“Language Brings Us Together”
Centered on the theme, “Language Brings Us Together,” the New Jersey Chinese Teachers Association (NJCTA) hosted a conference on Sept. 2 at Montclair State University, drawing scores of Chinese and Chinese-language educators. The conference emphasized culturally responsive education, student engagement and technology integration.
“It was a wonderful day to kick off the new school year with almost 100 educators, moon cakes, teas, guest speakers from Princeton University, Columbia University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University and top K-12 educators from 16 schools,” said NJCTA Chair Shihong Zhang, a founder of NJCTA.
Morning workshops, moderated by world language teachers, focused on effective teaching strategies. Afternoon breakout sessions addressed Chinese culture, artificial intelligence and various apps and useful products for Chinese language instruction.
“We have featured many established, well-known language educators,” said Linlin Hu, an NJCTA vice chair and a Linden Education Association member. “We got together to brainstorm, recharge and reenergize to get ready for the new school year.”
Among the attendees was NJCTA Teacher of the Year Shanman Liao. The Old Bridge Education Association member is also a vice chair of NJCTA.
Paterson Education Association member Tracy Chuan-chu Hong Syz proudly shared that she and her colleagues applied for and received an NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education grant titled “Opening the Door to Asian Cultures.” The grant will fund an International Club that recognizes the diversity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and their contributions to American society with a goal of educating students, building self-esteem for AAPI students, addressing harassment and hate directed toward the community and creating a bias-free school climate.
“I am proud and honored to have this opportunity to promote Asian culture in my school district,” said Hong Syz.
NJCTA was established in September 2021. Its mission is to promote the study, teaching and research of the Chinese language and culture at all grade levels in New Jersey and to provide a platform for Chinese instructors to share and exchange instructional experiences, ideas and information.