A vast percentage of Mendham High School students are involved in the world language programs organized in our school district. While most opt for French or Spanish, some choose to take the Chinese language pathway. After Ms. Cooley’s move to North Carolina, Ms. Huang stepped in to take her place as West Morris Mendham’s Chinese teacher. Having taught Chinese for seven years at both middle and high schools, Ms. Huang uses her extensive experience to embrace the massive undertaking of every Chinese language class here at Mendham: Chinese 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as the Advanced Studies class. 

Growing up in China, Ms. Huang has had a lifelong love of language and culture. This enthusiasm further developed during her time at Rutgers. When asked why she chose to become a Chinese teacher, she describes her strong passion for learning and teaching new languages. Ms. Huang explains, “I feel like teaching students a different language opens their eyes to another world. Mutual communication is also very important, because when you’re going to meet new friends, you can speak more than one language. I think that’s a cool thing.” Her passion is evident through this reasoning; however, it is even more apparent through her class structure and teaching style. An advocate for interactive classrooms, Ms. Huang enjoys assigning group projects in which students brainstorm and collaborate, while having fun and learning about Chinese culture.

Additionally, Ms. Huang frequently reminds her students that she is always available to them. She does so by saying, “We can help each other.” Not only does this open doors for a productive classroom environment, but it also allows for bonds to be built between her and her students. Moreover, Ms. Huang acknowledges the importance of routine. She explains how students are constantly completing activities, reviewing content from previous lessons, and working on speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities, all while simultaneously understanding classroom expectations. Furthermore, Ms. Huang has a plethora of exciting activities planned for the Chinese classes this year. From painting Chinese fans to making bracelets for Chinese New Year, her students should be very excited to learn about Chinese culture and society through these interactive experiences.

Outside of school, Ms. Huang has two children, an eleven-year-old and a six-year-old, whom she loves spending time with, even though she is their self-proclaimed “driver”. Beyond that, Ms. Huang loves music and travel, as she appreciates learning about different traditions and customs from around the world. She is also a skilled foodie and enjoys trying new cuisines from different cultures around the world, especially Chinese dumplings.

Ms. Huang is motivated by the school motto, “Make Every Minute Matter”, and mascot. In addition, Ms. Huang describes her time here at Mendham so far as incredibly positive by explaining, “My colleagues are very supportive and help me all the time. Even the students show a lot of respect; they’re working so hard and are amazing.” Throughout the course of this school year and beyond, Ms. Huang encourages and advises students, “Be stronger and stronger, because all you guys are good.”