Faculty
Xiaoyan Xu
Upper School Mandarin Teacher
Xiaoyan Xu is a native Mandarin speaker who has been in the teaching field for almost 24 years. She earned her B.A. in English from BISU in Beijing and her M.A. in education from SFSU. Xiaoyan has received various teaching certificates and training throughout her career, both in China and in America, such as the International Baccalaureate, Reggio Emilia, Cambridge language teaching certificates, and TPRS certificate. Xiaoyan taught multiple subjects in Mandarin immersion independent schools in Berkeley and San Francisco before launching the Mandarin program at BPC in 2013. Prior to the U.S., Xiaoyan taught multiple subjects in both English and Mandarin to students ranging from pre-k to 12th grade, as well as adults, for eight years in Beijing. She also ran her own language school in Beijing. Xiaoyan enjoys talking to students, playing games with them, listening to concerts and podcasts, watching dance shows, and spending time with her family and friends.
Why I Work with Children
Children are our future; I want to be part of it.
A Favorite Book
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. It’s a very inspiring and interesting book.
Quick Fact
Once ate deep-fried silkworms
