This blog has been repurposed from the BASIS.ed blog with a few minor changes, which you can find here.
Earlier this year, Mandarin teacher Ms. Fan was invited to bring a small group of BASIS Independent Brooklyn students to the Chinese Embassy as part of an outreach program to area schools. The Embassy hosted students from local schools with a focus on Mandarin language instruction. There were presentations in Mandarin and conversations encouraged between embassy staff and the students.
Between undergraduate and graduate study, Mr. Chen volunteered for one year in Tibet, teaching Mandarin and math, organizing cultural events, and administering community surveys. "The volunteering experience made me realize that I receive great joy from helping others and being an educator. And I have always been passionate about learning languages.
To those who know her, Mandarin teacher Na Fan needs no introduction. She's pretty famous in our corridors and among our families for not only being a multi-talented role model for our students (have you seen her work in fashion?!), but also an astounding educator who has played an integral role in establishing our booming Mandarin program. After acting as our sole Mandarin teacher, she was joined by the stellar Kafele Kossally, Alex Chen, Ran Xu and the list keeps growing.
Inspired by the blissful feeling of uncovering connections, our blog Eureka! Brooklyn is about sharing moments that capture the essence of what it is to be a BASIS Independent student, teacher, administrator, or family.