Alumni Spotlights

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Cong Dong(Jojo) holds a masters degree in Chinese Linguistics and Literature from Ewha Women’s University in South Korea and is continuing to work toward her Ph.D. She has taught Chinese and Korean language for more than 6 years.

Last year Jojo graduated from CIFLTE's certificate program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) at Teachers College,Columbia University. From the program, she developed a thorough understanding of teaching methods for second language acquisition, with an emphasis on task-based language teaching.

Her thesis on this subject has been selected for presentation at the 17th New York International Conference on Teaching Chinese.

I arrived in New York after a trying twenty-two hours flight and endured through the harsh winter cold. But discomforts were swiftly overshadowed when greeted by the beautiful gothic architecture that is Columbia University Teachers’ College. And through the dusk of winter, came the dawn of spring; a bountiful journey I had stepped into.

During my time in Columbia University, I took great diligence in my academic progress while spending my free time as a part-time of Chinese teacher at a middle school in Connecticut. I was interviewed by Connecticut Channel 12 News station on the subject of educating Chinese inside a classroom. And in New York central, I opened a Chinese program in a Korean-English school that attracted many Koreans and Japanese who were passionate about learning the language. I also took on the role of vice-principal in the New Jersey Asian Academy to share and enlighten about the Chinese culture.

I spent thirty years living in Singapore and my research direction of MA and PhD is towards education and applied language –the focus of application of language. I was the Chinese and Art teacher for multiple globally chained International schools in Singapore, namely, American, Australian, Canadian and Eton house.

I established the SCH ENTERPRISE SINGAPORE 新加坡沃能国际教育企业 in Singapore twelve years ago. This enterprise consults on foreign studies for prospective parents and provides the one-stop service of care, management, discipline, academic supervision and hostel needs of any student from overseas. The enterprise currently has its offices in Singapore, China and the United States .My education and experience from Columbia University had played an inseparable role in instilling confidence and a peace of mind in my clients, which often were concerned parents.

In these fifteen years, I maintained editorial positions in various reputable magazines. It began from a book editor for 《新华文学大系》poetry and song collection, prose literature collection and the editor for a microfiction collection. My published book had been added to every national library in Singapore and my thesis won me a grand prize and monetary reward. While perusing my education in Columbia University, I was the Chief Editor for Columbia University’s《知行》publication.

My favorite memory of Columbia University was the solemn scholar spirit the campus permeated, students’ hundred-percent mental investment and after graduating, I could say one thing to myself without a shadow of a doubt – “I had truly learnt something and broadened my horizon”. If you are sincerely about elevating your educational philosophy and skills, apply to TCSOL and it will be worth your time!

Michelle Tomizawa

COO of Manhattan Mandarin

2018-2019 TCSOL One Year Certificate Program

Harmonizing Passion & Purpose: Michelle Tomizawa's Symphony of Mandarin Education Journey

The TCSOL community boasts a rich tapestry of luminaries who have championed the knowledge and values of the program. Among them shines Michelle Tomizawa, embodying commitment and innovation within the sphere of Mandarin education.

Michelle's eclectic journey – transitioning from the world of voice, piano, and accounting – converged at the heart of Mandarin education. This trajectory, which many in the community find both relatable and inspiring, serves as a vivid testament to the transformative allure of language. Drawn by the capacity of language to bridge vast human divides, Michelle's pursuit of education echoed a community-held belief in the limitless potential of linguistic connection.

In 2012, the landscape of Mandarin education welcomed a new bloom named Manhattan Mandarin, dedicated to fostering after-school Mandarin learning programs. This institution's growth trajectory took a significant turn in 2017 when Michelle Tomizawa stepped into its echelons as the business partner and Chief Operating Officer. With a strategic vision for her professional development, Michelle, an avid language enthusiast and a polyglot fluent in Chinese, Japanese, and English, pursued a profound understanding of language acquisition. She enrolled in the TCSOL One Year Certificate Program, seamlessly integrating her prior experience in language learning and teaching into a comprehensive theoretical framework. Michelle's commitment extended beyond mere theoretical knowledge as she wholeheartedly embraced a practical approach, actively immersing herself in teaching experiences on the frontlines.

This immersive journey through the TCSOL program reshaped Michelle's understanding of Mandarin education. She experienced a profound shift, transitioning from the realm of a learner to the insights of a teacher, a metamorphosis she hadn't fully anticipated. The program's rich curriculum, brimming with practical opportunities, enabled Michelle to seamlessly integrate academic theories into actionable strategies at Manhattan Mandarin. The shared wisdom from fellow alumni further enriched this journey, reinforcing the tangible, real-world impact of the TCSOL program. Beyond the curriculum, Michelle emphasizes the program's unparalleled networking potential. From fostering connections among Mandarin teachers and curating internship opportunities for students, to facilitating collaborations among alumni for teacher recommendations, information sharing, and job prospects, the community's spirit thrived, echoing a sentiment of unity and mutual growth.

The ripples of Michelle's experiences with TCSOL are evident in Manhattan Mandarin's evolving ethos. Under her guidance, the institution fine-tuned its curriculum to meet the diverse needs of its learners. The after-school programs, intricately designed with an emphasis on cultural integration, aim to kindle students' intrinsic motivation, while their adult classes cater to a spectrum of needs, ranging from test preparation to addressing professional demands. Interestingly, even as the sole official test center for HSK and YCT exams in the tri-state area, Manhattan Mandarin doesn't tether itself to a test-centric approach. Instead, inspired by the TCSOL program, they've transformed standard test textbooks, prioritizing the practicality of language use. Keeping pace with the ever-evolving pedagogical landscape, Manhattan Mandarin incorporated cutting-edge methodologies such as Task-Based Language Teaching, a cornerstone of the TCSOL curriculum. Their technological foray, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic, paved the way for a swift transition to online teaching. Now, with a footprint in seven cities, including the global hub of London, Manhattan Mandarin's offerings span the gamut from early childhood programs to comprehensive adult language education.

As the future unfolds, Michelle envisions a world where Mandarin's melodies seamlessly blend with diverse cultures, captivating even those in non-Chinese households. This landscape, orchestrated with broad strokes of adaptability and innovation, eagerly awaits the masterful touch of TCSOL graduates.

Michelle’s journey with Manhattan Mandarin isn't just a solo; it's a harmonious symphony that encompasses the profound contributions TCSOL alumni bring to the grand orchestra of language education. Inspired by her tune, may every alumnus feel invigorated to contribute their unique notes, ensuring our collective symphony resounds with ever-growing passion, purpose, and unity.

Cong Dong

Mary He

Mengyao

Xie Shaodong

Yuxi Shi

Ximo Molly Tong

Xin Zhang

Yiping Zhang

Yongtai Jing

Yuanyuan Gu

Michelle Tomizawa