7/19/2021
Education and Outreach
After growing up in Southern China, Xiaowei Hunt understands the complexity of language.
While she learned Mandarin Chinese as her native language, she also tackled the vastly different language of English in school.
This could have posed a significant challenge, if not for her inspiring English teacher.
“The way she taught really made language seem beautiful,” Hunt recalls. “I really admired her.”
This motivated Hunt to become a teacher herself.
She taught English at Wuyi University in China, then started a new life in the United States teaching her native language at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas until transitioning to Clark County School District (CCSD).
Now after 17 years at Clark High School – where she has taught Mandarin Chinese since 2010 - she applies the same passion for language that her teacher did years ago. Many of her students continue Mandarin in their ongoing studies and careers.
“I especially love to hear when a former student goes on to study Chinese in college, or ends up using Chinese at work,” she says.
In recognition of Hunt’s success with teaching Mandarin and boosting students’ interest in global cultures, The Smith Center named Hunt one of the top 20 teachers for its sixth-annual Heart of Education Awards, honoring outstanding CCSD teachers. Thanks to support from The Rogers Foundation, she received both a $5,000 cash award and a $1,000 donation to her school.
“Winning a Heart of Education Award was important to me because it makes people aware of our Chinese program,” Hunt says. “Parents saw that I won and called me up to tell me they’re getting their kid to sign up for my class. My colleagues in China also see it as a success in the U.S.”
A Collaborative Classroom
Hunt makes student involvement in the classroom her top priority.
“I make sure everyone participates and nobody is left out. Collaborative learning is my philosophy,” she explains. “Language is communication, so we must communicate interpersonally when learning a language.”
She also serves as advisor for the school’s Chinese Culture Club, where she offers guidance and insight and arranges for guest speakers to give students a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
“I put myself in the shoes of the students. They aren’t engaged when I’m the only one doing the talking,” she says.
Sparking a Love for Language
Hunt maintained this philosophy even during distance learning, when she maintained high engagement with students.
One student admits initial fear of taking the class, only to find Hunt’s teaching approach deeply welcoming and supportive.
“I have completely fallen in love with the language because of Ms. Hunt,” the student said during distance learning. “Ms. Hunt has been able to set up a nice online environment that encourages me to get outside of my comfort zone and speak Chinese without having to worry about being looked down upon, which is hard to do with school going online. Ms. Hunt has given me the motivation to learn and practice Chinese outside of the classroom and to continue learning Chinese for the rest of my life.”
Another student’s parent hails that the teenager raved about Hunt’s class.
“He has stated several times that Chinese is his favorite class, and he is even asking for Chinese language materials for Christmas,” the parent wrote in an email during distance learning.
Expanding Global Horizons
As 20 percent of the world population speaks Chinese, Hunt notes, learning the language can benefit many students.
She looks forward to teaching it for years to come.
“I enjoy teaching Chinese because I can teach confidently, as it’s my native language,” she says. “My No. 1 priority is to teach with students at the center of learning.”