program is designed to be cost-effective for schools and to help cultivate a new generation of qualified Japanese language educators.
