Presentation Session I

Japan’s government-funded Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program has employed over 80,000 participants to promote language education and international exchange. Despite its global scale, the program’s preparation and professional development for Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), remains limited and inconsistent. To address these challenges, this study implements an online Professional Learning Community (PLC) as an intervention designed to enhance ALT provide ongoing career support as an in-service PD intervention integrated for participants’ ongoing roles as ALTs. Before and after surveys of the PLC intervention, along with post semi-structured interviews explore how participation in both formats enhanced ALTs’ preparedness, confidence, and professional growth during their placement. Thematic analysis of qualitative data examines perceived value, key learning outcomes, and how practitioner collaboration contributed to more effective teaching. Findings will inform evidence-based recommendations for sustainable, practitioner-informed PD that supports ALTs and acts as a model for other professions’ in-service PD.