The Chinese Language Teachers Association of Texas, along with the Education Division of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Houston (TECO in Houston), and the Center for International Studies at the University of St. Thomas co-hosted a Chinese language teacher professional development workshop on January 15, 2017 at the University of St. Thomas. This was part of its efforts to enhance the quality of the Chinese language teaching at all education levels, and to conduct professional development for Chinese teachers, in both language teaching and cultural awareness. More than seventy Chinese language teachers participated in the workshop.
Director General Louis Huang of TECO in Houston gave a warm welcome to all the attendees who were giving up a Sunday to learn more about teaching the Chinese language. “The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a strong friendship for decades, nurtured by vibrant exchanges of culture, education, and trade” he said. “To do our part in facilitating these exchanges, TECO offers scholarships and helps organize the administration of the TOCFL exam. TECO is proud to provide these services for students and the community. We hope to always find ways to make learning about the Chinese language and culture more accessible.”
The new president of the American Council on the Teachings of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), Ms. Desa Dawson, was invited to give a keynote speech to begin the workshop. This was the first event that Ms. Dawson has attended after she assumed office as the president of the ACTFL. She is a keen advocate of second language education and she was very happy to share her experiences in foreign language education with all the teachers devoted to Chinese language teaching.
A workshop like this provides information, training, and an opportunity for networking. The participants came from Houston, and from Austin, Dallas, and even Oklahoma City. Between them they teach Chinese at all education levels and the workshop gave them the chance to get together and share their experience and expertise in Chinese language teaching. Everyone enjoyed the inspiring lectures and conversation time together.