CLASS Awards

The Yao Memorial Award for Outstanding New Teacher 姚道中优秀新教师奖 
Dr. Tao-chung (Ted) Yao was a world-renowned expert in Chinese teaching pedagogy. His greatest accomplishments included using technology in teaching and assessments, writing of SAT II Chinese, chief reader of AP Chinese and co-authoring the best-selling textbook series Integrated Chinese. He dedicated his life in teaching of Chinese language and was a constant advocate for K-12 Chinese teachers. The Yao Memorial Award for the Outstanding New Teacher recognizes an individual of the Chinese teaching profession who has been teaching in K-12 public or independent schools for less than 5 years and is currently in at least a half time position. S/he must demonstrate excellence and passion in teaching the Chinese language and culture. All members of CLASS, with the exception of current CLASS officers and members of the elected Board of Directors, are eligible for the award. This award consists of a plaque in recognition of his/her excellence in teaching, one year CLASS membership and a scholarship amount that is equivalent to the ACTFL registering fee. This award will be given every year.

Outstanding Chinese Teacher Award 优秀中文教师奖 
The Outstanding Chinese Teacher Award recognizes an individual of the Chinese teaching profession who is currently in practice and has held a full-time position for at least 5 years. S/he has demonstrated excellence in teaching Chinese language and culture to students at K-12 schools. All members of CLASS, with the exception of current CLASS officers and members of the elected Board of Directors, are eligible for the award. This award consists of a plaque in recognition of his/her excellence in teaching and one year CLASS membership. This award will be given every two years.

Lifetime Achievement Award 终身成就奖
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual of the Chinese teaching profession who has demonstrated prominent long-term achievement and service to the profession locally, statewide, regionally, and/or nationally. All members in the community of Chinese teaching profession, might include, but not limited to the CLASS members, are eligible for the award. This award consists of a plaque in recognition of his/her lifetime contribution to the field.

Outstanding Advocate Award 推动中文教学奖
The CLASS Outstanding Advocate Award recognizes an individual or an organization outside of the Chinese teaching field that has made a significant contribution and service to CLASS and the K-12 teaching profession. The nominee must be instrumental in performing advocacy functions in supporting the vision and mission of CLASS in fostering K-12 Chinese initiatives. Qualifying nominee might include, but not limited to the CLASS members. This award consists of a plaque in recognition of his/her advocacy in promoting the teaching and learning of Chinese.

Service Award 中文教学服务奖 
In the spirit of CLASS’ 30th anniversary, a special service award will be given to all CLASS members who have served in the field of K-12 Chinese language teaching for 5+, 10+, 15+ and 20+ years. CLASS would like to honor the devotion and dedication of the teaching professionals who have committed to teaching Chinese language and culture. Award recipients must be a consecutive registered CLASS member for the past 5 years. This award consists of a personalized certificate recognizing the years of service in the field of Chinese language teaching.