Zexiu Li

Affiliation

James Madison High School

Biography

I am a dedicated Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) and ESL educator with over 4 years of classroom experience in K–12 settings. With a deep commitment to multilingual education, I specialize in supporting heritage and newcomer students through culturally responsive teaching, inclusive programming, and innovative assessment practices. At the heart of my work is a passion for empowering students to find their voice—linguistically, academically, and culturally. They lead a thriving Chinese Culture Club that organizes schoolwide Lunar New Year celebrations, giving Asian and multilingual students a platform to take leadership roles and share their heritage. I also play a key role in a school-based support initiative for newcomer students, serving as a trusted language and cultural liaison who facilitates academic and emotional adjustment using students’ home languages. Most recently, I have been exploring how AI technology can be used ethically and practically to enhance writing feedback for CFL and ESL learners. Their workshops offer hands-on strategies for integrating AI tools into the classroom in ways that save time, support student growth, and honor teacher voice. I hold a degree in Master of Arts degree from New York University, along with certifications in TESOL and Foreign Language. They are committed to building inclusive learning environments where all students, especially multilingual learners, feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.