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.
