The Northern California Chinese School Association held the “2025 Excellent Teacher Commendation Ceremony” at the South Bay Overseas Chinese School on September 28 (last Sunday), honoring teachers who have long dedicated themselves to overseas Chinese education and inspiring more educators to engage in Chinese language teaching to promote cultural heritage.
A total of 35 outstanding teachers were recognized this year, with the most experienced teacher having 46 years of teaching experience. During the two-hour ceremony, 31 teachers were present, accompanied by children holding roses. The teachers walked through an archway holding torches and exchanged torches and roses on the stage, symbolizing the passing on of knowledge and traditions through generations.
President Fu Qijun expressed his admiration for the recognized teachers, many of whom work part-time during weekdays and still dedicate themselves to teaching on weekends, displaying selfless dedication worthy of respect.
He thanked Director Wu Zhixiang for preparing gifts for the teachers and shared examples he personally observed: teachers who meticulously prepare for classes, tell stories, and engage in interactive singing and dancing with students, fully demonstrating their passion for education.
Director Wu Zhixiang, reflecting on his time working in Europe where Chinese education resources were relatively scarce, expressed his appreciation for the dedication of Bay Area teachers who, despite their busy schedules, find time on weekends to engage in teaching. He thanked the teachers for their years of dedication, which have allowed Chinese language and culture to be inherited overseas.
Director Zhuang Yashu of the Overseas Chinese Education Center also remarked that learning Mandarin Chinese overseas is not easy, but the dedication of principals and teachers enables children to connect with their cultural roots in a foreign land, preserving traditions. She particularly thanked the Northern California Chinese School Association for continuously uniting the strength of overseas schools and pledged that the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission and the Overseas Chinese Education Center will continue to serve as important supporters of overseas schools, assisting in educational development.
Teacher Zhou Yali from the Overseas Chinese School expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award, stating that it is not only a personal honor but also an encouragement for abacus teachers. She believes that abacus not only enhances calculation skills but also cultivates concentration and a sense of order, helping children face challenges. She thanked the principal and colleagues for their support, emphasizing that teachers are not just disseminators of knowledge but also designers of curriculum and spiritual companions to children. This honor strengthens her commitment to the mission of education, and she will continue to explore the possibilities of abacus development.
In addition to the award presentations, teachers and students presented performances including choir singing, dancing, solo singing, and guzheng solos, creating a lively atmosphere. Two 11 to 12-year-old junior anchors co-hosted for the first time, showcasing confidence and eloquence, becoming the highlight of the event and fully embodying the achievements and transmission of Chinese language education.