ECAEAVISION AND PASTEVENTRECAP
INSPIRINGASIAN AMERICAN STUDENTS
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HIGHLIGHTINGASIANAMERICANEDUCATORS
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INTERVIEWWITH GYURINKIM
RECOMMENDEDBOOKS: ENGAGINGREADSFOR CLASSROOM
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OURSTORY:FROM IMMIGRANTROOTSTO CHARTERSCHOOL
EDUCATOR
Education should reflect the richness of the world we live in. An Asian educators group would ensure that the voices of a small minority are not only heard but integrated into the educational narrative, fostering a more comprehensive learning experience for all.
The East Coast Asian Education Alliance (ECAEA) is on a mission to create a supportive and empowering space for Asian educators and students in the U.S. education system. With a focus on combating underrepresentation and breaking stereotypes, ECAEA is building a legacy of inclusion and excellence.
One of the key ways ECAEA fosters community and dialogue is through panel discussions. These events bring together educators to share insights on navigating cultural biases, promoting diversity in classrooms, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Asian students and teachers These discussions offer strategies and support, helping educators create more inclusive learning environments
The East Coast Asian Education Alliance (ECAEA) is excited to announce the launch of our very own magazine! This publication will highlight stories, articles, and creative works that reflect the Asian experience in education. It will serve as a platform where Asian educators and students are celebrated, and their unique perspectives are brought to the forefront.
Published quarterly, we hope this magazine will amplify Asian voices in education. We invite you to share your experiences or knowledge with us and be part of this empowering journey
Written by Jung Yeun Kim Founder of ECAEA Principal of One Christian Academy
PROF. JIAN LIU
On March 21st, the East Coast Asian Education Alliance hosted Navigating Asian Identities in Education, an insightful panel discussion featuring Asian-American educators sharing their personal journeys and challenges within the education system. Meet the esteemed speakers and explore their stories below.
Jian Liu (刘健) is an adjunct Assistant Professor at the New York University School of Professional Studies, imparting his expertise to aspiring students Formerly, he was an Associate in Bilingual Education at the New York State Education Department's Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL), where he led diverse initiatives benefiting the English language learner (ELL) and multilingual learner (ML) communities As an Assessment Manager at the NYC Department of Education's (NYCDOE) Office of Assessment, Jian spearheaded prominent projects involving assessments for public schools, including the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). Jian is an EdReports math reviewer and played an integral role in the inaugural ML Pilot Review Team. He graduated with a B.A. in Pure Mathematics from City College of New York, earned an M.A. in Teacher of Mathematics 7–12 from NYU-Steinhardt, and completed his M.S. Ed. in Bilingual Childhood Education from City College. A Math for America 2011 Fellow, Jian's pursuit of excellence led him to achieve an M.S. Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from The College of Saint Rose in 2019.
DR. CATHLIN GOULDING
Cathlin Goulding, Ed D co-directs the YURI Education Project, a consultancy which creates educational resources on Asian American history and stories She started in the education field as an English Language Arts teacher at a public high school in the East San Francisco Bay Area She trained as an education researcher at Teachers College, Columbia University After completing her doctorate, she served as an Andrew W. Mellon postdoctoral research fellow at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and New York University. In addition to her work as a curriculum specialist, she teaches future public school teachers and instructional leaders at the City University of New York and Teachers College, Columbia University. She lives in Queens, New York.
Grace Kim is a teacher and entrepreneur, devoted to empowering the youth of the future. Since 2016, she has partnered with international NGOs and nonprofit organizations to make strides toward ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality educational opportunities for all people. Currently, she teaches Geometry, Biology, AP Psychology, College Algebra, and Financial Literacy classes at Columbia Secondary School in Harlem Her pedagogical approach focuses on culturally sustaining the social and emotional development of students, an approach she has been researching since her time in the Educational Studies program at Yale. When not teaching, she serves on the boards of 1stGenYale and Yale Alumni Educators, coaches cheerleading for ages 11- 18, and creates graphic design projects through her platform, gracefulperfect.com. In her free time, you can find her chatting over a cup of coffee, visiting art museums, or trying new food!
Dr Min Hong has been with the New York City Public Schools for 33 years She has been a teacher, literacy coach, Assistant Principal, and now a Principal of a school in the Bronx Dr Hong is an alumna of Teachers College, Columbia University having earned her degrees from the Department of Curriculum and Teaching. She has been recognized for her accomplished teaching by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and honored by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education as a MetLife Fellow for her excellence as a Culturally Responsive Educator. Dr. Hong is the author of several publications, which include children’s books, instructional texts for teachers, and empirical articles for academic presses and journals. She has also been an Assistant Professor at Teachers College in the Preservice Early Childhood Education program as well as the National Institute of Education (Singapore) as a visiting professor in the joint Masters program on Leadership and Educational Change Dr Hong is a graduate of the New York City Board of Education and is a proud mother of a high schooler who is also a student in the New York City Public Schools.
This past March, the East Coast Asian Education Alliance Organization cosponsored with the Summer Principals Academy Program at Teachers College, Columbia University an impactful panel discussion titled “Navigating Asian Identities in Education ” The event brought together a diverse group of Asian educators, including classroom teachers and professors, school leaders, and researchers to share their insights and experiences in navigating the education field The panel examined how cultural identity, societal pressures, and bias influence both educators and students, as well as the strategies used to foster inclusivity and diversity in schools
The conversation addressed a wide range of topics, including how cultural factors shape teaching and learning, how Asian educators navigate the complexities of workplace dynamics, and the role of societal pressures in student well-being. Panelists shared personal stories of how their Asian identities have influenced their careers, highlighting the unique challenges of dealing with stereotypes and biases while striving for equity in the classroom.
One of the key themes that emerged was the importance of support systems both those provided by schools and those built within communities. The lack of institutional support often presents obstacles for Asian educators, but the panelists emphasized resilience and the significance of finding mentors and allies to create change from within.
The panel provided a platform for sharing deeply personal yet universal experiences, encouraging current and future educators to reflect on their identities and roles in shaping the future of education. By tackling issues related to cultural heritage, systemic biases, and community empowerment, the panel not only highlighted the unique struggles faced by Asian educators but also celebrated their contributions to the field.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your educational journey that significantly influenced your path or perspective?
How have your cultural heritage and identity shaped your approach to education and learning?
What were some of the most significant challenges you faced in your educational journey, and how did you overcome them?
In what ways do you believe the educational system can better support students from diverse cultural backgrounds?
Can you discuss a mentor or role model who played a crucial role in your educational or professional development? How did they influence you?
How do you view the role of education in empowering the Asian community, and what changes would you like to see to enhance this empowerment?
What advice would you give to current and future Asian educators who are navigating their educational paths?
Written
by
Dr. Colette young
Founding member of ECAEA Assistant Director and Adjunct Faculty at Columbia University's Teachers College
Asian teachers represent only about 2.4% of the public K-12 teaching workforce in the U.S. This figure is relatively small compared to the overall diversity of the U.S. population, with White teachers making up nearly 80% of the teaching workforce.
In the next few pages, we will be highlighting some educators who have challenged the barriers against being Asian in predominately white classrooms.
Dr Jinyu Liu is Betty Gage Holland Professor of Roman History, Department of History, Emory University. Previously, she served as a Professor of Classical Studies at DePauw University, where she also assumed the role of Department Chair from 2013 to 2016. She has a Ph.D. in Ancient History from Columbia University (2004) and regularly teaches Roman Civilization and Latin Dr Liu is recognized for her significant contributions to academia, notably as the author of the monograph "Collegia Centonariorum" and as a co-editor of "Taxation, Economy and Revolt in Ancient Rome, Galilee, and Egypt" and "Ovid in China." Her book "An Introductory Research Guide to Roman History" (in Chinese) was initially published by Peking University. Dr. Liu's scholarly endeavors were further distinguished by prestigious fellowships, including the Andrew W Mellon Foundation’s New Directions Fellowship from 2011 to 2014 and a Loeb Classical Library Foundation Fellowship from 2018 to 2019.
Dr. Liu's educational journey traversed both China and the USA. She earned her BA and MA in History from Nanjing University, China, before completing her PhD in Roman History at Columbia University
I distinctly recall Dr. Liu's tenure at Columbia University approximately 25 years ago. Despite the formidable challenges of adapting to a new cultural and linguistic milieu, she exhibited remarkable resilience. While many international students, myself included, grappled with English, I admired Dr Liu's adeptness in engaging with historical documents in English, Italian, Latin, and French Amidst her academic pursuits, Dr Liu also embraced the responsibilities of motherhood, deftly navigating the demands of academia while nurturing her son.
In spring 2024, Dr. Liu taught courses on "Uncovering Marginalized Voices" and "Political Culture in Ancient Rome." The "Uncovering Marginalized Voices" class was particularly notable for its students' diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities, and linguistic proficiencies, with many being bilingual. Their varied career aspirations enriched the class dynamic. Dr. Liu's classes received numerous expressions of gratitude and high course evaluation ratings from her students She takes special pride in the accomplishments of two graduating students, one of whom aims to serve marginalized populations as a future medical professional.
Dr Liu's journey, from PhD candidate to esteemed professor, exemplifies dedication and resilience. Her unique perspective and exp1eriences as an Asian-American educator inspire both her students and colleagues. Through innovative teaching methods, she seamlessly integrates her background, fostering a more inclusive and enriching learning environment. Dr. Liu's unwavering commitment as a PhD candidate, mother, and Chinese international student, alongside her outstanding scholarly achievements, serves as a testament to perseverance and excellence, inspiring Asian educators and minority students alike.
Ms. Melanie Lee is currently the Deputy Superintendent for New York City Public School (NYCPS) CUNY/Urban Assembly District, which houses 43 secondary schools. Teaching languages has always been a passion of Melanie’s, and her extensive experience proves that! Melanie began her career as a Fulbright Fellow, teaching English in Taiwan This experience sparked her journey as an educator, leading her to become an English as a Second Language (ESL) and Social Studies teacher in schools across the Bronx, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown In 2013, she founded Queens High School for Language Studies and served as its principal for nine years.
Ms. Melanie Lee is currently the Deputy Superintendent for New York City Public School (NYCPS) CUNY/Urban Assembly District, which houses 43 secondary schools! Teaching languages has always been a passion of Melanie’s, and her extensive experience proves that! Melanie began her career as a Fulbright Fellow, teaching English in Taiwan. This experience sparked her journey as an educator, leading her to become an English as a Second Language (ESL) and Social Studies teacher
in schools across the Bronx, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown In 2013, she founded Queens High School for Language Studies and served as its principal for nine years. Despite not majoring in Education, and also pursuing a career in the Legal field, Melanie was always active and involved in the education sector and knew that deep down, this is what she wanted to do. Melanie cites her drive to become a teacher and make an impact as a result of reading Jonathan Kozol’s Savage Inequalities as a student.
Something that Melanie discusses that is important in regards to not only being an Asian educator, but also an educator that is a Person of Color (POC), s being able to think about identity, cultural relevance, and cultural responsiveness as a teacher and how to connect with students, despite being from different backgrounds She highlights the importance of understanding that being Asian does not mean one specific cultural background, but that it encompasses so many different countries and cultures, and truly how important it is to not to see it as a “monolithic” identity For Melanie, it is important to understand that there are two sides when celebrating diversity, and it’s important to find a balance between representing your community, but also not tokenizing an educator that may be the only one from that community within their school. Being culturally responsive as an educator goes way beyond representation in the classroom. Although representation is extremely important, ultimately, being able to create spaces for your students to thrive and feel seen and heard is equally as important.
“As an educator, you should be thinking about how you can ensure that you’re making space for your students’ voices and how do you make space for students to make connections with what they’re learning and share their experiences.”
At Queens High School for Language Studies, she prioritized involving parents in their children's education and partnering with them to create a supportive environment for students who need academic assistance.
The impact that Ms. Lee has had in the field of education is truly inspiring. Her unique perspective as both an educator and former ENL student has enabled her to empathize deeply with the experiences of her students and their families
Through her own experience as an English as a New Language (ENL) learner, Ms Lee emphasizes the importance of students sharing their cultural experiences as a way to enhance their language learning. Drawing from her own life growing up with parents who immigrated from Taiwan, Ms. Lee understands the challenges faced not only by students but also by their parents.
Weinviteyoutohelpuscelebratethe achievementsofAsianeducatorswho havemadealastingimpactintheU.S. educationsystem.Theirstoriesof dedication,innovation,andresilience deservetobesharedwidely.Ifyouknow aneducatorwhoseworkstandsout,we encourageyoutosubmitanarticle highlightingtheircontributions.
Pleasesubmitto: eaceainfo@gmail.com
When my mom, brother, and I immigrated from Beijing to Los Angeles, it felt like nothing had changed to my five year old self. 60% of the population in my new city were Asian and every house on my street had families identical to mine Even outside of my family, I felt right at home with the mooncakes, red envelopes, and expectations that seemed to follow wherever I went While it was comforting to my immigrant experience at first, I soon realized that I was living in a golden prison disguised as a palace. Like most Asian children, my childhood was often disrupted by constant stress for the future – getting straight As in school to become more academically accomplished, taking up piano to be trained in the arts, sitting taller to appear respectful to others the list goes on and on On the outside, I was the perfect Asian kid. Inside, I was suffocating. When my immediate Asian community felt overwhelming at times, I would turn to my friends and activities at school, only to be met with the same demands. Even something that should be as free as
orchestra was often plagued by our push for perfection, to the point where my fellow musicians and I cried after getting second place at a national orchestra cup. Doing everything in the present while always keeping an eye on the future was the only thing we knew But despite meticulous planning and striving, the future is still dependent on uncontrollable factors like luck, something we had failed to consider For the first time in a long time, I began to redefine what it meant to feel genuinely fulfilled, without any preconceived expectations from my community or my conditioned self
I was only able to truly see outside my bubble when I began attending United Nations conferences as a youth delegate and immersing myself within outside cultures Though we were advocating for a prosperous future like my community back home, it was coming from a place of genuine love and care for people across the globe that we didn’t know Many delegates were sacrificing their sleep, free time with their loved ones, and their
mental health for a mere shred of hope that others could one day feel a ripple of their efforts And yet, they were ending each day finding more fulfillment than I could’ve ever imagined. I soon understood that a meaningful present is truly defined from knowing that I’ll be happy with where I dedicated my time and energy, even if the future is unlucky
Soon after, I founded the international charity Readary, which provides books to children in rural Sierra Leone In just one year, I was able to reach more than 10,000 people in 22 schools, with our partnering “books on wheels” truck bringing the books to villages far and wide. For many of the children, these are the first books that they could call their own As I watch videos and see pictures of Sierra Leonean children reading their first words with my childhood books, I can’t help but feel an affirming sense of fulfillment Even if nothing in my life works out in the next couple of years, I’ll always be grateful for the way I live my present, knowing that my direct actions brought hope and opportunity to someone else Now, as I look forward into the future, I do so while remembering to live in the present before it becomes the past
Written by: Nina Wu
Dancing Moves the Heart debuts in Taipei, Taiwan, touching the hearts of local youth through hip hop, jazz, and nutrition workshops.
D A N C I N G M O V E S T H E H E A R T
“舞動, 感動, ⼼動!” The motto rings throughout the room as Eddie, Eli, and Heather high-five the students for finishing the energetic choreography The students excitedly jump up and down as they practice the movements, eager to show their parents their growth in such a short time.
In a heartfelt and inspiring initiative, Dancing Moves the Heart, an organization founded by
Edward Chen (Eddie), Heather Chen, and Elizabeth Wong (Eli), recently concluded a highly successful series of workshops in Taipei, Taiwan From August 7-11, the trio taught a total of 15 no-cost workshops that engaged 152 passionate students, ages 7-15 Involving the local dance community, 107 volunteers helped with these workshops, translating English to Mandarin, leading warmups, and making the experience welcoming and
enjoyable for the students These workshops, which taught beginner-level hip hop, jazz, and nutrition to the youth, advocated a holistic approach to an active and artistic lifestyle The founders aim to create a space where the youth in international communities can explore their creativity, improve their physical fitness, and learn about healthy living in a supportive environment
This ambitious project was made possible in part by a $3,000 grant from the National YoungArts Foundation, a significant boost that helped bring DMH's vision to life. The grant enabled the organization to successfully reach a large number of students
The impact of these workshops was significant. An overwhelming 87.37% of the students expressed a desire to continue dancing after the workshops ended, a clear indicator of the program’s success in sparking a lasting interest in dance.
Additionally, 9345% of the participants said they would recommend these workshops to others, highlighting the positive experience and valuable skills they gained Perhaps most dance Additionally, 9345% of the participants said they would recommend these workshops to others, highlighting the positive experience and valuable skills they gained Perhaps most notably, when asked to rate how much their mood had improved on a scale from 1 to 10, the students reported an average improvement of 99, underscoring the powerful effect dance can have on emotional well-being
Twins Eddie and Heather Chen hail from Southern California while Eli grew up in Taipei. When the trio met in Southern California during a dance event, they immediately hit it off Their shared values of community service and dance ultimately led them to found Dancing Moves the Heart. They recognized the impact art has had on them, providing an outlet for expression, fostering a community of inclusion, and promoting a lifestyle of activity and energy Thus, their mission with this organization is to touch the hearts of global communities to spread the joy of dance, increase physical and mental health, and cultivate self-expression and release They want to achieve this through no-cost workshops provided to local communities worldwide, allowing youth to participate without financial barriers.
As the trio plans their workshops for next summer, they have ambitious plans to bring their workshops across cultures and countries, first through creating chapters and initiatives across Taiwan and the United States, and then to other countries as well
DMH invites you to join us. Whether you're a supporter, collaborator, or just curious, we welcome you to explore and engage with us through our social media channels below.
Instagram: @dancingmovestheheart
Facebook: Dancing Moves the Heart - DMH
Youtube (coming soon!): Dancing Moves the Heart
Gyurin Kim, an acclaimed producer whose latest project, Blue Blind, is set to grace Broadway. This Korean musical draws on traditional folk tales and universal themes, showcasing the power of cross-cultural narratives
Gyurin Kim, an accomplished producer with over 150 productions in Korea and the US, is bringing the Korean musical Blue Blind to New York City as an off-Broadway showcase this November The musical, based on the Korean folk tale Simcheongjeon, explores love, sacrifice, and identity Collaborating with Haemee Park, the original creator and executive producer, Gyurin blends her expertise as the local producer to introduce Korean culture to a global audience, making this off-Broadway debut a significant cultural milestone.
Q1: What drew you to Blue Blind, and how will it resonate with U S minorities?
Blue Blind tells a universal story rooted in Korean culture, yet its themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience are relatable across cultures Minority communities in the U S will connect with the exploration of identity and belonging. The production bridges cultural divides by showcasing the beauty of Korean heritage while addressing common human experiences
Q2: What was special about working with Haemee Park?
Haemee Park is a dynamic force in Korean musical theater. As the original creator and performer of Blue Blind, her vision has shaped the production Her role as executive producer has been pivotal, and her passion and creativity have elevated this project, making it a truly collaborative effort that reflects the richness of Korean theater.
Q3: What does it mean to bring a Korean musical to off-Broadway?
It’s an incredible honor. Korean performing arts are gaining international recognition, and Blue Blind is part of this exciting movement. Haemee Park’s ability to blend traditional Korean themes with universal messages will offer the audiences a fresh perspective on Korean narratives This is a significant moment for Korean theater on the global stage.
Blue Blind is the product of a remarkable collaboration between Haemee Park, the musical’s original creator and executive producer, and Gyurin Kim, the local producer in New York Together, they are bringing the beauty of Korean musical theater to the international spotlight, presenting a story deeply rooted in love and sacrifice. As Blue Blind prepares for its off-Broadway debut in New York City, it symbolizes the growing influence of Korean culture on the global performing arts stage, presenting a narrative that transcends cultural boundaries
BY JOANNA HO (AUTHOR) DUNG HO (ILLUSTRATOR)
A young little girl realizes that her eyes look quite different from her friends’ eyes. Her eyes are like her mother’s, grandmother’s and her little sister’s eyes! She has eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea… The little girl starts seeing and recognizes the strength in her own beauty.
BY MINH LÊ (AUTHOR) DAN SANTAT (ILLUSTRATOR)
This book shares a story of a young boy who visits his grandfather. Not having a common language to share leads to frustration and confusion. However the magic of drawing together shares the bonding that happens beyond words and language
by Namrata Patil
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, my foundation was built on the importance of education. My mother, an educator herself, and my parents, fully aware of its power, ensured I attended a good school and provided the best opportunities they could. This early investment in education helped shape who I am today. When I moved to the U.S. in 1996, I continued that pursuit in education. My experience in the U S wasn’t without challenges I was unaware of the deep-rooted biases riddled within this country I’ve grown to call home As I transitioned into my role as an educator, these experiences became pronounced, less ignorable, and I became acutely aware of the racism surrounding us as a community.
Teaching opened my eyes to the systemic challenges that persist in society, for those who looked like me and for those who don’t. I realized I had a choice: I could allow these experiences to deter me, or I could use them as fuel to push forward. Choosing the latter, I went on to earn my alternate teaching certification from Rutgers and, later, a Master’s degree in educational leadership from Columbia University Two extremely proud moments of my educational career. These achievements were only the beginning. While I faced an uphill battle at work, often feeling people were unsettled by the idea of an Asian woman climbing the professional ladder, I knew my perseverance serves not only myself, but generations after me who will eventually take my steps even further.
I believe hard work and perseverance shine through. Today, I am the dean at Foundation, an inner-city charter school where I finally feel appreciated. This role has allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of students who, like me, face their own set of challenges. At Foundation, I focus on creating an environment where education is the key to changing socioeconomic dynamics. My mission is to empower scholars and educators alike to succeed, regardless of their background.
What grounds me in my work is the belief that success should not be determined by the color of one’s skin. As an educator and leader, as someone who continues to learn in and out of academia, my vision is to blur the line between race and achievement, teaching our students to rise above prejudice and to build a more inclusive, equitable world. Education is the key that unlocks these doors, and I strive every day to ensure that my work leaves a lasting impact one that transcends the barriers of race and opens a world of opportunity for every child.
by Namrata Patil
THANK YOU FOR READING!
WE HOPE THIS ISSUE OF THE EAST COAST ASIAN EDUCATION ALLIANCE (ECAEA) MAGAZINE HAS INSPIRED YOU, PROVIDED VALUABLE INSIGHTS, AND SPARKED MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS. OUR MISSION IS TO AMPLIFY THE VOICES OF EAST ASIAN EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS, AND WE COULDN’T DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT.
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