Leadership, Administration & Staff | BASIS Independent Fremont

Service-oriented and eager to help, our leadership, administration, and staff are champions of the school community. While their key focus is supporting the teachers in the classroom, they work hard to ensure every student and family has a positive experience. Whether they are the front-and-center, visible faces of our school or the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes, our leadership, administration, and staff are invaluable in upholding our culture and values.

Looking to get to know our unmatched, expert teaching faculty? Explore our teaching philosophy and meet the educators that bring it to life every day.

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Ms. Alexander

Associate Director of Admissions

Ms. Alexander

Associate Director of Admissions

Ms. Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. Her career focus is academic admissions, and she has been a member of the BASIS Independent Fremont admissions team since 2018. She is the Associate Director of Admissions for our Lower and Upper Campuses, serving the admissions needs of Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 12.

“I love how BASIS Independent Fremont approaches teaching. The teachers and staff here are dedicated to creating a fun, enjoyable learning environment, which makes the kids eager to learn!” she says. “Whether I am organizing admissions events or watching over the students during recess, I try to bring that sense of fun with me.”

When Ms. Alexander is not at work, she enjoys hanging out with her son, going to Disneyland, playing soccer with friends, or relaxing at home.

Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker “Coach Andy”

Associate Head of Schools

Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker “Coach Andy”

Associate Head of Schools

Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker has been with BASIS Independent Fremont since the school first opened in 2016, and is affectionately known around campus as “Coach Andy.” Coach Andy graduated from San Diego State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, where he was an active member of the school’s rugby team. After graduation, he went on to follow this passion and become a certified “Master Trainer” through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Throughout his time at BASIS Independent Fremont, Coach Andy has been instrumental in establishing and guiding many of our programs and services, first as an instructor of Physical Education and Health, then as a Subject Advisor for the BINS network, and assisting in after-school clubs and sports as our Auxiliary Programs Manager. Currently, Coach Andy offers leadership and support as our Associate Head of Schools.

Coach Andy decided to join BASIS Independent Fremont because of the school’s reputation for high standards and its numerous successes. He believes, “students learn best when they are challenged and engaged, and when they have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities in the classroom (or the sports field!)”. Coach Andy is committed to ensuring BASIS Independent Fremont cares for the “whole student,” seeing to not only our school’s academic successes, but also our social, emotional, and athletic needs as well.

Coach Andy has a young son named Wesley, and when he’s not at school, Coach enjoys running and inline skating and is an avid football fan (Go Raiders!). He also loves playing guitar and bass guitar whenever he has a free moment.

Mr. Bosley

Middle School Dean of Students

Mr. Bosley

Middle School Dean of Students

Mr. Bosley earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana, and his Master of Music degree in Woodwind Performance from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He is currently completing his Doctor of Arts degree in Saxophone Performance from Ball State University.

Before joining BASIS Independent Fremont, he spent a year teaching elementary general music with Music for Minors. Prior to living in the Bay Area, he taught middle school band and elementary general music in Webster County, Kentucky. Mr. Bosley always tries to create an inspirational and positive learning atmosphere. He enjoys motivating students through transparency of short-term progress. Student awareness of success helps maintain a continued interest in long-term goals.

Mr. Bosley chose BASIS Independent Fremont because of its terrific reputation, outstanding administration, and ambitious student body. By exploring music through visual, aural, and kinesthetic activities, Mr. Bosley is able to make class both fun and engaging for students of all learning types. Freedom to create music in a supportive environment is what Mr. Bosley loves about BASIS Independent Fremont.

Mr. Bosley’s music experience includes playing bassoon with San Francisco’s M2M Orchestra, oboe with the Civic Strings Orchestra, and saxophone in his duet, Violet Duo. He has had the opportunity to perform in many places with various musical ensembles. Some of his most notable musical experiences have taken place in Wroclaw, Poland; Prague, Czech Republic; and the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, New York.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Bosley enjoys listening to music, spending time with his two cats (Romy and Michele), and composing music.

Ms. Christy

IT Coordinator

Ms. Christy

IT Coordinator

Ms. Christy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamilnadu, India in 1998. She went on to graduate at the top of her class with a Master’s degree in Physics from Madurai Kamaraj University in 2000. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the same university in 2002.

Ms. Christy has over six years of experience working in an office environment supporting the technology needs in different capacities. She has stepped into the Technology Coordinator role this year to assist and equip the teachers with the resources they need and troubleshoot any technical issues. She will also be helping with the technology needs of the school related to connectivity and other systems in the school.

Ms. Christy believes that technology built into the classroom is a great tool for learning, but it is not the end goal. Learning should happen in any kind of situation, and Ms. Christy strives to make technology an accessible and seamlessly integrated tool in the classroom!

When not in school she loves to relax, watch movies and do craft work. She also loves to spend time with friends.

Mr. Cunningham

High School Dean of Students

Mr. Cunningham

High School Dean of Students

Mr. Cunningham earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Boston University. He was a founding staff member at BASIS Independent Brooklyn in 2014 and brings more than a decade of experience as an educator inside and outside the classroom.

As Dean of Students for the High School at BASIS Independent Fremont, Mr. Cunningham oversees student services and discipline and supports our college counseling program.

“I’m excited to work in tandem with our faculty and admin team to deliver a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience that can match our students’ curiosity and tenacity. We expect a lot from our high school students – from APs to capstone classes to college applications to the incredible Senior Projects – and every student needs our support. I feel very lucky to have joined a community so committed to supporting its scholars,” Mr. Cunningham remarked.

Mr. Cunningham spends almost every free moment with his wife and newborn son. He was born and raised in England and then New England, and he loves to travel, cook, and watch the birds at Coyote Hills.

Ms. Davis

Head of School, Upper

Ms. Davis

Head of School, Upper

Ms. Davis is an education administrator with over 17 years of experience in higher education at Stanford, Santa Clara, and San Jose State Universities. While on these campuses she specialized in undergraduate and graduate student services operations and university financial management. Ms. Davis has consistently been identified by colleagues as a strong leader and collaborator. She brings a lifelong commitment to the K-12 population and public service with her to BIF. She served on the Berryessa Union School District School Board for eight years, where she was ultimately elected President of the Board and recognized by the State of California for her contributions. She has received multiple mayoral appointments to critical committees in the city of San Jose related to public interest. Ms. Davis graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, and also holds a Master of Arts in Education (Education Administration, Planning, and Social Policy) from Harvard University.

Ms. Davis comes to BASIS Independent Fremont with an intensive knowledge of BASIS Curriculum Schools, having served as a Dean, Director of Student Affairs, Director of Academic Programs, and most recently, as the Associate Head of School of BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. This has afforded her a unique perspective that has enabled her to effectively execute critical services and programs. As the Head of School at BASIS Independent Fremont’s Upper School, her goal is to offer more strategic insights and to work closely with our campus community to ensure all students are actively engaged and provided the necessary tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Ms. Davis chose BASIS Independent Fremont because she wants “to be a part of a community that fosters a supportive environment in which students can learn to stretch their intellectual curiosity.” She also shares similar beliefs that schools should provide an education that equips students with critical thinking skills that will allow them to be effective contributors to society. She believes that we are all educators in life’s classroom.

When Ms. Davis is away from the office she enjoys spending quality time with family and watching documentaries. One interesting fact about her is that she was born on a Leap Year and is technically the youngest staff member at BIF.

Ms. Han

School Counselor

Ms. Han

School Counselor

Ms. Han is the first School Counselor at BASIS Independent Fremont. Every time Ms. Han talks about it, her eyes are filled with excitement.

Ms. Han was raised by her mother and grandparents- one educator, one accountant, and one journalist. They taught her to love unconditionally, pay attention to others’ needs, and think critically. With a dream to be a movie director and a Chinese script writer, Ms. Han spent most of her childhood playing, watching movies, daydreaming, acting on stages and writing- she loved to write about people in her life, and to get every chance to act. She brought entertainment to her school and home, but she was disappointed as a student.

“I failed academically. I thought I would never be admitted to a good college, until I met my math teacher in junior high,” says Ms. Han, “Mr. Hu, the math teacher, told me that I was capable of anything. He believed in me, and he was sure I would make a big achievement if I could focus, practice, rest, and repeat.” Ms. Han was grateful for her math teacher because of his encouragement and empowerment. “His word was my light.”

In 2009, Ms. Han graduated from the University of Science and Technology, Beijing, with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and traveled from China to the U.S. to study for a Master of Arts in Education, which she earned from Michigan State University in 2011. She wanted to be someone else’s light.

Ms. Han spent 10 years in classrooms in the U.S. and the subjects she taught include Mandarin language and culture, math, science, humanities and her favorite, Social Emotional Learning. In January 2019, Ms. Han joined BASIS Independent Fremont as a Mandarin teacher, though she admits, “I was curious! Very curious to see if I would want to send my own kids to school here.” To her surprise, she not just approved of BASIS Independent Fremont, but she also fell in love with this school, and she decided to walk an extra mile.

“While teaching, I saw the many needs our students have outside of academics, and I wanted to improve our support of those needs. Knowing the importance of social emotional well-being for children, I’ve decided to step up and respond to this calling.” Ms. Han is now studying for her second Master’s degree in Counseling and license for Family and Marriage Therapy at Western Seminary.

As a school counselor, Ms. Han will be working with students, teachers, the administrative team, and parents who are vested in educational success. As an educator, a parent, and a school counselor, Ms. Han aims to cultivate joy and confidence, and encourage all students to strive to achieve their goals. Ms. Han’s vision and mission is to mindfully build a wellness program at BASIS Independent Fremont, where students’ emotional, physical, and social health and well-being are a top priority.

“When our students graduate”, says Ms. Han with a big smile, “They are fully ready for this world!”

Outside of work and school, Ms. Han is a playful mother, a dedicated community server, and an on-going learner. She is learning to grow a balcony vegetable garden, and she loves to water the plants every morning with her daughter.

Ms. Huson

Director of Student Affairs

Ms. Huson

Director of Student Affairs

Ms. Huson has more than twenty years of teaching experience in both public and independent schools. She holds a California Teaching Credential as well as a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis on curriculum and text accessibility for children and English Language Learners. In 2012, she received a Fulbright Distinguished Teacher Award, which allowed her to work in Northern England where she researched and developed a series of lessons to help students examine their feelings and adjust empathetically to a rapid migrant influx. Upon returning to the United States, Ms. Huson revised a curriculum for American educators, and since then “No One is From Here” has been tested and launched in select schools.

Ms. Huson has a particular interest in American history and has written a number of plays for children which explore historical events. As a Lifeguard Teaching Fellow in 2015 at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, she created a read-aloud play which is available on the site’s educational resources.

Her most recent career experience was with Super Stars Literacy of Oakland, where she facilitated programming supporting early literacy intervention. She has settled in the Fremont-Newark area and is excited to be working directly with students as the BASIS Independent Fremont community expands.

Mr. Klein

College Admissions Coordinator

Mr. Klein

College Admissions Coordinator

Mr. Klein earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University Monterey Bay in 2015, and a Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education from San Jose State University in 2020. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in educational leadership.

Mr. Klein is the College Admissions Coordinator at BASIS Independent Fremont and focuses on preparing our Upper School students for the admissions process.

“I look forward to guiding and assisting our students toward both academic and career success. I want to help students gain admission into the world’s best colleges while working with them to develop their life skills. After working in Higher Education as a college adviser, it was clear to me that BASIS Independent of Fremont provides a nurturing environment that prepares them to excel at the next level. I’m excited to be part of the BASIS Independent family!” Mr. Klein says.

Mr. Klein spends much of his free time with friends and family. He also enjoys playing basketball, bowling, hiking, and taking advantage of the Bay Area’s food scene.

Mr. Le

Associate Head of Operations, Lower

Mr. Le

Associate Head of Operations, Lower

Mr. Le earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics at the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2008. Over the next ten years, he worked in the Stanford University library department in a variety of roles, cumulating in an operations manager position. He spent his free time traveling the world and enjoying local camping and backpacking trips. Mr. Le joined the staff of BASIS Independent Fremont in 2019.

“I love working at BASIS Independent Fremont!” says Mr. Le. “The kids are so much fun, and I want them all to be in an environment that helps them to succeed.”

When he is not at work, Mr. Le enjoys weightlifting, playing flag football, and exploring the latest video games.

Ms. Locke

Director of Auxiliary Programs

Ms. Locke

Director of Auxiliary Programs

Ms. Locke is joining us from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where she has worked in the Auxiliary Programs department for 4 years.

Ms. Locke received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from University of California Riverside in 2013. She has come to BASIS Independent Fremont from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, and with experience coordinating youth outdoor recreation and the love for working with students of all ages in extracurricular activities.

As the Auxiliary Program Manager, Ms. Locke has the opportunity to provide students with enriching activities such as a variety of clubs and sports. “I enjoy watching students explore creativity, group dynamics, trust and team work as well as build confidence, communication, decision-making, and leadership skills,” Ms. Locke says cheerfully. “I choose BASIS Independent Fremont because ‘BASIS Independent was founded on the belief that every child deserved an opportunity to excel academically, and that every child can.’ I believe that every student can, with the support of our expert teachers and our incredible staff.”

In her free time, you will find her outdoors. Ms. Locke enjoys rock climbing, hiking, camping, ice-skating, and going to the beach.

Mr. Lucas

Facilities Manager

Mr. Lucas

Facilities Manager

Immediately following graduation from Leland High School in 1982, Mr. Lucas went directly into the United States Navy, where he served for four years. He obtained flight crew status while tracking submarines and as a water rescue swimmer. Mr. Lucas soon switched over to Flight Deck Director aboard the first nuclear carrier, USS Enterprise. It was there that he took off as a leader, always looking to advance. He received several awards and letters of Commendation for saving lives of fellow crewman, as well as going above and beyond with implementing new systems of launch and recovery of aircraft, which are still in use today.

As the Facilities Manager, Mr. Lucas takes great pride in ensuring that buildings, grounds, and equipment meet the highest standards of safety, appearance, and functionality for our students, staff, and parents. “I also work hard to create an effective team that will help BASIS Independent succeed and grow for the future,” says Mr. Lucas.

“I enjoy the facilities aspect of the education field,” he says. “Being able to join a growing school organization is a welcomed and exciting challenge that I am proud to be a part of.”

Mr. Lucas and his wife are avid fans of physical activity. “I love to play hockey, softball, and golf,” he says. When the weather is nice, he enjoys skiing and wakeboarding.

Mr. Manii

Technology Coordinator

Mr. Manii

Technology Coordinator

Mr. Manii earned his associate degree from Mount San Antonio College.

As the Technology Coordinator for BASIS Independent Fremont, his goal is to ensure that all of the school’s Information Technology-related functions operate efficiently and securely.

In his free time, Mr. Manii enjoys outdoors camping, nature, and wildlife. He also loves spending time with his horse and colt.

Ms. Manii

Front Office Assistant

Ms. Manii

Front Office Assistant

Ms. Manii has over fourteen years of experience in customer service, including work in the challenging 911 dispatching field. She is delighted to bring her skills to BASIS Independent Fremont!

“I enjoy working at BASIS Independent Fremont because everyone has been so welcoming including the staff, parents, and children. It’s wonderful to come to work in such a positive environment!”

In her spare time, Ms. Manii enjoys going on walks and being outdoors. She loves nature and animals of all kinds.

Mr. Muir

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Muir

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Muir has close to 20 years of experience in the field of maintenance. He has earned several certificates pertaining to his profession, including the operation and upkeep of various light and heavy duty equipment. As maintenance coordinator at the Upper School, his goal is to maintain a functional, clean and safe environment for students, staff and parents.

“I believe in the value of teamwork and surrounding yourself with good, positive and friendly people, and that is what you get at BASIS Independent Fremont!” says Mr. Muir.

When he is not at work, Mr. Muir enjoys pursuing his hobbies. He has been a lifelong fan of sprint car racing, and has been to many tracks in several different states in the US. He really enjoys watching the ASCS sprint cars. When he is not fulfilling his need for speed, Mr. Muir can be found playing with his beagle, Shelby.

Mr. Nguyen

Academic Program Manager

Mr. Nguyen

Academic Program Manager

In 2012, Mr. Nguyen received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with emphasis in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has gained a strong mathematics and education background over 7 years of working in various learning environment from private tutoring to middle & high school settings. Mr. Nguyen is excited to be part of the BASIS Independent Fremont Community!

Mr. Nguyen chose to be part of the BASIS Independent Fremont community because he believe that a rigorous learning structure will help students to understand mathematics and build a strong foundation for their advanced courses.

When not at work, Mr. Nguyen loves to conduct different food experiments with different ingredients and seek various opportunities to learn different arts and crafts. He also enjoys exploring zoos and museums, and watch musical performances and concerts.

Ms. Redington

Director of Academic Programs

Ms. Redington

Director of Academic Programs

Ms. Redington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wells College in 1991 and a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Wesleyan University in 2004. Prior to joining BASIS Independent Fremont, Ms. Redington spent several years managing an elementary school library, where she enjoyed helping students discover great books.

She was drawn to BASIS Independent Fremont because of its challenging and engaging classroom experiences and its commitment to liberal arts education.

“With my job, I get to see the BASIS Curriculum at work at a detailed level,” says Ms. Redington. “Seeing the metrics for success evolve in real time is fascinating, and I love getting to see how the kids are improving.”

When she is not working, Ms. Redington enjoys spending time with her family and relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book.

Ms. Ruelas

Front Office Coordinator - Lower School

Ms. Ruelas

Front Office Coordinator - Lower School

Ms. Mimi Ruelas graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management Economics. She joined BASIS Independent Fremont in 2019.

“I am excited to work at BASIS Independent Fremont because I enjoy working with children!” says Ms. Mimi. “Getting to know everyone and the different personalities of all the kids is a fun adventure. Everyone has been so welcoming and caring.”

When Ms. Mimi is not at work, she spends time with her family, especially her new niece! She also takes care of her two dog babies, Oreo and Penny. She loves hiking, camping, and traveling any chance she gets.

Ms. Singh

Director of Admissions

Ms. Singh

Director of Admissions

Ms. Singh earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from St Xavier’s University, Mumbai, India in 2010. She earned her Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Analysis in 2012 from Kings College in London.

She has always enjoyed working with children, and began working at a special needs high school in the United Kingdom in 2015. This experience inspired her to continue to work in the field of education. For the majority of the 2010s, Ms. Singh was a social worker in the United States and the United Kingdom, helping various non-profits and government agencies achieve their goals.

In 2020, Ms. Singh joined the admissions team at BASIS Independent Fremont.

“Not only is BASIS Independent Fremont an excellent school that fosters smart, innovative, kids, it is also a wonderful place to work and has some of the most passionate and intelligent people I have had the pleasure to work with,” she says.

When Ms. Singh is not at work, she absolutely loves to travel and hopes to be able to do more of it each year. She is also quite interested in home décor and home improvement. But mostly she spends her free time with friends trying out new restaurants or watching movies!

Ms. Sutherlin

Elementary School Dean of Students

Ms. Sutherlin

Elementary School Dean of Students

In 2014, Ms. Sutherlin graduated from Humboldt State University, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. In 2015, she received a certificate for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In January 2016, Ms. Sutherlin traveled to Moscow, Russia and taught English to Kindergarten students.

As a Learning Expert Teacher, Ms. Sutherlin’s goal as an educator is to provide students with a safe and fun environment in which to learn and thrive. Ms. Sutherlin chose to work at BASIS Independent Fremont because of the unique curriculum and environment where students can grow and become independent learners.

“I know that I am preparing students for the challenges that will happen in the real world. I look forward to creating a teaching environment that incorporates different teaching methods. I believe in creating a multicultural community environment and integrating creativity in a variety of subjects.”

“A classroom is a small community and that is how it should be run; students should learn how to act as, and support, a community. I hope to create a learning environment that is helpful and creative,” says Ms. Sutherlin.

When Ms. Sutherlin is not in the classroom, you can find her visiting art museums, cooking, reading a good book, or exploring different parts of the Bay Area.

Mr. Thorp

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Thorp

Facilities Coordinator

Mr. Thorp graduated from Livermore High School in California. For over fifteen years, he worked in the construction industry, where he had the opportunity to operate a variety of heavy machinery and help bring complex designs to life. He enjoys his current role at BASIS Independent Fremont. “I have three boys; I’m a family man, so I like getting to be around the kids and know I’m maintaining a safe environment for them to learn in,” he says.

In his free time, Mr. Thorp enjoys spending time with his family, whether that’s on a trip, at one of his sons’ sports games, or cheering on the Oakland Raiders!

Mr. Wagoner

Head of School, Lower

Mr. Wagoner

Head of School, Lower

Head of School Josiah Wagoner is a career educator with a wealth of experience in a broad range of educational settings, from elementary school to university. He earned a Master of Arts in Reading Literacy from Ashford University and two Bachelor degrees from Cornell College, one in Elementary Education and another in Sociology. Mr. Wagoner spent several years in Asia instructing scholars across all grade levels in Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

Mr. Wagoner has experience as a Professor of Education, an educational administrator, and as an elementary school teacher. Outside the school building, he was senior project manager in the educational publishing industry, creating English Language Arts textbooks for the Middle Eastern and Asian markets. He is also an accomplished public speaker, crowned the Korean National Champion of Public Speaking in 2012.

In these roles and throughout his education and career as an educator, Mr. Wagoner has always focused on elementary learning and development. As a Professor of Education, Mr. Wagoner nurtured the young careers of future teachers, training them to implement the latest educational best practices. As the Associate Head of School and Director of Primary Program at BASIS Independent Fremont, he became known as an empathetic administrator who always puts the needs of students first. As a Dean of Students and LET, Mr. Wagoner displayed exemplary qualities of working with young students to engage and connect students to their academics and guide them in good decision-making.

In addition to his experiences inside the classroom, Mr. Wagoner is a well-practiced educational content creator as the co-author of Powerful Presentations: 6 Steps to Success and Foundations of Education for Mokwon University. He is also a contributing writer and editor for multiple language arts textbooks for young learners. These experiences taught him about the myriad of available resources to meet the diverse needs of learners.

“My strength is in helping students to reflect on how they can and should make good choices to become good members of our community and good citizens of the wider world,” says Mr. Wagoner. “That is what we’re doing here, after all: helping kids grow into responsible adults.”

When he’s not on campus, Mr. Wagoner loves spending time playing board games, reading a good book, or improving his physical and mental health with yoga. His favorite books are science fiction and fantasy because, “books have the power to take us to amazing places that can exist only in our minds.”

Ms. Yu

Admissions Coordinator | Subject Expert Teacher

Ms. Yu

Admissions Coordinator | Subject Expert Teacher

Born and raised in China, Ms. Yue Yu earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from Sichuan University, located in Wuhou, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Upon completion of her undergraduate education, she came to the United States to pursue her graduate studies; in 2016, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Dual Language Education from San Diego State University.

As a Mandarin Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Yu was attracted to BASIS Independent Fremont because of the advanced curriculum and the high expectations that are very similar to the schools she attended in China. Her teaching philosophy is greatly impacted by her own personal experiences, and she firmly believes that motivation and hard work will make students life-long language learners.

Ms. Yu’s main priority is to make her class “a place where students can stay motivated and inspired.” Her class provides students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a language learning environment by listening, speaking, reading, and writing through a variety of engaging activities. Last year, she witnessed students’ tremendous improvement in Mandarin learning and their interest in making the language a part of their lives. The students practiced so much and were able to progress from saying “Ni Hao” in a small voice to confident, daily Mandarin conversations about their family, hobbies and even dreams!

Besides basic language learning, Ms. Yu also plans weekly culture classes that allow students to learn more about Chinese culture, from films, to festivals, history, and art. For many students, culture class is their favorite part of Mandarin!

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Yu enjoys cooking, watching movies, and traveling. She also likes to explore good food in the Bay Area, and her homemade Sichuan dishes are always popular on the table!