Teaching
Philosophy
Rooted in my experiences across diverse educational settings in both the United States and China, my teaching philosophy emphasizes the transformative potential of drama in developing expressive, critical, and compassionate learners. Drawing on my academic background in Educational Theatre from New York University and my puppetry training at Shanghai Theatre Academy, I approach drama as a multifaceted tool for learning—one that empowers students to explore new perspectives, articulate their ideas, and connect with their communities on a deeper level.
In my classes, I strive to create an inclusive environment that fosters creativity and critical reflection. From teaching musical theatre techniques to guiding shadow puppetry performances, my goal is to bridge theory with practice, encouraging students to explore their unique voices. My experiences teaching drama and music to elementary students in both Shanghai and New York have taught me the importance of adapting teaching methods to respect cultural context and developmental stages, making learning both accessible and impactful.
Beyond skills in acting or performance, I believe drama equips students with essential life skills: problem-solving, teamwork, and self-expression. I aim to inspire students to see drama not only as an art form but as a lens through which they can understand the world and express their identities. By integrating thought-provoking topics relevant to their lives, I help students discover the social, artistic, and personal relevance of drama, encouraging even the most reluctant participants to engage with the material.
I am especially inspired by New York’s Chinese-English dual language schools, where students engage with the cultural richness and linguistic diversity of both languages in an immersive and inclusive environment. With my diverse teaching experiences in Shanghai and New York, combined with a solid academic foundation in Educational Theatre from New York University and specialized puppetry training from Shanghai Theatre Academy, I bring a unique perspective to bilingual education. Drama, I believe, serves as a powerful bridge, enabling students to dive deeply into both languages—not just by learning words but by embodying stories, traditions, and cultural values. My experience in teaching drama, puppetry, and music across varied age groups and cultural contexts has equipped me with adaptable teaching methods that are both engaging and sensitive to students' developmental stages and cultural backgrounds.
In my classrooms, I use drama to foster cross-cultural communication, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship. By encouraging students to express themselves and celebrate their unique backgrounds through drama, I aim to empower them to navigate and thrive in multilingual, multicultural settings. My goal is to create an educational experience that connects language learning to personal identity and global awareness, preparing students to contribute confidently and thoughtfully to a diverse world.
In promoting drama's benefits, I am dedicated to advocating for its value within bilingual and multilingual educational systems, demonstrating its impact on students' social and emotional development. My teaching philosophy, therefore, is to empower students to recognize their potential through drama, preparing them to approach life with curiosity, empathy, and a sense of agency, equipped to bridge cultural divides and contribute meaningfully to a globally interconnected world.
