Madeline
Zhang
Bio
My name is Min (Madeline) Zhang. I have been teaching Chinese in the United States for over 10 years, and I am a certified Chinese teacher. I currently hold professional teaching licenses in both Kansas (KS) and Illinois (IL).
In addition to teaching, I also work as a Career Coach, Educator Mentor, and Professional Development Specialist, supporting students and educators in achieving their academic and career goals.
I am passionate about sharing not only the Chinese language, but also its rich culture. I also love cooking Chinese food! If you recognize the dish in the picture, let me know — I’d love to hear from you! 😊
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Education
I hold two master’s degrees — one in Asian Studies and the other in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language — and a bachelor’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Higher Education, which I expect to complete this year.
Beyond the classroom, I have served as a mentor for new language educators, supporting them in becoming confident and effective teachers.
Teaching Philosophy
Interest is the best teacher on the path of learning. Although the learning process can be challenging, with the right methods, students can achieve twice the result with half the effort. I firmly believe that a great class should be both educational and enjoyable, and a great teacher should be attentive to the diverse needs of every student.
While mastering language skills is important, it is equally essential for students to understand the cultural diversity behind the language. That’s why I have always advocated for a student-centered classroom and differentiated instruction, as these approaches significantly boost students’ engagement and intrinsic motivation.
At the same time, I believe that teaching with empathy is crucial. Supporting students in developing their social-emotional learning skills not only enhances their language acquisition but also helps them grow into compassionate and culturally aware global citizens.