INTERIM SITE DIRECTOR⏐SAN MATEO

Randy Li holds a degree in Economics from San Francisco State University and studied Art at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, combining a strong academic foundation with a lifelong passion for creativity. He has taught hundreds of students at Menlo Park public schools, as well as St. Pius and OLMC Schools in Redwood City, leading enrichment courses in Clay Creations, Jewelry Making, Arts & Crafts, Calligraphy and Brush Painting, Coding, and Music. Beyond teaching, Randy has managed and mentored a team of teachers, setting both short- and long-term goals that grew programs successfully and earned consistent praise from families.

Parents and students alike appreciate his ability to balance organization with creativity, bringing structure while also inspiring curiosity and self-expression. His passion for music, art, and teamwork creates joyful learning experiences, while his leadership fosters trust and connection with families. Randy is dedicated to building a supportive community where children feel encouraged to explore their talents and thrive.

CHINESE 1 TEACHER⏐SAN MATEO

Ke Laoshi holds multiple teaching certifications, including the Confucius Institute Chinese Teacher Certificate (San Francisco State University), the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission Chinese Teacher Certificate, and California Child Development credentials. With decades of experience teaching students from ages 2 to 20 at schools such as Tzu Chi Academy, TKBT Chinese School, Alamo Chinese School, and Mei Jia Mandarin Program, she is skilled in guiding learners across all levels. Her teaching style combines clarity, humor, and differentiated instruction, making lessons both engaging and accessible while supporting diverse learning needs. In addition to teaching Chinese and calligraphy, Ke Laoshi also teaches and enjoys cooking and art, inspiring students to explore creativity across cultures. Known for her patience, emotional stability, and ability to handle complex classroom situations, she builds strong rapport with students and fosters confidence through encouragement. Ke Laoshi is dedicated to holistic student development and actively collaborates with colleagues and parents, contributing to a supportive and professional school community.

ASSOCIATE TEACHER, ART SPECIALIST⏐SAN MATEO

Ms. Lim is an experienced art specialist who teaches visual arts, Chinese calligraphy, and brush painting, inspiring students to explore their creativity with confidence. She graduated from the Academy of Art University with a focus on Sculpture, Painting, and Drawing, and has since combined her professional artistry with her love of teaching.

Her artwork has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions across the U.S., earning her recognition as a SECA finalist at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the recipient of the Bay Area Award. She has also served as a guest lecturer at the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum, UC Davis, and California College of Arts and Crafts.

Beyond her own artistic achievements, Ms. Lim finds joy in celebrating her students’ creativity, including curating student exhibitions. She brings passion, warmth, and encouragement to every class, and she looks forward to guiding IB students’ creativity and growth this semester.

CHINESE 3 AND 4 ASSOCIATE TEACHER, MATH SPECIALIST⏐SAN MATEO

Liang Laoshi graduated from San Francisco State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Linguistics, equipping him with a strong understanding of both learning and development. He gained classroom experience as a Teacher Assistant at Community Youth Center (CYC) Summer Camp, where he supported students in a fun and structured environment. Passionate about mathematics, he enjoys helping students gain confidence through problem-solving and real-life applications. In class, he uses questions, positive feedback, and humor to motivate students and build rapport. He also values family–school connections and emphasizes social-emotional learning, guiding students toward both academic success and personal growth.

CHINESE 1 AND 2 ASSOCIATE TEACHER, ROBITICS SPECIALIST⏐SAN MATEO

After graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Finance, Huang Laoshi discovered his passion for education through the Youth Worker Intern Program, where he supported classrooms and worked closely with children. Since then, he has dedicated himself to teaching, focusing on building confidence through encouragement and patient guidance. He also brings expertise in robotics and technology, inspiring students to think creatively and solve problems in hands-on ways. His approachable, older-brother style helps children feel relaxed and joyful in class, while his team-oriented spirit makes him a valued collaborator among colleagues.

CHINESE 3 AND 4 TEACHER⏐SAN MATEO

Chen Laoshi holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Hubei Normal University and has earned Putonghua Level 2, Grade A Mandarin proficiency. She taught Chinese language and literature for over 30 years in Huangshi, China, and has also taught Mandarin to elementary students in the Bay Area. Known for her student-centered and interactive teaching, she uses storytelling, role-play, and real-life examples to spark children’s interest and confidence. Her patience and empathy create a classroom where students feel safe to take risks, while her creativity and collaborative spirit enrich the entire school community.

LEAD TEACHER⏐MENLO PARK

Ms. Zhao, born and raised in Changchun in northern China, has been an English teacher since 1997 in a middle school there. She acquired her master degree of MTCSOL (Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages) in 2010. She has taught Chinese to school age children in South Korea, Ohio and California in the last 10 years. Over the weekend, she also teaches Chinese of different levels in two other Chinese learning institutes in the Bay Area. She loves sharing Chinese cultural elements like poems, classic literature, singing and dancing with young Chinese learners. She would like to bring more and more fun, project-based Chinese lessons to Immersive Beijing learners! Outside of class, she also enjoys cooking authentic Chinese food and spending time at the farmer’s market!

LEAD TEACHER⏐REDWOOD CITY

ASSOCIATE TEACHER⏐REDWOOD CITY