STAFFING THE PROGRAM Prepared by Chunman H. Gissing

老師 Teacher 老师 “Good teachers are costly, but bad teachers cost - more.” ~ Bob Talbert “Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions.” ~ unknown “A teacher can make or break a program ” ~ A common saying "To me the sole hope of human salvation lies in teaching." ~ G.B. Shaw "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited." ~ Plutarch

Finding Chinese Language Teachers 中文老師何處尋 Courtesey, Lotus Perry University of Puget Sound Tea presentation at the University of Puget Sound, Lotus Perry, Chunman Gissing Courtesey, Christy Henson, Taipei American School Re-enactment of May Fourth student protest of 1919, at the University of Washington, Chunman Gissing

Three Major Sources Graduates of American university teacher preparation programs Educated Chinese native speakers already living in the U.S. who have or might obtain teaching credential Chinese nationals who come to the school or district on a short-term visa (1 to 3 yrs) through a visiting faculty arrangement

1. Graduates of American university teacher preparation programs Several US colleges and universities offer Chinese teacher education programs that enable participants to obtain certificate Collaboration between higher education institutions and K-12 schools can bridge the gap between supply and demand for Chinese teachers

2. Educated Chinese native speakers already living in the U.S. who have or might obtain teaching credential There are approximately 750 heritage weekend or after school Chinese language programs in the US, enrolling some 150,000 students Tapping into these community resources, ensuring appropriate certification

3. Chinese nationals who come to the school or district on a short-term visa (one to three years) through a visiting faculty arrangement Initiate programs in communities that do not have easy access to certified teachers of Chinese Serve as a visiting linguistic and cultural resource to assist in expanding existing programs. Culture shock factor: designate mentor teacher to pair up with

Qualifications of A Good Chinese Language Teacher Which “Chinese” to teach? Where am I teaching? How do people teach here? Who am I teaching? How do they learn? Credentials? Certification? Who else other than my students matters? Language proficiency?

1. Has a solid background in Mandarin and speaks the standard variety (Putonghua 普通话 /Guoyu 國語 )

2. Is well-versed in American foreign language pedagogy Pedagogy courses in Methods of teaching Curriculum design Assessment and testing Second language acquisition Material design

3. Is knowledgeable and skilled in managing in a U.S. classroom Sage on stage 讲台上的圣者 Guide by the side 從旁輔導的教練 Michelle Hsu-McWilliam, calligraphy class, Edinburg, UK

4. Is certified or willing to pursue certification and continuing professional development 5. Is willing to work with the school and community at large

6. Is proficient in English Foreign-born or non-native speakers of English may be required to take and pass a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Teacher Certification Requirement College and universities, independent non-public K- 12 schools --- not required No Child Left Behind Act requires that all classroom teachers in public schools must be certified and highly qualified to teach their subject

Other creative options Collaboration between school districts with community colleges to provide Chinese language programs to serve high school as well as college students Pair Chinese speaking paraprofessional with a certified ESL teacher or teachers of other languages

Getting the Words Out Seeking Chinese language teachers? Seeking Chinese teaching jobs? In WA State: Chinese Language Core Team CLTA CLASS Asia Society

Useful Resources for Chinese Language Teachers Yale University Press offers free download of the two teacher activity books and the picture cards for Communicating in Chinese Teachers will find very useful information and teaching activity ideas as well as sample syllabus and picture cards to use in their teachings.