Four Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) teachers were honored with the Chinese Teacher Milestone Award during the United Chinese American Association (UCAA)'s Phoenix Night event on October 22, 2023.
Mrs. Yang Hongyu, Ms. Zhou Hong, and Mr. Yao Linyong, from Tarwater Elementary School's Mandarin Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, received the award. Hamilton High School Mandarin teacher Mr. An Ran was also alongside Tarwater's teachers to accept the honor. Mr. Ran is teaching the first cohort of DLI students on Hamilton's campus.
The Chinese Teacher Milestone Award aims to recognize kindergarten through 12th grade teachers who have dedicated at minimum five years to the field of teaching the Chinese language in public schools and colleges. Teachers honored in the past have also served 10, 15, even 20 years or more in the profession. City of Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke and Town of Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson presented awards to the teachers at the UCAA event.
Learn more about the honored teachers
How long have you been a teacher at CUSD?
Zhou Hong: I have been a teacher at CUSD for 12 years, and this year is my seventh year at Tarwater Elementary.
Yao Linyong: This is my sixth year at Tarwater.
Yang Hongyu: I have been a teacher at Tarwater Elementary School for six years now, contributing to the wonderful journey of educating young minds in the Chandler Unified School District.
An Ran: This is my fourth year of teaching at Hamilton High School.
How does receiving this honor make you feel?
Zhou Hong: I feel so proud to receive this honor! It’s a source of motivation and encourages me to continue working hard and helping my students achieve their academic goals.
Yao Linyong: I feel proud to be a Mandarin language teacher and thankful for this recognition.
Yang Hongyu: Receiving this honor is truly overwhelming and exciting. It marks a significant milestone as it coincides with my tenth year in the field of bilingual education in the United States. The journey hasn't been easy, and this recognition means a lot to me.
An Ran: Receiving this honor is incredibly gratifying and a testament to the dedication and hard work I've put into advancing Chinese language education. It's a recognition of the impact I've had on students and the field.
Why is it important for students to learn an additional language and become multilingual/bilingual?
Zhou Hong: I think students learning an additional language benefit from improved problem-solving skills and enhanced critical thinking. Learning multiple languages can sharpen one's ability to analyze information from different linguistic and cultural perspectives. And bilingual individuals often have improved memory and multitasking skills, which can also be valuable in various academic and professional settings.
Yao Linyong: Learning a different language will certainly help people have a better understanding of each other. Research from the University of Chicago shows that learning a foreign language can foster empathy. Neurologists also find that learning a new language could promote the brain's development.
Yang Hongyu: Learning an additional language offers numerous advantages. It not only enhances cognitive abilities but also fosters cultural understanding and empathy. In an increasingly globalized world, being bilingual or multilingual opens doors to diverse opportunities, both personally and professionally.
An Ran: Learning an additional language and becoming bilingual or multilingual is essential for students in our globalized world. It not only broadens their cultural horizons but also enhances cognitive abilities, improves problem-solving skills, and provides a competitive edge in various career opportunities.
What does the Dual Language Immersion program mean to you?
Zhou Hong: I love being a part of Tarwater’s DLI program and the Toro family. I love getting to know my students and seeing them grow over the school year. When some students return to see me year after year, that’s when I know I was able to be part of a key part in their academic and personal journey.
Yao Linyong: Tarwater has a very strong DLI program with efforts and support from all levels. It serves the community with quality educational experiences and fun cultural activities. It adds a different color to our community, and I am proud to be part of it.
Yang Hongyu: Tarwater’s DLI program holds immense significance. As a free program within the Chandler Unified School District, it reflects our district's commitment to equitable, high-quality education. This initiative benefits every child, providing a pathway to academic excellence and cultural understanding.
An Ran: CUSD's DLI program holds significant meaning as it represents an opportunity to instill language skills and cultural understanding in young students, preparing them for a multicultural world. It's an avenue to nurture a love for language and diversity from an early age.
What's something you wish people knew more about world language education?
Zhou Hong: In today's increasingly globalized world, being bilingual or multilingual is a valuable asset that can open doors to a wide range of opportunities and contribute to personal, academic, and professional success. It also promotes cross-cultural understanding and fosters a sense of connectedness with our diverse community.
Yao Linyong: I like a quote from Nelson Mandela "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." I think world language education is essential to building a more inclusive world.
Yang Hongyu: World language education is more than just learning vocabulary and grammar. It's a gateway to understanding different cultures, fostering open-mindedness, and breaking down communication barriers. It's about embracing diversity and creating well-rounded global citizens.
An Ran: It's about fostering cultural awareness, empathy, and effective communication across borders. It's an investment in preparing future generations to thrive in a globalized society.
