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Chinese PhD | AP/Pre-AP/HSK | DLI & NFLC | ILR 0–3+ / OPI
Mary Y.

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Hourly Rate: $60

About Mary


Bio

Empowering students to master AP and Pre-AP Chinese is at the heart of what I do, while I also guide adult professionals toward advanced fluency. My teaching philosophy is simple: language learning should be structured, effective, and genuinely enjoyable.

I hold a PhD in Ancient Chinese History, a Master's in Cultural Anthropology, and a Bachelor's in Chinese Language and Literature. This equips me to teach students from different cultural backgrounds, helping them understand the cultural...

Empowering students to master AP and Pre-AP Chinese is at the heart of what I do, while I also guide adult professionals toward advanced fluency. My teaching philosophy is simple: language learning should be structured, effective, and genuinely enjoyable.

I hold a PhD in Ancient Chinese History, a Master's in Cultural Anthropology, and a Bachelor's in Chinese Language and Literature. This equips me to teach students from different cultural backgrounds, helping them understand the cultural logic and historical depth behind the language. Professionally, I worked as a civilian instructor at the Defense Language Institute (DLIFLC), training U.S. government personnel. I also served as a Language Subject Matter Expert for the National Foreign Language Center (NFLC), developing advanced curriculum aligned with ILR 2+ to 3+ standards.

Having lived in the U.S. since 2013, I deeply understand the American educational system and the challenges students face. I have taught K-12 to graduate-level adults. During my past decade here, I have also authored two books on Chinese history and culture, bringing authentic scholarly depth into my lessons.

At a Chinese language academy in Plano, Texas, I taught AP Chinese and focused on Pre-AP curriculum design. My Pre-AP materials are still used as primary resources, and my students consistently earn high scores on AP and Pre-AP exams. Because the exam format and Course Project changed this year, I analyze the new requirements and tailor my methods to each student. I also provide digital test-taking strategies and timed practice to ensure they are comfortable with the computer-based format.

With my government training background, I am one of the few tutors equipped to help advanced learners preparing for ILR/DLPT/OPI exams. I also prepare students for HSK exams up to Level 6. My approach is highly personalized, building lessons around real-world tasks. I teach online via Zoom or Teams and welcome all ages and levels. Let's work together to reach your language goals.


Education

Xiamen University (Xiamen, China)
Masters
Xiamen University (Xiamen, China)
PhD
  • Licensed teacher

Additional Languages

Mandarin Chinese

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Approved Subjects

Chinese

Chinese

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature, a Master's degree in Cultural Anthropology, and a PhD in Ancient Chinese History. This unique academic foundation allows me to guide students at all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced adult learners, in mastering both exam skills and real-world cultural communication. I have extensive experience teaching AP, Pre-AP, and SAT Chinese, and I designed the Pre-AP curriculum for the Chinese program at a learning academy in Plano, Texas. Previously, I served as an Assistant Professor at the Defense Language Institute (DLIFLC) and developed advanced ILR 2+ to 3+ curriculum for the National Foreign Language Center (NFLC) at the University of Maryland. I am fully prepared to guide students through the new 2027 digital AP exam format and Course Project requirements.
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Hourly Rate: $60
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