Our teachers

Lin is a second-grade teacher at XinXing Academy in Hopkins Public Schools, where she has been teaching the district’s Chinese immersion program for over 12 years. She is passionate about fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment, helping students build strong foundations in literacy, math, and inquiry-based learning. Through hands-on activities, cultural exploration, and real-world connections, Lin makes learning meaningful and encourages student agency, empowering children to take ownership of their education.  Beyond the classroom, Lin actively collaborates with families, colleagues, and the broader school community to promote language immersion education. She plays a key role in organizing cultural celebrations, leading field trips, and supporting students in extracurricular activities. Lin holds a Master’s degree in TESOL and is a certified Yoga Calm instructor for youth. Her dedication to teaching and student success was recognized when she was named a semifinalist for the 2023 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.  Lin also serves at We As One Education's lead teacher and helps refining curriculum and with the We As One Camp daily operations. 

Jieming is a 2nd grade Chinese immersion homeroom teacher from Minnetonka Public Schools.  She finished her second master's program (M.Ed) at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Second Language and Culture Education. She also completed her B.A. and M.A. in Chinese Language and Literature at Shanghai University in China. Before moving to the U.S., she was a full-time Chinese teacher at an international high school in Shanghai. She has been teaching Chinese as a foreign language at different levels for over 15 years.  Jieming was recently named as the recipient of the Bradley G. Board Award for Excellence in Elementary Education from Minnetonka Public Schools. This award recognizes excellence and achievement in an elementary teacher or mentor who has a great impact on children.

Xuyang Zhang (Fiona) is a dedicated and experienced educator with 12 years of experience fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment for students in Chinese immersion schools.  She holds a Master's degree and a K-6 teaching license in dual language and immersion education from the University of Minnesota. Currently serving as the Kindergarten Team Lead and Mentor Teacher at Yinghua Academy, Zhang Laoshi is passionate about supporting her colleagues and guiding them in creating enriching learning experiences.  Zhang Laoshi has represented Yinghua and their excellent immersion program on multiple occasions, sharing her expertise and teaching experiences through public speaking engagements.  Her commitment to excellence was recognized when she was awarded "Teacher of the Term" for the 2024-2025 school year.

Hui is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in world language and special education. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum Design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and K–12 licenses in Chinese, ESL, and Learning Disabilities. Hui launched the Chinese program at White Bear Lake Area Schools, inspiring students with a deep appreciation for language and culture. Her teaching spans elementary to high school, from beginner Chinese to college-level courses. Currently a Special Education Teacher at White Bear Lake Area High School, Hui draws on her deep understanding of cultural, linguistic, and individual needs to foster connections among diverse learners. She mentors new educators and advises Link Crew, a program supporting freshmen and student leaders. Hui believes in the power of education to promote unity, equity, and belonging—values at the heart of her teaching.

Meng is currently a Chinese language teacher at Wayzata High School in Minnesota. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, and brings over 12 years of experience in teaching.

Meng began her teaching career as a Chinese instructor at Angeles University Foundation in the Philippines. Upon moving to the United States, she continued her work in Chinese language education, teaching both Chinese immersion and world language programs at Hopkins West Middle School and Hopkins High School. During her time in the Hopkins School District, she also served as a CIS (College in the Schools) instructor, offering college-level Chinese courses to high school students. With a passion for language instruction and cross-cultural communication, Meng is dedicated to fostering global citizenship and language proficiency among her students.  Meng also serves at We As One Education's webmaster and manages our social media platforms. 

Jing has been an educator since 2010, with extensive experience in both immersion and traditional English language programs. She currently teaches at the Chinese immersion program at  Minnetonka Public Schools.  She holds multiple teaching certifications such as K-6 Elementary and ESL. In addition to classroom instruction, she has numerous years of participation in summer programs at national language and culture camps, including Concordia Language Villages and the Middlebury-Monterey Summer Intensive Language Academy.  Jing is dedicated to promoting critical thinking about language and content while engaging students in exploring relevant learning themes. Her approach encourages learners to examine related identities, cultures, and self-reflection. She is committed to supporting students’ character development and the enhancement of higher-order thinking skills. Jing values collaborative learning and strives to learn alongside her students.