Andrew P. Fennell, USA
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to recommend in particular two individuals I have met and interacted with during my study with Chinese Language Education. The first is Sally Zhang, who has been extremely efficient, reliable, and effective regarding all of the delicate organizational matters that often go unnoticed in language schools. She was able to find a teacher immediately for me, although I gave little notice. Then, when I decided that my assigned teacher was not quite fit for my needs, she immediately found one that was better suited, no questions asked. She cares about this school, the quality of its teachers, and the quality of service that it provides its students, and it shows. However, her talents do not only lie as an organizational mastermind. The week I arrived at CLE to inquire about lessons, there were temporarily no available teachers to teach my one-on-one class. Sally decided that she would give me my first few classes. She was well prepared, energetic, motivating, and knowledgeable. Furthermore, she intuitively understood what I desired as a student, and quickly adapted her teaching methods to patch the holes she discovered in my Chinese vocabulary. There are many Chinese teachers out there in Beijing, but there are few who put in the time and effort to evaluate their student's strengths and weaknesses, and from there proceed to teach their class. It is for all of the above reasons that I recommend Sally Zhang and CLE to future students.
The second individual I would like to recommend is my teacher, Zhang Rui . She has all of the qualities that make a successful teacher: she is patient, creative, energetic, knowledgeable, and encouraging. She comes to class every day very well prepared, and her unwavering dedication immediately rubs off on her students. On days that you prepare well, she lets you know. On days where you aren't as well prepared, she also lets you know. However, even on your bad days, she never tones down the level or pace of the class, but rather keeps on encouraging you to work harder. I found this particularly helpful in a one-on-one class, where so much depends on the teacher and student dynamic. Furthermore, I really appreciated her precise and methodical approach to class. Intermediate level Chinese classes can oftentimes too easily regress into disjointed, strained, and disorganized conversations, which do little to successfully target grammar and vocabulary deficiencies. Zhang Rui would sometimes let us briefly drift and talk, but after a few minutes would always pull us back to the contents of the lesson. She cares about her students, wants them to improve, and from the way that she conducted my class, it was immediately apparent. If I ever study Chinese in Beijing again, I won't hesitate from studying with her again.
* If you would like to contact Andrew P. Fennell to ask questions about CLE, please email info@chinaledu.com with your contact information and we will forward your details to him.
