Best of GWATFL Spring, 2019: Ms. Yuching Chung

Best of GWATFL 19

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Yuching Chung, on being named

Best of GWATFL Spring, 2019 for her session

“Visible Thinking Routines in Language Classroom.”

Ms. Chung will represent us at the NECTFL’s conference 2020! 

Interview with Best of GWATFL2019 Yuching Chun, Mandaring Teacher at Whittle School and Studios  

Yuching switched her career from interpreting to teaching in 2008. Since then She has taught both Mandarin Chinese and Japanese as a world language teacher in Florida and California. Yuching became a 5TH Grade Mandarin-immersion classroom teacher at Washington Yu Ying PCS in DC after she moved to Virginia in 2015. She started a new job as a 5TH Grade classroom teacher (all subjects taught in English) and a world language teacher teaching Mandarin at Whittle School and Studios this fall 2019. Yuching enjoys inquiry and project-based learning and teaching.  

What motivated you to teach?

The Love for children and passion for languages! 

What three words would your students use to describe you?

Funny, unique, caring.

Connecting with students is important in a classroom. How do you see this happening in your classes and how does that connection help you succeed with your lesson?

I greet students as soon as they come in with a genuine smile. I usually notice fresh/new haircuts and always compliment them. These things may seem superficial but the powerful message here is not only I see you but I notice you. When I see students struggle I don’t immediately offer my support, I ask "Are you okay?" and "Do you need help?".  It's important to respect students' needs and the time they require to process, student agency and struggles are important for learning. Nurturing and respectful relationships go both ways. 

What are three major expectations that you have for your students? 

Growth mindset, being respectful and caring to one another.  

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges in teaching a world language? How do you face those challenges?

Challenge: Tailor the right resources and materials to different groups of students

Solution: Getting to know students individually and design different materials/games to meet students' interests and needs. This is time-consuming but really worth it!

How do you feel about being Best of GWATFL to represent us at NECTFL? What is your session about? I feel really honored and thankful. It motivates me to be a better teacher and present more in different conferences in the future. My session was about "Visible Thinking Routines in Language Classrooms."

If you have a thought that you would want to leave world language teachers with, what would it be?  

Be fearless and have fun with your students. Your love and passion for your language and culture is contagious.