Qian Zhang

• School Overview: Post Oak Academy is an International Baccalaureate Chinese Immersion public school in Lansing, Michigan that is part of Lansing School District. As one of mid-Michigan’s first elementary schools to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, Post Oak Academy exposes students to an international environment, including second-language instruction in Chinese using a 50/50 immersion design.
• Taught Kindergarten, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade and Six Grade. My job responsibilities include:

- Plan and teach trans-disciplinary curriculum under International Baccalaureate framework.

- Create a positive student-centered and differentiated learning environment and implement multiple learning strategies to enhance students’ understanding

- Develop a mindset of global appreciation for students to understand Chinese culture and other cultures around the world through inquiry-based teaching and community activities

- Enhance student engagement by using immersive teaching methods and integrate technology to support language learning and engagement.

- Assess student progress regularly through formal assessments, informal observations, and one-on-one conferences to provide tailored support.

- Cooperate with English-Speaking partner teachers to set consistent high expectations for students, meet their needs and achieve grade-level goals as a team.

- Communicate with guardians timely and prepare classroom events to involve guardians.

• Served as a mentor for new teachers, sharing insights on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques while promoting a supportive work environment.
• Worked as a member of the School Improvement Team to discuss schoolwide policies and decisions with administrators before presenting to the whole staff.
• Worked as a coordinator for Chinese teachers, scheduling training and organizing monthly Chinese teachers meetings in school year 2022-2023.

• Worked at Chinese Learning Summer Camp held by Confucius Institute at Michigan State University
• Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, promoting a well-rounded educational experience for attendees.
• Implemented creative Chinese culture activities and crafts projects to engage attendees in language and culture learning.

• Taught exchange students from Copenhagen University two courses Ancient Chinese and Chinese History and Culture
• Created and implemented different learning activities to meet needs of different types of learners.
• Developed lesson plans that incorporated mandated topics and included immersive activities for student engagement.

• Taught Business Chinese in Florida International University Summer Language Program
• Designed lessons with a focus on real-world applications.
• Planned activities and tours to experience Chinese culture.