by Shihong Zhang, Consortium Design Team Ambassador
On June 21, 2025, the New Jersey Chinese Teachers Association (NJCTA) hosted its 4th Annual Conference at Montclair State University—a vibrant gathering of educators, school leaders, and technology specialists dedicated to advancing Chinese language instruction, with a strong focus on SEL, inclusive and culturally responsive teaching.
With the theme “Empowering Teachers • Advancing Learning,” the 2025 conference spotlighted the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and culturally responsive teaching in multilingual classrooms. From heartfelt storytelling to hands-on instructional strategies, every session reinforced the power of language education to build empathy, identity, and community.
Dr. Kim Pinckney, New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) Associate Director of Professional Development and Instructional Issues (PDII) and Consortium Coordinator, led a dynamic workshop on culturally responsive curriculum design, offering practical tools for creating inclusive, identity-affirming learning experiences. “Your talk was incredibly inspiring!” said Yao Feng, NJCTA Chief Editor and Mandarin teacher from Hilltop Country Day School. “I loved how you incorporated the Chinese language into your examples. Thank you for being so thoughtful and intentional in your presentation.”
While New Jersey State Teacher of the Year Stefanie Lachenauer delivered a powerful keynote, sharing her personal journey and highlighting the importance of ESL support for students—a message that deeply resonated with fellow educators, Professor Miao-Fen Tseng (University of Virginia) delivered the keynote “Generative AI Empowering Chinese Language Instruction,” drawing on her research to demonstrate how, when used effectively with well-crafted prompts, AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can support personalized, student-centered learning and enhance students’ writing, reflection, and language skills. Other highlights included the following:
- In a policy-focused roundtable, Board of Education leaders from East Brunswick, Edison, and Livingston joined teachers to discuss the sustainability of Chinese programs under financial pressure and political challenges. The dialogue emphasized cross-sector collaboration and the importance of building lasting community partnerships.
- The interactive AI workshops and a fast-paced Teaching Strategy Lightning Share gave attendees practical tools for boosting student engagement, enhancing curriculum design, and integrating technology—all anchored in SEL and student-centered learning.
- To nourish both mind and spirit, the conference also featured a series of cultural wellness activities: including chair yoga, fan dancing, Tai Chi and panda clay sculpting, educators had the opportunity to unwind, reconnect with tradition, and find joy in community.
About NJCTA
NJCTA is a non-profit organization founded in 2021 with just 28 members and funding President Shihong Zhang, born from a shared desire to support, connect, and empower K–16 Chinese language teachers across New Jersey. Since the very first day, NJCTA has focused on providing high-quality resources for teachers and language classrooms, while cultivating a strong, culturally grounded educator community. Over the past four years, NJCTA has launched and led a number of statewide initiatives, including Short video contests, storytelling competitions, and large-scale Lunar New Year celebrations in collaboration with multiple schools across New Jersey, held at Montclair State University in 2024, Rutgers University in 2025 and Seton Hall University next year. To honor student achievement, the organization also offers Youth Leadership Awards and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards to outstanding young leaders across the state.
Today, NJCTA has grown to 82 active members, including 41 lifetime members, and continues to thrive as a teacher-led, community-centered network known for its innovation, inclusivity, and commitment to cultural education. At this year’s conference, NJCTA formally welcomed its new president, Shanman Liao, a seasoned educator and founding member of the Association. She succeeds Shihong Zhang, whose visionary leadership has helped shape NJCTA into a trusted voice for Chinese language education in New Jersey and beyond. Shihong Zhang will serve the board Chair of the NJCTA.
As NJCTA continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to empower teachers, uplift students, celebrate heritage, and build a more connected and inclusive future through the power of language and culture.
To learn more about NJCTA, visit usnjcta.org or contact usnjcta@gmail.com