ABOUT J-LEARN
J-LEARN (The Japanese Language Education Advocacy and Resource Network) is a coalition of Japanese language teachers at all levels, interested parents, and other stakeholders. It was established in 2016 to respond to proposed cuts in Japanese language programs in the Washington DC area. The focus is on public schools at the K-12 level.
J-LEARN’s purpose is to ensure (1) that local school administrators, school board members, and parents make informed decisions about Japanese language study, and (2) that they understand the value of Japanese language learning to students and the importance and breadth of America’s ties to Japan.
To accomplish its purpose, J-LEARN’s members meet monthly to exchange information and ideas. They regularly consult with representatives of local governments, the Embassy of Japan, the Japan Foundation, the Japan Commerce Association, and other stakeholders.
J-LEARN advises local teachers and parents on how to build support for their Japanese language programs; it regularly updates a 2-page paper, “Why Learn Japanese?” for parents and school administrators; and it organizes the “National Junior Japan Bowl” for elementary and middle school students to showcase Japanese language study.
J-LEARN is currently exploring ideas about how to deal with the shortage of Japanese language teachers in the United States.
Jr. JAPAN BOWL
ABOUT Junior Japan Bowl.pdf
Senpai video
messages from former Japanese learners
messages from former Japanese learners
This is a compilation video featuring Japanese language learners who are using Japanese in their careers or daily lives after college. It was originally livestreamed during the J.LIVE Talk 2020. J.LIVE Talk (Japanese Learning Inspired Vision and Engagement Talk) is a national presentation contest in the United States hosted by The George Washington University.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Senior Advisor
Ambassador
John Malott
Chair
Ms. Yuka Ohta
Japanese Cultural Committee of
Great Falls Elementary School
Ms. Keiko Endo
Fox Mill
Elementary School
Dr. Tomoko Hoogenboom
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Dr. Yoshiko Mori
Georgetown University
Mr. Koji Otani
South County
High School
Ms. Noriko Otsuka
Fox Mill
Elementary School
Ms. Akane Shirata
Washington Japanese Heritage Center
Dr. Sufumi So
Japan-America Society of Washington DC (Board of Trustees)
Dr. Takae Tsujioka
George Washington University
Ms. Nichole Mayfield
South Lakes
High School
Ms. Kyoko Vaughan
Hayfield
Secondary School
Ms. Cynthia Rinehart
Great Falls Elementary School
Dr. Lisa Lackney George Washington University
East Asia Notional Resource Center
OUR PARTNERS
SUPPORT US
J-LEARN is part of the Japanese Cultural Committee (JCC) of Great Falls Elementary School, which is a parent-run 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to promote and sponsor the Japanese language and cultural activities of the Great Fall Elementary School and beyond. JCC of Great Falls Elementary School supports the school’s Japanese language immersion program and organizes educational and cultural events in and outside of the classrooms in order to promote greater understanding of Japan and Japanese culture and language.