Mandarin Chinese instructor Ling Zhang plans to publish a book in China next year about American education that will include observations of academics and student life at Marlborough. For research, Zhang also visited schools such as Arcadia High School and Serrano Middle School to gather more information about American schooling.
Zhang moved from her hometown of Beijing to Los Angeles in 1986 to teach 7th Grade at Corona Elementary School and work as a editor at Motion Picture publishing company, which turns movies into novels. Zhang joined the Marlborough faculty during 2010-2011 academic year and currently teaches Mandarin Chinese IA, IC, II, and III Honors.
Zhang began writing the book this past July and works on it whenever she has free time. Zhang’s friend, Xi Lijun, one of the publishers at the Encyclopedia Company in China, persuaded her to write the book to inform Chinese parents who are thinking about sending their children to study abroad in America. Despite the misleading name of her publishing company, Zhang will not be writing an encyclopedia; the company publishes a variety of book genres.
According to Zhang, finding time to write has proven quite difficult since her responsibilities as a teacher occupy most of her time and energy. Zhang said that the book will likely be published later than originally planned because she is taking photos to accompany her writing. Zhang recently took photos of her Mandarin Chinese classes and will include them in the book to highlight the differences between American and Chinese classroom environments.
Many of Zhang’s students and colleagues at Marlborough have supported her throughout the writing process and look forward to the book’s release.
“Although I have not helped Zhang in any way, I certainly know her book will be amazing and a great resource for the parents in China,” Mandarin Chinese instructor Li Bu Larson said.
Sydney ’14, who has Zhang for Chinese II, agrees.
“I wish [Ms. Zhang] all the best of luck with her book and know her book will be a success in China,” Sydney said.
Zhang said she greatly appreciates the encouragement she has received from the Marlborough community.
“Thanks to all the teamwork, I am going to have to write a very long thank you list!” Zhang said.
