Meet Our Chinese Language Teachers

Tian Zhou

Tian, born and raised in Beijing, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Sun Yat-Sen University and a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from New York University.

Tian is a licensed teacher in New York State with ESL (K-12) & Mandarin (Grades 7-12) certificates. Tian also holds Test for English Majors and Putonghua Proficiency Test certifications from the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China.

Tian has taught thousands of students in NYC alone and has accumulated 10,000+ teaching hours. His students range from Fortune 500 CEOs to 4-year-olds. As the academic director of Sishu Mandarin Chinese teachers, Tian has mentored over 150 Chinese teachers in the past few years.

Tian is the organizer of the largest Chinese language learning group in New York City and has hosted 200+ language events for public and institutional clients. Tian is a language specialist at WikiHow and a regular host of MandarinPod, an advanced Chinese language learning podcast. In 2021, he started his podcast show, 好奇天天.

Take classes with Tian.

Lingjie G. (Senior Instructor & Assistant Manager at FiDi)

Lingjie, hailing from the beautiful Nan'ao Island in Shantou, is eagerly anticipating the completion of her master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the esteemed New York University. Being a native speaker of both Mandarin and Teochew, she possesses exceptional language skills and has even received the prestigious Certificate of Mandarin Proficiency Test, Level 2 Grade A.

With an extensive background in teaching Mandarin and English to adults, Lingjie brings a wealth of experience to the table and is more than willing to assist language learners on their path to proficiency. Renowned for her exceptional teaching abilities, Lingjie has garnered high praise from her students, making her an in-demand instructor.

Available location: FiDi

Kathya A. (Senior Instructor)

Kathya is a New York native who pursued an undergraduate degree in Chinese language and literature at China's most prestigious institution, Peking University. After nearly eleven years of learning Mandarin and four years of rigorous study, she has gained mastery of the language and achieved high marks in the HSK 6, HSKK, Peking University's Chinese Writing Exam, Culture, and History Exam, and the College Entrance Exam. Within her seven years of teaching experience, she taught English in China for five years and has dedicated nearly three years at Sishu to teaching Mandarin, ranging in levels from HSK 1-4.

Elly C. (Senior Instructor)

Elly is originally from Hong Kong and grew up speaking English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, possessing native fluency in all three languages. An avid reader and learner her whole life, Elly is committed to helping other language learners achieve their goals by creating a warm and personalized learning environment. She comes from a professional background in education and has experience in language translation as well as teaching both English and Mandarin.

Beyond the classroom, Elly enjoys manga, postmodern literature, and ARPGs. You can always let her know if you have any recommendations (in Mandarin)!

Available locations: Midtown, FiDi

Kun X. (Senior Instructor)

Kun moved to the US when he was 14 years old and has a BFA in graphic design. He received his MA in Art History from the University of Oregon, specializing in classical Chinese art history and Chan/Zen Buddhist art history. During his graduate tenure, Kun taught college classes as a teaching assistant.

Kun was a Laurel Internship Fellow at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and had numerous first-hand opportunities with traditional East Asian artifacts and works of art. Kun has also received a fellowship from the Foreign Languages and Area Studies Program to study Japanese.

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Lucy Y. (Senior Instructor)

Lucy, a native of Guangdong, China, possesses linguistic proficiency in two widely spoken Chinese dialects, Mandarin and Cantonese. Her linguistic prowess doesn't end there, as she also acquired fluency in English during her time in primary school. After completing her education, she embarked on an inspiring journey by relocating to the United States, specifically New York, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Public Health.

Lucy's unwavering determination to uplift and empower her fellow Chinese community members serves as the driving force behind her career choices. For over five years, she dedicated herself to teaching and guiding children and teenagers, while also extending her support to the elderly. Drawing upon her experience and passion, Lucy has now transitioned to conducting online classes, catering to an even broader audience that includes children, teenagers, and adults alike.

Remote only.

Lexie L.

Lexie, born in Xi'an, China, moved to Rochester, New York, at age 13 for high school. She then pursued her academic passions at George Washington University in D.C. and graduated with a double major in Psychology and Art History. 

Fluent in both Mandarin and English, Lexie's passion for language and culture is boundless.

In the classroom, Lexie's interdisciplinary approach breathes life into learning, infusing it with captivating facts and fresh perspectives. And if you're also passionate about art and find yourself in New York City, Lexie is more than happy to share her favorite museums, galleries, and must-see spots in all these places! 

Available locations: Midtown, LIC

Lu

Lu is a New York-based interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator. Born in China, she moved between four cities before relocating to the U.S. for high school. Lu earned her BA in Art History and Studio Arts from the University of Pittsburgh and recently completed her MFA at the Pratt Institute. She has exhibited her work in the U.S. and internationally, including shows in NYC, Nantes, and Beijing.

Lu’s artistic practice explores the intersection of language and history through both personal and communal lenses of storytelling, archiving, and symbol study. Her own migration history provides a rich perspective on understanding the relationships between people, time, space, and one another. She questions and protests the interconnections between different cultures and societies we inhabit. Her goal is to create space and recontextualize discourse, discussion, and the exploration of uncertainties surrounding subjects we need to learn about and share to better understand our experiences within specific contexts.

With a foundation in printmaking and woodworking, Lu’s practice incorporates multiple mediums and techniques such as textiles, ceramics, performance, digital media, etc. Her works often manifest as research-based, concept-driven, interdisciplinary installations.

Bingqian T. (Senior Instructor)

BingQian is from Fuzhou and moved to the U.S. at age 12. She adapted to U.S. culture and speaks English fluently now, but it wasn't easy. Her experience helps her understand the challenges of learning a new language, and she's eager to assist her students in any way she can. BingQian firmly believes that everyone can gain from learning another language. She takes joy in sharing her culture and language with her students and finds great satisfaction in witnessing their progress.

Remote only.

Pei-Yun

PeiYun, from Taichung City, Taiwan, is fluent in Taiwanese and Mandarin. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Literature from National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU), a Master of Arts in Linguistics from West Virginia University, and a Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language Certificate from the Ministry of Education of Taiwan.

PeiYun has over six years of Chinese language teaching experience covering ages 12 to 72 from diverse backgrounds of Novice to Intermediate levels in ACTFL, familiar with creative teaching methods and cultural education, via in-person, online, asynchronous, and college study abroad courses. She has been a Mandarin Instructor in a couple of Chinese Language Centers at colleges in Taiwan. Besides, as a graduate teaching assistant at West Virginia University, providing educational support to undergraduate or graduate students.

Remote only.

Rachel L.

Rachel originates from Chengdu, renowned for its charm and delicious food. Having spent over twenty years in this vibrant city, she later pursued her academic journey in the U.S. Throughout years of scholarly pursuits, she delved into sociology and education, now nearing the completion of her Ph.D. thesis. Rachel's interests extend beyond academia to encompass art, music, and photography, reflecting her curiosity and passion for learning. As a committed yogi and meditation practitioner, she brings a serene and collaborative teaching style to her classes. Rachel warmly invites her fellow college students to embark on an exciting exploration of Chinese language and culture together.

Available locations: FiDi

TingLin H.

TingLin, originally from Taiwan, is fluent in Taiwanese and Mandarin. She holds a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from West Virginia University and a Teacher Certificate from the Ministry of Education of Taiwan. TingLin has taught English in Taiwan and Mandarin in West Virginia and Pennsylvania to various age groups and levels. Her background from Taiwan to the United States provides a unique perspective in her interactions with students. Besides English and Mandarin, she is also learning Japanese and Spanish. TingLin is currently only offering online classes.

Remote only.

Xinglin C.

Xinglin, who was born in Fuzhou, China, is fluent in both Mandarin and English. She has a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from New York University. Xinglin has taught English to adult immigrants in New York City through Columbia University’s Community Impact program, and she has also taught advanced English classes for adults at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. In China, she worked as a TOEFL instructor for high school students. With her diverse teaching experiences, Xinglin has gained deep insights into the needs of language learners, developed strong teaching skills, and gained a better understanding of cross-cultural language acquisition. She will bring her passion for education to Sishu Mandarin by teaching Chinese language.

Available locations: Midtown, LIC

Yozen C.

Hey there, I'm Yozen, originally from Taiwan. I moved to NYC in 2022 and am still happily exploring the culture and spirits here. 

Before embarking on my NYC journey, I spent more than a decade spearheading running campaigns for an international environmental organization. If you're passionate about learning eco-friendly practices in Mandarin, I am excited about exchanging thoughts with you! 

When I'm not teaching, you'll find me whipping up delicious dishes in the kitchen, experimenting with fermentation, and immersing myself in spiritual learning, sound healing, and Buddhist philosophy. With a dash of humor and a whole lot of versatility, I'm thrilled to welcome you to my class. See you there!

Available location: Midtown

Aurora L.

Aurora Liu is a Chinese native speaker from Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. Her journey in the United States began when at age 14. Aurora pursued her higher education at the University at Buffalo, where she achieved a double major in History and Law, providing her with a robust academic foundation that she now brings to her teaching. She has a long history of writing in Chinese and has worked as a subtitle translator and copy editor for documentaries.

Today, Aurora Liu is exclusively offering online Mandarin classes. Her educational approach is informed by her historical knowledge and her firsthand experiences of Chinese culture, allowing her to create an engaging and immersive learning environment for her students worldwide.

No longer available.

Junyi M.

Junyi graduated from the University of Maryland with a Master's in World Language Education. She has been teaching Chinese since 2020 to students aged 4 to 55. She excels in adapting teaching methods to different age groups and enjoys working with students with special needs. In her free time, she likes crafting, baking, and making drinks. Junyi loves pets and has a cat named Yutou and a dog named Maodou. She prefers staying at home on weekends, watching TV shows, and reading Chinese romance novels. Her favorite series is "Modern Family," which she has watched seven times.

Remote only.

Huidan H.

Huidan, a native of Sichuan, China, is an incredibly passionate individual when it comes to teaching the Chinese language and sharing its vibrant culture. With a Master of Teaching World Language/TESOL from New York University, she has honed her skills and expertise in the field. Not only that, Huidan has also obtained the prestigious ACTFL superior Mandarin proficiency certification, demonstrating her exceptional abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Mandarin.

Now, as a certified New York Mandarin teacher, she is eager to embark on her educational journey, touching the lives of her students and inspiring them with the same enthusiasm and curiosity that she and her lovable Golden Retriever companion bring to the world. Together, they create a bilingual adventure filled with love and constant learning. Join Huidan as she guides and empowers students in their Mandarin language learning, leaving an indelible impact on their lives and fostering a deeper appreciation for the Chinese language and culture.

Beibei X.

Beibei, originally from Shenyang, China, traveled to different parts of the world. When she was 10, she moved to Tokyo with her parents. She enjoyed the Japanese culture and language there. In 2018, she moved to New York, but soon felt a desire to reconnect with her Chinese roots. She decided to return to Beijing, where she lived for 7 years. During that time, she discovered her love for teaching Chinese and Japanese. Beibei also started a fashion design service in New York for Asian people.

Beibei combined her creativity and desire to help others express their unique identities through fashion. Beibei's journey has been a story of growth, self-discovery, and finding fulfillment in her career. She is proud of her teaching and enjoys making a difference in people's appearance. With her determination and diverse background, Beibei continues to make a lasting impact on the world.

Available location: FiDi

Jiarui Y

Jiarui Y, originally from Xiamen, Fujian province, is a big enthusiast for language and technology, holding a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research and Information Engineering from Cornell University. Native in Mandarin, fluent in English and Japanese, and a beginner in Thai, Jiarui is deeply passionate about linguistic education and cultural exchange.

Now based in New York, and completing her studies at Cornell Tech, Jiarui is eager to share her love for languages and cultures with students who are enthusiastic about learning. Her teaching approach is enriched with insights from real-world interactions and is tailored to meet the individual goals of each learner, whether it’s guiding language proficiency or exploring cultural nuances.

Beyond the classroom, Jiarui is always eager to chat about J-dramas, detective books, and good places for traveling!

Flynn

Flynn is a South Korean musical theatre actress currently based in Manhattan, New York. She has a BA from Tsinghua University in English Linguistics and Literature and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy majoring in Musical Theatre. She is fluent in Korean, Chinese, and English.

Available location: Midtown

Aspen L

Aspen, originally from Zhengzhou, China. She moved to Tampa, Florida in 2021. She graduated from Tianjin Foreign Studies University as a Business English major. She is fluent in both Putonghua and English. She got her Madiran Proficiency Test certificates from the Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China. She has been teaching Chinese to kids ages 5-12 in a local Chinese after school program for three years. She is also helping some US clients to source various products in China and other Asian countries. She is passionate about being a communication channel by using her language ability.

Remote only.

Oumeng W.

Oumeng is originally from Chongqing, China, and is a native speaker of Chinese. She holds a master’s degree in international Commercial Law from Leicester University in the UK. She was a lecturer at Sichuan International Studies University. With a decade of experience teaching law at the university, she possesses a rich academic background and extensive experience in higher education. With a passion for language education, she is excited to continue teaching Chinese and looks forward to helping students develop their Chinese language skills and foster a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture.

Xiying (Kelly) W.

Xiying is from Beijing, China. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a double major in Psychology and Economics. Later, she earned her master’s degree in Human Development Research and Policy from New York University.

With her background in psychology, Xiying places a strong emphasis on students' mental health in her teaching. She customizes her teaching methods to suit the individual needs of each student, ensuring they receive the appropriate support and guidance.  

Cecilia L.

Cecilia is from Fujian, China. She earned a Master’s in Communication Management from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s in Management from Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU). She has a deep understanding of Chinese literature and poetry. Cecilia represented SYSU on the TV show "The Good Poetry of China" and won. She also won on shows like "The Magic of Character" and "Cross-Age". Cecilia also appeared on shows like "Only You", "The Magic of Poem", and "Poetic China". Her passion for literature and writing led to the publication of over 40 articles in national magazines such as "Chinese Campus Literature", "Window of Knowledge", "High School Encyclopedia", "Extracurricular Reading", and "High School Expo". Cecilia's strong background in Chinese literature and history supports her teaching.

Available location: LIC

Emma Lin (Administration Director)

Emma, originally from Guangdong, China, is a highly educated and experienced teacher who has dedicated her career to Teaching Chinese as a foreign language. She completed her master's degree in this field at Macau University of Science and Technology, where she also served as a teaching assistant for a Cantonese course during her graduate studies.

Additionally, Emma has expanded her teaching expertise by instructing Chinese language courses at Woosong University in South Korea. Working with students from various backgrounds has provided her with valuable insights and honed her ability to effectively communicate Mandarin concepts to learners of different ages and skill levels.

Emma's talents extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. She is an accomplished Chinese calligrapher and has received awards for her skilled artistry in this ancient practice. Emma embraces this creative aspect of Chinese culture and leverages her expertise to teach calligraphy to both children and adults alike. Her rich experience in this field enables her to cultivate a love for Chinese writing and instill a sense of appreciation for cultural heritage in her students.

Email emma@celestialcalligraphy.com for calligraphy services.