Meet Award-Winning Chinese Graduate Students: Fang Bian and Ying Zhang
Ying Zhang, whose Chinese Program at Montgomery Bell Academy was recognized as one of the 16 programs across the US to receive the 2024 CLTA Distinguished K-12 Chinese Program, shares about how our Master’s in Chinese program shaped her as an educator.
Fang Bian, who teaches Mandarin Chinese at Mahwah High School and Ramapo Ridge Middle School in New Jersey, has used the teaching methods she learned in our MA program to integrate authentic language materials with activities that lead to more scientific, productive, and effective student output.
Fang Bian and Ying Zhang—both graduates of the Middlebury Language Schools’ Master’s in Chinese degree program—are the two recipients of the 2023 Outstanding Chinese Teacher Award of the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS).
Ying Zhang
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Program: Master’s Degree, four summers in Middlebury option
Current: Montgomery Bell Academy
What surprised you about your experience at the Middlebury Language Schools?
I was surprised by how quickly I changed as a teacher. I expected to learn theories, but I didn’t realize how much the program would push me to apply them right away in practical teaching.
The way the instructors combined world-class research with step-by-step guidance really transformed my teaching.
Why did you choose to study at the Middlebury Language Schools?
I chose the Middlebury Language Schools because of their incredible reputation for immersion and excellence. I knew that at the Chinese School I would be learning from some of the best researchers and teachers in the world. It turned out to be the perfect choice to challenge myself and grow.
Please describe how your skills improved due to your studies at Middlebury.
This program completely changed the way I teach. I learned so much about second language acquisition, assessment, motivation, and intercultural competence, and, just as important, how to turn those ideas into real lessons and classroom activities.
My classes are stronger, more engaging, and more effective because of what I learned here.
Describe a typical day at the Chinese School.
Every day was intense but also exciting. In the mornings, we normally had classes and lectures, and I loved the discussions with teachers and classmates, even at the dining tables, the conversations kept going! In the afternoons and evenings, there were guest speakers and cultural activities like calligraphy, tea tasting, and more. Each day was full of learning, interactions, and fun opportunities that made the experience unforgettable.
What advice would you give someone wanting to attend the Chinese School?
Come ready to work hard, but also to enjoy the journey. The program is challenging, but you’ll learn so much and have incredible experiences inside and outside the classroom.
Be open, dive in, and don’t be afraid to push yourself. You’ll come out a stronger teacher and a different person.
Fang Bian
Hometown: North Haledon, NJ
Program: Master’s Degree, four summers in Middlebury option
Current: Bergen County Academies
Why did you choose to study at the Middlebury Language Schools?
Everyone knows Middlebury has the world’s most famous language school. Even though I had studied a lot of linguistic theory before, I hadn’t really had much hands-on training in teaching Chinese to non-native speakers. When a friend told me about this graduate program, I came here full of excitement and high hopes!
What surprised you about your experience at the Chinese School?
This is truly a remarkable place, as it satisfies all of my curiosity about teaching Chinese. It allows me to learn with joy each day and fills me with eagerness to put what I have learned into practice. The faculty in the master’s program are highly respected experts or seasoned educators from prestigious institutions around the world. Having the opportunity to benefit from their professional guidance and wisdom is an extraordinary privilege, and I feel deeply fortunate and grateful.
Why did you choose the Language Schools for graduate school?
My earlier work experience was in TEFL/TESOL, and my career was progressing well. But I was always curious about the teaching theories behind every successful classroom experience.
So when I made the decision to become a Chinese teacher, I knew I wanted to do a master’s degree in linguistics—especially a program with a strong practical focus.
Please describe how your language and/or teaching skills developed and changed due to your studies at Middlebury.
I have become well-versed in a variety of second language teaching theories and practical methods, enabling me to design courses on diverse topics with ease and confidence during this program.
Each year, I present concrete teaching examples to other teachers at ACTFL with great confidence. The teaching practice method that I learned from the master program has allowed my classes to integrate authentic language materials with activities that lead to more scientific, productive, and effective student output. After graduating from this program, I got an opportunity to teach level 1 of the summer immersion program in Middlebury.
Describe a typical day at our Chinese School.
In the morning, I study with Professor Jia Junqing on how to sustain a second-language learner’s motivation and how to construct a ‘third space’ for learners. At lunch, Professor Li Wentao—who is like a living dictionary—enthusiastically explains the origins of each Chinese character. After a short nap in the afternoon, I read the Zhuangzi assignment given by Professor Lian Xinda and shared my thoughts and reflections with classmates on Canvas. In the evening, I attended Professor Lian’s inspiring lecture on Zhuangzi’s philosophy, Free and Easy Wandering, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
What advice would you give someone wanting to attend Chinese School?
Treasure every moment of learning and the conversations with your teachers and mentors—these moments are so rare and special. Keep your curiosity alive, give your best to every class, and enjoy each learning opportunity. You will be very busy but make sure to enjoy your evenings by taking a walk in the unique vegetable garden, watching the sunset, and star gazing.
Connect with Chinese Graduate ambassadors Ying Zhang or Fang Bian here.
Applications open on November 3, 2025 for our MAT with Teaching Licensure, MA in Chinese, and Chinese Immersion programs at the Chinese School.
The Chinese School provides a first-rate language program and life experience to look upon with pride and a deep sense of accomplishment long after the summer is over. Programs are open to college undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students at other institutions, and professionals of all ages.
Gather your materials to apply or connect with a graduate or immersion ambassador today!
