Middleton High School Mandarin teacher Qin Tian has been named to Madison365’s list of Wisconsin’s 22 Most Influential Asian American Leaders for 2026. The list shines a spotlight on the dedicated leaders of Wisconsin’s Asian and Asian American communities.
The honor is the latest in a series of accolades she has earned, including several for excellence in teaching. Tian earned the 2026 Heartland Chinese Teacher Award, which recognizes educators for excellence in Chinese language teaching.
Madison365 featured an interview with Tian about the award and the strength of Middleton High School’s Mandarin program. Two of her students, Jack Wierschen and Sam Way, shared what makes Tian stand out as a teacher.
Her earlier recognition for her dedication to her students includes the 2024 Wisconsin Chinese Language Teacher of the Year award from the Wisconsin Association of Chinese Language Teachers. In addition, she was a finalist for the 2025 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship.
Tian is known for hosting extensive immersive cultural experiences outside of the classroom. Earlier this month, she led a student trip to Taiwan for 34 students. Students participated in cultural, historical, and educational experiences, including an exchange with a Taiwanese high school.
She also organized a field trip to Chicago Chinatown for 84 students in April. Students explored ancient artwork at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art, took part in an interactive calligraphy workshop, and enjoyed sampling authentic food at Asian restaurants.
Each year, she helps coordinate a community-wide Lunar New Year celebration with MCPASD’s Chinese Program. This year’s event featured dragon performances; Chinese calligraphy, painting, and paper‑cutting demonstrations; and activities including face painting, Chinese chess, lantern riddles and more.
“Qin is a strong leader at our school and within our community, and we’re thrilled to see her leadership recognized at the state level,” said Middleton High School Principal Bobbie Reinhart. “We have the privilege of seeing firsthand the meaningful impact she makes on her students. Her style of teaching and the programs she hosts are models for schools looking for ways to foster cultural connections and bring together students and staff with the larger community.”
Congratulations to Ms. Tian on being named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Asian American Leaders!