Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School has partnered with Auburn
University at Montgomery's Confucius institute and offers Middle and High
School electives in Mandarin Chinese and Chinese Culture to students in grades
K4-6.
Montgomery Catholic school president, Anne
Ceasar said "We are excited about our new partnership with the
Confucius Institute this year, and the addition of our visiting teacher Jeremy Zeng. He
is not only teaching a Mandarin Chinese class but cultural lessons to all of
our students and faculty. This is an amazing opportunity to widen our students'
worldview."
The Confucius Institute at AUM was
established in 2012, as part of a worldwide network. According to AUM,
the goals of Confucius Institutes is to "satisfying the demands of peoples
from different countries and regions in the world who learn the Chinese
language; enhancing understanding of the Chinese language and culture by these
peoples; strengthening educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation
between China and other countries; deepening friendly relationships with other
nations; promoting the development of multi-culturalism, and constructing a
harmonious world."
Montgomery Catholic welcomed their
visiting teacher, Mr. Jeremy Zeng, in early September. He began his lessons
immediately, and has already offered his students the opportunity to experience
Chinese culture on a field trip to ASF and by learning a song which was
performed for the Montgomery Catholic student body. MCPS 7-12 principal Chad
Barwick said, "His classes for the middle and high school are exciting as
they shift from language instruction to cultural differences. The Lotus Flower
song he taught the students was a hit and came in handy as they sang it with
the Guangzhou Dance Troupe on a class field trip."
Mr. Zeng was born in a small village
surrounded by mountains in southeast of China. His family has been farmers for
generations, which Zeng explained is still very primitive in his village.
"Education changed my life, and the big world did not unfold its beautiful
picture until I received education," said Zeng. After completing his
graduate work in China, he returned to his high school alma mater to begin his
teaching career in 2011 teaching English. In the summer of 2015, a trip to the
United States was put on the agenda, through a national examination in China Jeremy
said, "I was the lucky dog from thousands of teachers chosen to
participate, and after the longest interview I have ever had, which lasted
about five hours, I was given the opportunity to interview via Skype with Mrs.
Anne Ceasar. Then, I am here - working as a Chinese teacher sharing the
language and culture for the next two years."
Mr. Zeng has been happy to see most
students here are polite and willing to learn. He said "when they open
their mouths to talk in Chinese, it brings me a satisfaction in being a
teacher." On being placed at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, the
first private school to offer classes through the Confucius Institute, Zeng
said, "So far I like working at MCPS, the faculty and students work just
like a family." Jeremy's biggest challenge while teaching here, may be crossing Vaughn Road each morning when he walks to work.
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is
looking forward to continuing the relationship with AUM's Confucius Institute,
principal Chad Barwick said, “It has been a real joy and blessing having Jeremy
join our faculty and teach us about China and about himself. Firstly, he is a
sharp, smart teacher who always wants to learn about teaching techniques,
lesson structures, and American culture."
Founded in 1873, Montgomery Catholic
Preparatory School is an integral part of the Catholic Church's mission to proclaim
the gospel of Jesus Christ...while preparing students for college and
beyond...helping them grow to become persons of faith, virtue, and wisdom.
