-
Professional Development
"I believe one definition of a good teacher is someone who doesn't stop learning. J-LEAP has given me so many new avenues to explore that I doubt I will get to fully understand a fraction, but it has helped me see new ideas and possibilities that will help me grow."
—Will Smith, Lead Teacher at Waipahu H.S. (Waipahu, HI)
-
Program Growth
"J-LEAP has been the single most beneficial thing for my Japanese program. The number of students taking Japanese has increased dramatically, as has our retention rate. Every single student has commented on how wonderful our Assistant Teacher has been."
—Steven Balsomico, Lead Teacher at Shaler Area H.S. (Pittsburgh, PA)
-
Engaged Students
"My J-LEAP Assistant Teacher injected energy with music, events, celebrations, and technology. Every day, students were eager to come to class to try a new activity or game we prepared for them. As the only Japanese teacher in the school for years, it was a lot of fun to have another teacher in the classroom, even just for brainstorming."
—Isabel Espino de Valdivia, Lead Teacher at Pittsburgh Allderdice H.S. (Pittsburgh, PA)
-
Authentic Interaction
"J-LEAP was beneficial for our students who were able to use Japanese with another native speaker and to listen to authentic Japanese conversations. It was also a great opportunity for the host family to experience Japanese language and culture firsthand."
—Junko Agena, Leader Teacher at Aina Haina Elementary School (Honolulu, HI)
-
Valuable Knowledge
"Mina has a lot of knowledge and adds to each lesson! For example, she knows the roots of kanji and how they are derived. She is also the best after-school tutor that I have ever seen!"
—Nicole Olson, Lead Teacher at Washington H.S. (Phoenix, AZ)
Youkoso! (Welcome!)
Bring Japanese language and culture to life for your students! By welcoming an Assistant Teacher from Japan, you will not only help nurture a new generation of qualified teachers of the Japanese language, you will increase the breadth and depth of your school’s Japanese program, add a fresh young adult voice to your school and extended community, and promote cultural exchange between Japan and the U.S.
Good for All Involved
The program provides your students with the opportunity to hear and learn authentic Japanese language from a different and young, native speaker. Your community will gain a cultural promoter who engages in local cultural events and activities. And throughout the entire J-LEAP cycle, you will receive professional development (including on-site trainings in July) and support from program specialists, while improving your craft as a mentor.
No Cost to the School
J-LEAP enhances your school’s Japanese language program at no cost to your district. The Assistant Teacher’s compensation (relocation, housing, local transportation, health insurance, and salary) is fully covered by Japan Foundation. In addition, host sites can take advantage of a $1,000 grant to purchase teaching materials that support Japan-related activities, making this a very cost-effective program boost.
The Next Level
By the end of the two-year program, Lead Teachers will be able to create and deliver standards-based unit/lesson plans, teach more effectively in Japanese, and better assess student performance. The program also challenges Lead Teachers to re-examine teaching methods, providing new avenues, ideas, and possibilities to explore. And who knows—you and your students may just make a lifelong friend!
Lead Teacher Application
The deadline to submit your application for the program beginning July/Aug. 2023 has been extended to Dec. 12, 2022. Questions? Contact the Laurasian Institution office at 800.721.7474 or jleap[at]laurasian[dot]org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Note: The J-LEAP Program will be unable to accept applications from immersion programs for the next program cycle. Thank you for understanding.
1). Prepare Your Answers
The online application has two parts with two deadlines. It does not allow you to save your progress and return. For this reason, it is helpful to look over both parts in the "questions preview" below and prepare your answers separately before beginning.
2). Complete Your Application
The below link is to Part 1. It pertains to you, your school, and your program. It contains long-form questions and requires an attached resume. We will contact you shortly after submission, and if accepted, send you Part 2 at that time (Part 2 has a later deadline).
3). Submit Admin Approval
After submitting the J-LEAP Lead Teacher application online (Part 1 by Dec. 12, 2022), applicants should download, complete, and email (jleap[at]laurasian[dot]org) the administrative approval form to J-LEAP staff (also by Dec. 12, 2022).
J-LEAP is made possible through a partnership between Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution.
Questions?
Contact Laurasian Institution:
(U.S.) +1 800.721.7474
(Japan) +81-3-3712-6176
Email