Indy Standard

Leah Averitt is making a significant impact at Northwest Middle School by teaching Mandarin Chinese, a language that opens doors to understanding different cultures. She believes that language learning goes beyond communication and provides students with lifelong opportunities.

“Many of our students already speak English and Spanish,” Averitt said. “Now they are learning Mandarin! Within the next year, they’ll be able to communicate with billions of people from diverse backgrounds. Who you know or can talk to often determines your possibilities, and our students are gaining access to opportunities that will last a lifetime.”

The introduction of the Mandarin program is part of Indianapolis Public Schools' (IPS) Rebuilding Stronger initiative, which aims to expand access to various academic programs. Jessica Dunn, executive director of enrichment programs for IPS, highlighted the benefits of this initiative.

“Learning a new language is empowering. It increases brain power and opens up career opportunities for students as they prepare for their futures,” she stated.” With leaders like Averitt at the helm, IPS students are embracing a future full of possibility.”

In addition to language instruction, Averitt's classroom includes cultural immersion and interactive activities such as building decorations like dragons and participating in traditional tea ceremonies. Technology also plays an essential role in her teaching methods.

Averitt’s passion for Mandarin comes from her own experiences studying International Relations and Chinese Language at Tufts University and immersing herself in Chinese culture during her time at Zhejiang University in China. Her professional background includes roles with the U.S. Department of Defense and Naval War College before returning to teach in Indianapolis.

“Teaching these students is a true honor,” Averitt expressed. “I grew up in Indianapolis and was the first person in my classroom to go to college... I hope to inspire them to follow their hopes and dreams as I did so that they can achieve literally – whatever they want.”

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