“One of the best parts of my day is walking to school in the morning and seeing students and teachers engaged in morning activities. The energy and hope emanating from these experiences make me proud to be a part of the ISKL community.”
Meet Tao Zhang, otherwise known as Zhang Laoshi by his students, who is an MS World Language Chinese teacher who joined the ISKL community in 2018. Originally from Tianjin in China, Tao was a college teacher before teaching abroad in the USA, Korea, India, and Vietnam. In his free time, Tao enjoys activities such as jogging, practicing yoga, cooking, and traveling.
Here is Tao’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
Hi, everyone. I am delighted to seize this moment to introduce myself. My name is Tao Zhang, and I am known as Tao among friends and colleagues and affectionately referred to as Zhang Laoshi by my students, which means Mr. Zhang in Chinese.
My journey began in the vibrant city of Tianjin, China, where I completed my education and spent a few rewarding years as a college teacher. Since 2009, I have been dedicated to teaching Chinese, initially in Ohio, USA, and later at international schools across Korea, India, Vietnam, and now, for the past three enriching years at ISKL. ISKL has always been my dream school, and I am deeply appreciative and proud of its culture and values.
Can you tell us more about your MS World Language Chinese teacher position?
As an MS Chinese teacher, I am continually impressed by our students. Their curiosity, kindness, and passion for learning are commendable. Their humor always brightens my day, making teaching an absolute joy.
One of the best parts of my day is walking to school in the morning and seeing students and teachers engaged in morning activities—be it training, swimming, rugby, or running under the sunrise. The energy and hope emanating from these experiences make me proud to be a part of the ISKL community.
In addition to teaching Chinese, I actively participate in various roles at ISKL, such as homegroup teacher, cross-country coach, and so on. The school has provided me with lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth, and I am grateful for the enriching experiences it continues to offer.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
I indulge in activities such as jogging, practicing yoga, cooking, and traveling during my free time. However, the most cherished moments are spent with my family and friends, who hold immeasurable value in my life.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
This means acknowledging one’s past experiences, cultivating empathy for others irrespective of differences, and actively engaging in sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.
