ICCCI Chinese School Hosts 30th Anniversary Teacher Appreciation Event: Passing on Culture, Nurturing Generations

Carmel, Indiana — The Indianapolis Chinese Cultural Center (ICCCI) Chinese School recently held a teacher appreciation event, an important part of the series of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the center and the school. Founded in 1995 by nine Chinese immigrant families, the school has grown into a mature community Chinese education center with 28 teachers, 15 Chinese language classes, 23 extracurricular classes, and nearly 300 students.

The event invited over 40 current, retired, and substitute teachers, as well as ICCCI board members, school committee members, and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) members. Attendees collectively reflected on the school’s 30-year development journey, witnessing its transformation from humble beginnings to present-day achievements. Dr. Zhang Yan, the current principal, stated that the school’s growth was not without challenges and that it was the tireless efforts of all organizers and volunteers that created today’s accomplishments.

Three Decades of Dedication: From “Parent-Teachers” to “Diverse Highly Educated Faculty”
In its early days, ICCCI Chinese School relied on parents to serve as teachers, with the mission of “passing on Chinese culture.” Today, the school’s faculty has been significantly strengthened, bringing together PhDs in education, in-service teachers from elementary to high schools, as well as PhDs and master’s degree holders in science and engineering. They bring passion to teaching and have built a rich curriculum system:

• Cultural Courses: Chinese language as the core, supplemented with traditional painting, martial arts, singing, writing, and more, solidifying students’ cultural foundation;

• Interest-Based Courses: Outstanding high school students serve as “junior teachers,” offering courses in math, chess, Go, and other subjects to stimulate learning interests;

• Popular New Courses: Recent additions such as public speaking, modeling, band, and speech/recitation courses have been widely welcomed by students.

Notably, every year, non-Asian students also enroll, making campus culture more diverse and highlighting the unique appeal of Chinese culture.

Collaborating Toward the Future: Young Teams + Parent-School Partnership
The younger age profile of the school committee and the growth of the PTO have provided strong support for school development. Beyond improving teaching quality, the school enhances students’ and teachers’ sense of identity, participation, and achievement through events such as carnivals, cultural performances, and academic competitions, helping students take pride in their cultural heritage.

The 30 years of ICCCI Chinese School reflect the community’s united dedication to building a cultural home. Looking ahead, the school will continue to uphold its original mission, sowing the seeds of Chinese culture in more hearts, marching toward the next glorious 30 years.

(Image copyrights belong to the original authors.)