2025 - 2026 Heartland Chinese Teacher Award
China is the world’s oldest surviving civilization, and the Chinese language is often credited for its longevity. Today, close to 1.3 billion people, approximately 16% of the world’s population, speak Chinese. In the United States, that number is less than 1%.
Studying Chinese is important not only for gaining a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of Chinese culture but also for building bridges of friendship between the U.S. and China.
It is with much appreciation of the many teachers who have been teaching the Chinese Language in the Heartland region, often with little resources, that USHCA is happy to announce its fourth annual Heartland Chinese Teacher Award, to recognize the hard work of the many Chinese language teachers in the heartland region who have built cultural bridges through language learning.
The 2025-2026 Heartland Chinese Teacher Award will once again seek to recognize exceptional K-12 Chinese language teachers in the 21-state heartland region based on:
- Creativity and effectiveness of their curriculum
- Impact on students
- Contribution to Chinese language learning and cultural dissemination in their community.
Timeline
- September 18, 2025: Nominations open
- October 31, 2025: Nominations close
- November 1 – December 31, 2025: Teacher applications
- January, 2026: Judges evaluate and select award recipients
- February 21, 2026: Online Award Ceremony
Reflections from USHCA Leaders
“World languages are best taught early, but few American schools make it part of their K-12 curriculum. For this reason, we are proud to honor the teachers who have championed and built successful Chinese language programs at their schools and districts across the heartland region.”
Bob Holden
USHCA Chairman of the Board of Directors
Former Governor of Missouri
“Language is crucial to understanding other cultures. These teachers work hard every day to make this journey exciting and accessible for their students and they demonstrate clearly their passion for being a bridge between the United States and China.”
Susan Thornton
USHCA Vice-Chairman of the Board
“As a Chinese American who grew up in China and came to this country when I was a college student with broken English, I can’t emphasize enough what a special gift these teachers are offering to their students and their community. Learning Chinese will open a world of opportunities to these students.”
Min Fan
USHCA Executive Director