Lian Feng, Hillcrest High School

“Mrs. Feng has made my 4 years of high school such an incredible experience. Even though I have graduated, I still use her teachings in my everyday life. She has helped me all 4 years, not only caring about me but also helping me build my future. This year was my 4th time traveling abroad with her and other students, and each time made the experience more enjoyable. The first two times we went through EF and Explorica tour companies, and for the last 2 years we went with a “Trip to China” program in China. However, they have some similarities; Mrs. Feng’s connection with the people from the “Trip to China” program made a night-and-day difference compared to the American-based tour companies. Not only do they offer cheaper rates, but it feels like a more personal experience, as if it were a close friend showing you their life in the country. Each time I go, I learn more than ever before; even parents and family are invited, which makes everyone feel welcome. I want Mrs. Feng to get the recognition for providing these once in a lifetime opprotunities to her students, not because of her job but because she is passionate about helping every student learn and grow as a person.”

-Phoenix Wallenberg

“I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Lian Feng for the Hillcrest High School Teacher of the Year. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, Ms. Feng does not just teach a foreign language; she gives students the keys to unlock a global perspective. Her impact at Hillcrest is defined by her incredible versatility and dedication. Guiding students from Chinese 1—where they are learning their very first tones—all the way to the collegiate rigor of AP and IB Chinese is a monumental task. Ms. Feng navigates this transition seamlessly, mentoring students through their entire high school career. She balances the patience required for beginners with the academic depth needed for advanced analysis, ensuring every student feels capable of mastering this challenging subject. However, what truly sets Ms. Feng apart is her commitment to moving education beyond the four walls of the classroom. She understands that language is the heartbeat of culture. Throughout the school year, she brings joy and vibrancy to the school by organizing immersive celebrations for the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. These aren’t just parties; they are educational touchstones that build a sense of community. Most impressively, Ms. Feng goes above and beyond by personally taking students on tours to China. It is one thing to learn characters in a textbook; it is entirely another to use them to navigate real streets and connect with real people. By organizing and leading these trips, she provides a “real language experience” that no software or textbook can mimic. She sacrifices her own personal time to ensure her students witness the world firsthand, transforming them from passive learners into confident, global citizens. Lian Feng is the kind of educator who stays in a student’s memory for a lifetime.

For her tireless dedication to her students’ academic success, her promotion of cultural understanding, and her willingness to go the extra mile—literally thousands of miles—she is truly deserving of the Teacher of the Year award. Lian Feng is a treasure at Hillcrest. Guiding students from Chinese 1 to AP/IB, she balances academic rigor with joy. Ms. Feng goes beyond textbooks, immersing students in traditions like the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. These celebrations build a vibrant community and spark a genuine love for the culture. She teaches not just a language, but global citizenship. Her dedication to broadening our students’ horizons makes her the ideal Teacher of the Year. Lian Feng does more than teach Mandarin; she opens a door to a vibrant culture and history. In her journey with students from Chinese 1 to IB, she goes beyond textbooks to create an immersive experience that promotes true cultural competence. Whether it’s through Lunar New Year celebrations or Mid-Autumn festivals, Ms. Feng brings the language to life. In a program as rigorous as IB Chinese, she manages to keep the joy of learning alive, inspiring students to appreciate a world different from their own. She is exactly the kind of educator Hillcrest needs to prepare students for a global future.”

-Wendy Lau

About Teacher Features on KSL NewsRadio

Teachers are the backbone of our community, and at KSL NewsRadio, we want to highlight the hard work they put in to help their students. 

Do you know a teacher that goes above and beyond? Nominate them today by letting us know how incredible they are, attach their photo, and they’ll have the chance to win a huge prize totaling over $1,000!  

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