Teaching here gave me a sense of purpose. It is not only a job but a journey— a journey of connection and lifelong learning.
35 YEARS of Service
For 35 years, Ping Li, Teacher, Languages, Senior School, has built the Senior School’ s Mandarin offerings into a dynamic, studentcentred program that has empowered and supported hundreds of students in exploring not only the Mandarin language but also the deeper cultural traditions and connections behind it. As the sole Mandarin teacher in the Senior School, she has played a pivotal role in the Languages Department, encouraging students to embrace learning beyond the classroom and fostering a global perspective.
WHEN DID YOU START AT CROFTON HOUSE?
I began teaching at Crofton House in January 1990— this was actually my first job in Canada. My initial plan was to finish my graduate studies and return to China, but following the Tiananmen Square Massacre, we were granted the opportunity to stay, and I’ ve always been grateful to the Canadian government for that. My background was in English literature, but I wasn’ t likely to find a job teaching English at that time. It was my university supervisor who encouraged me to apply for a
Teaching here gave me a sense of purpose. It is not only a job but a journey— a journey of connection and lifelong learning.
Mandarin teaching position at Crofton House and even personally delivered my recommendation letter.
HOW HAS YOUR ROLE CHANGED AT CHS, SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED HERE?
I started as the Mandarin teacher in the Senior School, part-time. Later on, I met Ms Willis, Head of Department, English, Senior School, who recognized that I could contribute more broadly. So, she encouraged me to take on English classes, and I eventually taught English 10, Writing 12, and Accelerated English 11 and 12, along with some Mandarin courses. The English Department brought me joy and comfort because we shared ideas and supported each other professionally. More recently,
I have been the full-time Mandarin teacher in the Senior School, a role that has allowed me to focus deeply on building the Mandarin program, in collaboration with our wonderful language teaching staff. As our school community has become more culturally diverse, I’ ve seen how our modern languages curriculum not only reflects that richness but also helps students develop a deeper sense of global awareness and connection. It’ s been incredibly meaningful to be part of that journey.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU FELT WERE UNIQUE TO CHS DURING YOUR TIME HERE?
At CHS, professional growth is not just encouraged— it’ s embedded in the culture. It’ s very important for a teacher to keep learning, because we not only teach students to be lifelong learners, but we also should be keeping up with new pedagogic ideas and technological innovations. The School is really supportive in various ways. We have the Professional Learning Communities where we share ideas and our teaching expertise with each other. I’ ve also been given numerous opportunities to do workshops and presentations locally, provincially and internationally, and stay connected with the broader teaching community. Every other year, I help organize a professional development conference for Mandarin teachers, and the School has always generously supported this event with spaces and facilities on campus.
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR ROLE BROUGHT YOU THE MOST JOY?
My students have been my greatest joy. They bring such energy, curiosity and laughter into the classroom,
40