Shaler Area High School is one of a select schools selected to take part in the Japanese Language Education Assistant Program (J-LEAP), a collaborative initiative between the Japan Foundation and Laurasian Institution that places native Japanese language Assistant Teachers in U.S. K–12 schools for up to two years. These Assistant Teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Japanese language education and work alongside experienced Lead Teachers in a team-teaching model, helping to strengthen Japanese language programs while developing their own teaching skills and confidence.

The program emerged from a 2010 dialogue between Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan and U.S. President Barack Obama, reflecting their shared commitment to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations through cultural understanding. J-LEAP provides significant benefits to host schools at no cost—Assistant Teachers are fully compensated through grants, students gain exposure to authentic Japanese language and culture, and both Assistant and Lead Teachers receive ongoing professional development support throughout the program. Additionally, Lead Teachers in the program receive a stipend to use for materials for the classroom to enrich students’ experience.

Shaler Area High School teacher Steve Balsomico explains, “We are very lucky to be a part of the program, as the selection process is very rigorous and in demand. This year only 6 assistants were dispatched to the U.S., and there were schools from all over the country applying to be a part of this program. Our assistant is Haruka Nishida from Osaka, Japan. Throughout this year, Haruka has been amazing at helping students in both Japanese language and cultural studies. I’m seeing students engaging in Japanese conversations more than ever before, and there are many students coming down on a regular basis to talk to her about Japanese culture.”