Following the 2020 Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) in October last year, which brought together more than 70 schools, daycares, and educational centers, we’d like to acknowledge the people who make those schools and institutions truly great. Many of Beijing’s esteemed international schools submitted their nominations for the Jing Educators Award 2020, celebrating those who dedicate themselves to education, create innovative learning experiences, and maintain outstanding environments for our kids to study in. In this #JingEdAwards series, we’ll share these committed individuals and why they were nominated from now through the end of this year.
The Chinese language is fascinating and complex, and it takes a great teacher to help students truly understand and engage with it. These teachers play a key role in the design, development, and teaching of Chinese curricula.
Name: Susie Zhang 张荔舒
Position: Chinese Teacher
School: ETU Education
Susie Zhang graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She completed the course requirements of the Master of Arts program in Chinese linguistics and language acquisition with distinction. Based on her passion for education, she volunteered to teach in less developed areas during college, and also joined an exchange program at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. She became a teacher after she graduated. She has taught IB Chinese and Cambridge English, during which she was awarded “Distinguished Teacher” on several occasions. Susie joined ETU School at its founding in 2016. She has been teaching Chinese and PBL in Grade K and Grade 1 and is currently a homeroom Chinese teacher for Grade 2. She also led routine teaching research in Grade 2 and is a project coordinator for a Chinese research program. Susie cares about each student and sees their potential and strong points. She always provides effective personalized support for the many questions raised by students or parents, helping every child to become a successful learner.
Name: Taurus Wu 武弈诗
Position: Chinese teacher
School: The Nord Anglia School (NAS) Beijing, Fangshan
Taurus graduated from Beijing Language and Culture University majoring in teaching Chinese as a second language. He has 10 years of Mandarin teaching experience. Before joining NAS Beijing Fangshan, he worked in Nord Anglia School-BSB Shunyi as head of the Chinese department. He leads curriculum development and assessments and has organized many successful events.
During the teaching process, he is patient and meticulous, which gives children a great sense of security and creates a good communication channel. Taurus is good at stimulating students’ interest in learning, in line with the belief that “Those who would like to know are not as good as those who know, and those who are happy to learn are not as good as who would like to learn.” He is good at leading the children and is happy to open the door to the world of Chinese language to all children.
Name: Xia Mingzhu 夏明珠
Position: Chinese Director
School: Yuecheng Courtyard Kindergarten
Dr. Xia studied in the United States for several years and holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from Miami University and a PhD in child and family studies from the University of Tennessee. Since returning to China, she has worked in several well-known early childhood organizations as a PYP coordinator, associate director of a research institution, and the director of an experimental kindergarten. She was nominated for this award based on her consultative role in determining the need for innovation and evaluating the impact of new innovations on student learning, as well as her engagement with the school community and other stakeholders in the educational design process.
KEEP READING: Jing Educators Award 2020: High School Principals
Images: courtesy of the schools
