Meet Your Teacher: Amanda 老师 lǎo shī

Hey! I'm Amanda :) I am a passionate Mandarin teacher who believes that language is a gateway to truly understanding a culture. I hope that through learning Mandarin, people can appreciate the depth, beauty, and traditions of China. My journey into teaching began when I worked with my very first student—watching him gain confidence and make real progress sparked something in me. I discovered how much I enjoyed explaining concepts, finding creative ways to make learning engaging, and seeing the positive impact I could make. That experience motivated me to fully commit to teaching and to sharing my language and culture with others.

If I could describe my teaching style in three words, they would be: creative, patient, and culturally-rich. I love designing lessons that are tailored to each student’s needs and interests, using imaginative approaches to help them connect with the language in a fun and meaningful way. Cultural context is always at the heart of my teaching, because I believe that language and culture go hand in hand.

Outside of teaching, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and human connection. As a child, I was inspired by the works of Roald Dahl, whose stories were filled with imagination, humor, and deeper lessons about fairness, bravery, and resilience. If I weren’t a teacher, I would love to be a therapist. I’m deeply interested in what drives people, how they grow, and how we can support one another through challenges. Whether in teaching or therapy, my goal is the same: to help others feel seen, empowered, and capable of growth.