As I embark on my sixth year in the field of education, I am honored to be considered for the Arizona Chinese Milestone Award, an accolade that recognizes the dedication and impact of educators in promoting Chinese language and culture.

From the moment I stepped into my role as a Kindergarten teacher in the Mandarin immersion program, I knew I had found my calling. Working with these young, eager minds has been an absolute joy, and I consider myself fortunate to be part of their early education journey. The nickname "energetic bunny" bestowed upon me by my colleagues is a testament to my unwavering enthusiasm for teaching and my commitment to making learning a fun and memorable experience for my students.

Teaching Mandarin to these young learners goes beyond the classroom; it's about imparting a taste of culture and language that will stay with them for a lifetime. Each day, I see the spark of curiosity and cultural appreciation light up in their eyes as they learn to speak, read, and write in Chinese. It's a profound privilege to watch them grow, not only academically but also as global citizens who are more understanding and respectful of diverse cultures.

My approach to teaching is grounded in creating a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported. I strive to foster a love for language and culture by integrating hands-on activities, songs, games, and storytelling into our curriculum. Through these interactive experiences, I aim to make learning Mandarin not only educational but also exciting and memorable.

Moreover, I actively engage with parents and the community, organizing cultural events and language immersion opportunities to strengthen the bond between school and home. I firmly believe that collaboration between teachers, parents, and the community is essential in nurturing well-rounded students who appreciate the beauty of language and culture.

Receiving the Arizona Chinese Milestone Award would not only be a personal honor but also a validation of the importance of early language immersion programs in our education system. It would inspire me to continue my journey as an "energetic bunny" teacher, spreading the joy of learning Mandarin and instilling cultural appreciation in the hearts of our youngest learners.

I am deeply grateful for your consideration of my application for this prestigious award. Thank you for recognizing the significance of Mandarin immersion programs in Arizona, and for your continued support in promoting cultural diversity and language education.

Sincerely,

Xiaoting Chen

Kindergarten Teacher

Desert Sage Elementary School