BEGAN AT CAIS 2008

Celebrating 15 years at CAIS, Chang Laoshi has served the school in a variety of roles, most recently as Fourth Grade Chinese Lead Teacher and Chinese Language Support Teacher, a position she pioneered. She brings that spirit to her new role as our inaugural Mandarin World Language Pathway teacher.

A certified Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) assessor, she is delighted to bring her deep knowledge of second language acquisition to the classroom. Known for her warm nature and enthusiastic commitment to all things differentiation, Chang Laoshi also brings the unique perspective of having worked with CAIS students and teachers across K-8, showcasing a strong understanding of where students are coming from and where they are headed next.

Began at CAIS in 2021

Having served as CAIS Preschool Chinese lead teacher, Elaine Chang has now moved into the newly expanded role of Director of Admission and Enrollment Management.

Born and raised in Taiwan, she earned an M.A. in Gifted Education and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Elaine has been teaching various subjects to students at different ages with diverse backgrounds for 14 years. She enjoys learning and growing with her students by having group discussions, one-on-one sessions and hands-on activities. Prior to joining CAIS this fall, Elaine taught kindergarten at Avenues: The World School in New York City for five years. She also worked at Hollingworth Preschool and HudsonWay Immersion School in NYC and Shu Ren International School in Berkeley, California. In her spare time, Elaine enjoys drawing animals, painting, cooking and spending time with her family.

Began at CAIS in 2016

Chang Laoshi is originally from Kaohsiung,Taiwan. She has been teaching for 21 years which includes seven years at Mandarin immersion school,14 years at Montessori school, and this will be her 6th year at CAIS. She really enjoys teaching the children.

Began at CAIS in 2018

Chen Laoshi was pleased to join CAIS in September 2018. She likes the warm, mutually helpful, and positive atmosphere of the CAIS community. She was born and raised in China, graduated from Teacher’s University, and has continued child development courses at San Francisco City College since 2019. In addition, she has 22 years of working experience in a bilingual international kindergarten in China. She believes children learn in many different ways, and works to create an inclusive learning environment where children can approach learning from many entry points in a joyful way. In her spare time, she likes to enjoy food, reading, and outdoor nature.

Began at CAIS in 2018

Chen Laoshi was born and raised in Taiwan. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a master’s degree in early childhood special education. She has many years of experience working with young children in various educational environments, including their homes, communities, and schools. Ten years ago, she started her career in Chinese teaching. She completed a Chinese teaching certification program from UC Berkeley extension and holds a California teaching credential. She has been teaching in mandarin immersion classrooms for over eight years.

Began at CAIS in 2011

In the outskirts of Taipei, Taiwan, Ena was raised in a family of four. In her childhood, she liked hanging out at bookstores with her dad, building and taking LEGOs apart with her brother, exploring traditional markets with her mom, and reading (her favorite hobby). After earning a degree in language education from Taipei University of Education, she moved and eventually settled in San Francisco. Her passion and profession led her to several jobs and volunteer opportunities in adult education and K-5 schools. Since joining CAIS in 2011, she has been and continues to advancing in her role of support and enhance students’ Chinese learning experiences.

Ms. Chen shares, “I am an ABC with roots in Shanghai. I moved to San Francisco five years ago from the East Coast and have enjoyed the cultural richness of this city. I am excited to be part of a community whose mission is so near and dear to my heart. I speak a bit of Mandarin but have gotten quite rusty, so I can’t wait to learn and practice with the students, teachers, and staff.”

Began at CAIS in 2021

Hailing from Taiwan, Ms. Chiang is a veteran immersion educator with 17 years experience, including four years in her previous role as Chinese Academic Dean at Silicon Valley International School (formerly known as International School of the Peninsula). She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; credentials from National University of Tainan and University of California San Diego; and a master’s degree in TESOL from San Jose State University. As she joined CAIS, she reflected on the strong community, “This resonates with the motto I have always lived by as a leader: 一个人走，走得快；一群人走，走得远 (If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together).”

See School Spotlight—Cindy Chiang