Meet Summer Pao, the Backbone of the St. John’s Chinese Program

In this increasingly globalized world, learning a second language has become essential. At St. John’s, four languages are offered to students: French, Latin, Spanish, and Chinese. Out of the four, Chinese tops the charts as the number one most spoken language in the world with 1.31 billion speakers. However, the numerous, complicated characters that meet the eye may seem intimidating and scary to many St. John’s students looking to choose a new language. 

Summer Pao, the Chinese teacher at St. John’s school, has dedicated herself to teaching and promoting the language, guiding her students along the rigorous, yet vastly rewarding path that goes hand in hand with learning Chinese. 

“It is a lot of work, but at the same time learning can be fun. It’s always my theory that if we make learning fun then students can take on the task,” Pao says. 

She is currently the only Chinese teacher at St. John’s School, running the Chinese program solo. Pao teaches four classes this year, Chinese levels two, three, four, and AP, averaging around 20-30 students total. However, where she lacks in numbers she compensates with passion and unwavering grit. 

Students of Chinese III gather around their Lunar New Year themed Chinese paper cut-out. (From left: Emily Yen, Kenzie Chu, Lachlan McFarland, Daniel Pan, Wesley Chu, Ailey Takashima, and Angel Huang) 

“We are a small program, but we are strong!” Pao states with enthusiasm. “Since we only have one section of every level, I can really tailor my teaching to the students. In each year the student’s needs will be different, and I can adapt to these needs,” she explains. 

Her dedication is tangible and comforting, yet much of the reason why students hesitate to enroll in Chinese is due to the language not being offered as an option in middle school. It’s daunting to take up a new language in the first year of high school, especially one that may seem too complicated. However, Pao makes sure both middle school and high schoolers understand the vibrant and fun cultural side of the language as well as the parts that may look difficult. 

“We have really fun cultural enrichment programs both on campus and off campus so that students will feel like this is a language that they can actually use. It's not just something they'll learn from a textbook,” she says. 

The students in Chinese IV had a blast trying their hand at Chinese calligraphy with Ms. Pao's guidance! (From left: Nate Lawless, Haya Wishah, Addison Walker) 

For example, during the week of Lunar New Year, students enjoy a week off of work and have the ability to step back and really enjoy the culture that they unlock by learning the language. Activities include trying out Chinese calligraphy, learning about traditions, playing Chinese instruments, and even participating in a friendly paper cut-out contest! 

In the end, she wants her students to walk away with love for the language and everything that comes with it, paired with a feeling of confidence about their ability to use it. Pao hopes that students look past the preconceptions surrounding Chinese and truly delve into trying something new, unique, and challenging. 

“Be brave, keep an open mind, and don't worry about making mistakes because that's part of the learning. When you learn a new language, your world opens up to that culture, to the language, to a lot of things,” she advises. 

Despite her challenges, Pao takes on teaching with poise and warmth, cultivating a successful and joyful environment in which her students have the ability to prosper in comprehension, development, and adoration for this imperative language.