This article was written for the March edition of the Community Compass newsletter.
Passionate, charismatic, encouraging, and caring are just a few of the words that Qin Tian’s students used to describe her leading up to her selection as a top five finalist for the 2026 Heartland Chinese Teacher Award (HCTA).
“My students’ voices mean so much to me and are at the heart of my teaching,” Tian said. “I’m honestly overwhelmed by their love and support.”
The U.S. Heartland China Association launched the award in 2022 to recognize educators in 21 U.S. states for excellence in Chinese language teaching. Selection criteria includes creativity and effectiveness of the class curriculum, the positive impact on students, and contributions to Chinese language learning and culture in the wider community.
Tian has worked in education for more than a decade in China and the U.S. and joined Middleton High School as a Mandarin teacher during the 2024-25 school year. She was nominated for the award earlier this year and was selected as a top five finalist during the 2026 award ceremony at the end of February, alongside educators from Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, and Kansas.
“Being included among such outstanding educators from across the states is truly an honor,” Tian said.
After Tian’s initial nomination, her students enthusiastically shared their experiences in a video message to support her advancement in the award process. They shared appreciation for her commitment to creating engaging experiences in the classroom that increase their comprehension of the material as well as their communication skills.
“She takes a subject that can sometimes be viewed as monotonous and really brings a lot of life into it,” said Jack Wierschem, a sophomore. “It’s really fun to just build a family in Mandarin class.”
“She’s able to communicate with me in English and Mandarin,” added Grace Guo, a sophomore. “She’s someone you can talk to and practice your [speaking] and listening skills…and I love that so much.”
Students also shared that Tian frequently includes Chinese cultural elements and experiences in assignments, field trips, and special events that make the material even more meaningful for people of all cultural backgrounds.
“She gives a space for people,” said Diamond Tai, a sophomore. “I’m 25% Chinese, and I would’ve never learned half the stuff I have about my culture if I hadn’t taken Mandarin or Ms. Tian’s class.”
Tian also helped organize the MCPASD Chinese Program’s 2026 Lunar New Year Festival, which included traditional Chinese art activities and food as well as a dragon dance. Students said it helped build bridges between cultures.
“With us not being ethnically Chinese, it was still a very fun environment and experience…we can kind of see how our cultures mix together,” said Brianne Sexton, a sophomore. “I think it’s pretty cool.”
Out of all of the nominations across the Heartland region states, Tian was the only award recipient from Wisconsin this year. She said she’s grateful for the support of her students, MCPASD staff, and community members.
“Our District truly engages, involves, and embraces cultural experiences,” Tian said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have such lovely students and such a supportive community around me.”