BA, Chinese Language and Literature, University of California, Berkeley
MA, Chinese Language and Literature, San Francisco State University

Dennis had an a-ha moment when he taught a summer reading class to middle schoolers and realized that education was a two-way street. He learned as much from his students as they did from him, and he continues to appreciate the “life influencing life” process of working with and teaching young people. He teaches Mandarin because he finds passion and joy in the language and the Bay context allows students to be creative with the language and their learning of it. “I simply provide them with the tools,” he says. 

Dennis is also a singer and actor. He has performed in China, Taipei, Hong Kong, and the Bay Area.

Precept affinity: We value living with kindness and honesty; we are careful truth-tellers. “I love this precept as I really strive to be kind and intentional in being honest with others, and not just in school but outside of school as well.”

Favorite Acre lunch: All of them!

Currently teaching: Mandarin 2, Mandarin 5 (Honors), Advanced Topics in Mandarin (Honors)