Local teacher honored with Heartland Chinese Teacher Award

Last Updated on March 23, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

The U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA) is proud to once again present the Heartland Chinese Teacher Award in recognition of the many extraordinary and dedicated Chinese language teachers in our region. Ten outstanding Finalists, and 5 Award Recipients were honored during a special virtual Ceremony on February 28th at 11:00 am CT (watch the recording here).

In 2022, USHCA launched the Heartland Chinese Teacher Award to recognize excellence in Chinese language teaching in our region, and the many educators who have built cultural bridges through language learning. These teachers, often working with limited resources, are critical to developing the next generation of global leaders.

While this award is foremost about celebrating the significant contributions of Chinese language teachers, it is also meant to raise awareness for the broader significance of world language education in the context of the U.S.-China relations. Approximately 16% of the world’s population speak Chinese. In the U.S. that number is less than 1%. It is imperative we continue to invest in Chinese language learning to promote cross-culture understanding, respect, and collaboration.

Over the past four years, this award program has garnered significant community support, and been met with incredible enthusiasm from teachers, students, parents, and local leaders alike.

Award recipients have expressed their own appreciation, emphasizing how meaningful it is to
have their dedication acknowledged.

This year, USHCA received nominations from 17 cities across 14 Heartland states. The Selection Committee included past awardees, such as Yan Wang, who teaches at Dixie Magnet Elementary School in Lexington, Kentucky, and Dr. Xinying Alpha Zhang, Applied Assistant Professor of Chinese at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. Each nominee was assessed based on 3 main criteria: effectiveness of instruction, impact on students, and contributions to the community.

Chunmei Guan (关春梅), a Mandarin Chinese language teacher at Logansport High School, was one of the recipients honored.

Guan has taught Mandarin Chinese for about 20 years across elementary schools, high schools, universities, and weekend Chinese schools in the United States. She currently teaches Chinese I, II, and IV at Logansport High School in Indiana through a Dual Credit program. Guan sponsors several cultural clubs and advises the National Chinese Honor Society chapter. She has received multiple teaching awards and serves in leadership roles in national and state language education organizations.

SOURCE: News release from U.S. Heartland China Association