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Rebecca: South Carolina Teacher Evaluator and Mentor

Educators are sharing the importance of language teaching!

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Meet Xiaolin Rebecca—a world language teacher and South Carolina Teaching Standard 4.0 Teacher Evaluator and Mentor.

What first inspired you to become an educator? What motivates you today?

Initially, I was inspired by a desire to help people overcome academic challenges and struggles. Today, my motivation has deepened into a commitment to making a meaningful impact on people's lives—whether it's opening doors for others or empowering them to achieve their dreams. Education is more than just a job; it’s a calling. The longer I stay in this field, the more I feel a sense of purpose.

What's the best or most fulfilling part of teaching language for you?

The most fulfilling part of teaching language and culture is witnessing students connect with new perspectives and broaden their understanding of the world. Helping them not only master a language but also appreciate its cultural richness feels incredibly rewarding. Each time I see students make a breakthrough—whether it’s achieving fluency, understanding a cultural nuance, or developing a newfound confidence—I’m reminded of why I chose this path. The opportunity to shape and inspire future educators also brings a special satisfaction, as it means I’m contributing to a legacy that goes beyond my own classroom.

What role have languages played in your life outside of the classroom?

Outside the classroom, languages have opened up many doors for connection and understanding. They’ve allowed me to engage more meaningfully with diverse communities, both locally and globally, fostering a deeper empathy and appreciation for different cultures. Language has been a bridge in my personal life too, helping me build friendships, navigate new experiences, and feel at home in unfamiliar places. It’s not just a tool but a lifelong companion that continues to enrich my worldview and keep me curious about people and their stories.

Small mistakes can actually spark conversations about language quirks and funny misunderstandings. It’s moments like these that remind me how language learning is as much about connection and humility as it is about mastery.

What has been your favorite memory teaching a language so far?

One of my favorite memories in recent years was teaching my students traditional Chinese songs. I wanted them to experience the depth and beauty of the lyrics and music, so we practiced not only the lyrics but also discussed the cultural significance behind each piece. Then, to my surprise, the students decided to take it a step further—they brought in ancient Chinese musical instruments (bamboo flute and Chinese zither) to accompany their singing. When they performed, blending their voices with the sounds of these traditional instruments along with violin and clarinet, it was a breathtaking moment. Watching them engage so deeply, my eyes filled with tears. I felt a profound gratitude, seeing how our work together had gone far beyond my expectations and had touched something truly meaningful in each of them.

What is your favorite word or expression in another language and what does it mean?

“La vie en rose” which means that life is beautiful.

Complete the thought: "Teaching a language means..."

Teaching a language means creating bridges between cultures, fostering understanding, and empowering learners to communicate across boundaries, enriching personal and professional lives.


Check out our Become an Educator and Connect with languages pages for information about university programs, scholarship opportunities, testimonials, and more!

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Know an amazing language educator who we should feature next? Refer them to us for consideration in an upcoming Educator Profile.