We would like announce the J-LEAP Lead Teacher (LT) application period for the program beginning in July/August 2025!

ABOUT: J-LEAP, or the Japanese-Language Education Assistance Program, is a Japanese teacher dispatch program co-administered by Laurasian Institution and Japan Foundation which is currently in its 13th year.

Every year, a handful of new Assistant Teachers (ATs) are chosen and dispatched to K-12 schools throughout the US to enhance those Japanese programs by co-teaching fresh, authentic Japanese language and culture.

Read below to see what benefits J-LEAP can offer you and your school!
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Refresh and strengthen your program!
By involving a young native Japanese language AT in the classroom, students will have the opportunity to experience authentic and current Japanese-language usage, and they will have a chance to gain insights into authentic contemporary Japanese culture and society.

No cost to you!
There is zero cost to schools as each AT’s compensation, relocation, housing, local transportation, health insurance, and salary are all fully covered by Japan Foundation.

Teacher training opportunities!
Once ATs arrive in the US, they participate in a week-long arrival training session with their LT before being sent to their respective host schools. To facilitate effective co-teaching, Ats and LTs will be able to take advantage of various training and consulting opportunities, which will be beneficial for their professional development.

Teaching materials stipend!
Host schools can take advantage of a $1,000 grant to purchase teaching materials of their choosing that support Japan-related activities!

Make and deepen connections in your area!
In addition to strengthening your program in the classroom, an AT can establish and strengthen connections between your Japanese-language program and your community by serving as a Japanese cultural coordinator and by engaging in various advocacy activities at the local level.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: The deadline to complete "Phase One" of the application is Dec. 1, 2024.
 

HOW TO APPLY: Application materials and details can be found on Laurasian Institution's website (https://www.laurasian.org/jleap-lead-teachers), and you can also read more about the program, including past participant testimonials, on JFLA’s website: https://www.jflalc.org/jle-j-leap

Please help us spread the word!
We hope K-12 schools all over the U.S. will consider applying for and taking advantage of this great opportunity to strengthen their Japanese-language programs, and we hope you can help us share this great opportunity with prospective teachers/programs in your area!