Double Anteater builds equity into teaching plans
MAT Single Subject student Chloe Ziyu Wang ’21 pays it forward in her language immersion classroom
By Carol Jean Tomoguchi-Perez
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
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While spending her formative years in Lanzhou, China, before immigrating to the United States as an eighth grader, teaching didn’t emerge as a career choice for Ziyu Wang ’21, who goes by Chloe.
“I had a teaching dream when I was little – I always pretended to teach with my dolls. I was so into grading homework and lecturing,” Wang said. “But that was childish, and I didn't really expect myself to actually become a teacher someday.” Years later, an interview for a tutoring position was the start of Wang’s journey to a teaching career. Now a double Anteater, Wang is enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching + Credential Program (MAT) in the School of Education. She plans to be a single subject teacher and is currently pursuing coursework in World Language (Mandarin). "Chloe is a quiet strength in the MAT program,” said MAT Single Subject Coordinator Acacia Warren. “She is kind, supportive, and very appreciative of her peers and instructors. Chloe is also empathetic and adaptable – two characteristics that are paramount to the teaching profession.” |
Ziyu Wang, who goes by Chloe
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After earning her bachelor’s degree in Chinese Studies at UCI, Wang decided she wanted to become a Chinese language teacher in an immersion school. Reflecting on her undergraduate major, Wang said: “At some point, I thought I could convert my experience of learning English into teaching Chinese, as well as spreading Chinese culture through my teaching.”
As part of the MAT Single Subject Program, Wang is a student teacher at a placement in a sixth grade language immersion classroom in Mission Viejo, Calif.
“I see language as a key, to open another door for you,” Wang said. “Or, like a ticket that allows you to visit another world. By learning another language or being bilingual, it gives you more than just the language ability – you also gain insights on another culture.”
Wang is also a Rudy Hanley Scholarship recipient, after being recommended by Warren. The scholarship is awarded to incoming MAT students who demonstrate the highest-level potential for future success in their academic endeavors and future career.
“I was really surprised,” Wang said. “I always thought that scholarships are for those who are super smart and outstanding, and I have never looked at myself in such ways. So when I heard that Acacia recommended me for this scholarship, I was very touched and it felt like I was being noticed and acknowledged.”
The scholarship has helped with Wang’s expenses and the commute from her Anaheim residence to her placement, which accounts for at least two hours on the road every work day.
“The scholarship did not just help my financial burden, it also gave me motivation to continue with the program and want to do better to repay this acknowledgement,” she said.
As part of the MAT Single Subject Program, Wang is a student teacher at a placement in a sixth grade language immersion classroom in Mission Viejo, Calif.
“I see language as a key, to open another door for you,” Wang said. “Or, like a ticket that allows you to visit another world. By learning another language or being bilingual, it gives you more than just the language ability – you also gain insights on another culture.”
Wang is also a Rudy Hanley Scholarship recipient, after being recommended by Warren. The scholarship is awarded to incoming MAT students who demonstrate the highest-level potential for future success in their academic endeavors and future career.
“I was really surprised,” Wang said. “I always thought that scholarships are for those who are super smart and outstanding, and I have never looked at myself in such ways. So when I heard that Acacia recommended me for this scholarship, I was very touched and it felt like I was being noticed and acknowledged.”
The scholarship has helped with Wang’s expenses and the commute from her Anaheim residence to her placement, which accounts for at least two hours on the road every work day.
“The scholarship did not just help my financial burden, it also gave me motivation to continue with the program and want to do better to repay this acknowledgement,” she said.
Chloe Wang
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A fortuitous accident started Wang on her path to becoming an educator when she was accidentally interviewed for a tutoring position at a study center. The center, which offers tutoring support while also helping immigrant children improve their English skills, was the same study center Wang attended during her first year in the U.S. She found the coincidence meaningful and “the experience inspired me to continue teaching.”
Other life experiences influenced Wang’s education trajectory. While living in Lanzhou, her favorite subject was Chinese. “Not like a language learning class, but more like a regular English class here where we learn vocabulary through text and analyze literary text,” Wang said. Another influence was her grandfather, who was her role model and her childhood hero. “He inspired me to always be learning,” Wang said. “I think his love of Chinese literacy guided me to choose Chinese as my undergrad major.” |
Wang said student teaching has strengthened her resolve to become a teacher, and her flexibility has proven to be an asset. In her classroom, the students are not the only ones learning. Through teaching, Wang said: “I learned to adapt my lesson plan to accommodate teaching students with different (language) proficiency levels. I make adjustments according to how students react during class or depending on our learning pace.”
Wang’s students are not alone in recognizing the merits of her teaching methods and abilities.
“She is a phenomenal teacher because she places equity at the center of teaching and she acknowledges the value of every student,” Warren said. “Chloe is instrumental in the lives of her students and she will be an asset for any district or school that has the privilege of working with her."
Wang’s students are not alone in recognizing the merits of her teaching methods and abilities.
“She is a phenomenal teacher because she places equity at the center of teaching and she acknowledges the value of every student,” Warren said. “Chloe is instrumental in the lives of her students and she will be an asset for any district or school that has the privilege of working with her."
