Kentucky Association of Chinese Language Teachers(KACLT) founded in 2006, serves the interests and needs of Kentucky teachers of Chinese and the teaching of Chinese at all levels of instruction in both public and private schools. Our goal is to provide a platform for Chinese educators and Chinese learners in the state of Kentucky to communicate and share relevant educational information and resources, stimulate professional growth, foster interest in the Chinese language and Chinese-speaking literature and cultures, and encourage and support each other in professional careers and personal lives.

The Kentucky Association of Chinese Language Teachers (KACLT) was established in 2006 to serve the interests and needs of Kentucky educators teaching Chinese across public and private schools at all instructional levels. The association aims to provide a collaborative platform for educators to share resources, foster professional growth, support Chinese language literature and cultural instruction, and support language teachers across the state.

Executive Board & Organizational History
2006 (Founding)

President: Jin Zhao

Established with 3 initial members.

2007–2008

President: Christian He

President-elect: Janna Chiang

2008–2010

President: Janna Chiang

President-elect: Yan Wang

Secretary: Cheng Zhao

Treasurer: Kit Nadeau

2010–2012

President: Yan Wang

Immediate Past-President: Janna Chiang

President-elect: Cheng Zhao

Secretary: Shanshan Li / Xuelian Lei

Treasurer: Kit Nadeau

2012–2014

President: Shanshan Li

Immediate Past-President: Yan Wang

President-elect: Cheng Zhao

Secretary: Hong Chen

Treasurer: Zhonglian Liu

2014–2016

President: Ke Peng

Immediate Past-President: Shanshan Li

Secretary: Jing Gao

Treasurer: Xiaoyan Xie

2016–2018

President: Xiaoyan Xie

Immediate Past-President: Ke Peng

President-elect: Chunmei Guan

Secretary: Chi Ma

Treasurer: Yanhong Zheng

2018–2020

President: Yanhong Zheng

Immediate Past-President: Xiaoyan Xie

President-elect: Christine Hutchins

Secretary: Lisa Podbilski

Treasurer: Wei Jiang

2020–2022

President: Jiang Wei (University of Kentucky)

Immediate Past-President: Yanhong Zheng (Asbury University & TALME of FCPS)

President-elect: Sihui Echo Ke (University of Kentucky)

Secretary: Yan Wang (Dixie Elementary, FCPS)

Treasurer: Zhonglian Liu (BSHS & CMS, FCPS)

2022–2024

President: Na Li (Western Kentucky University)

Immediate Past-President: Wei Jiang (University of Kentucky)

President-elect: Zhuqin Tang (Western Kentucky University)

Secretary: Yue Hu (FDHS)

Treasurer: Na Hu (BMS, FCPS)

2024–2026

President: Jianfen Wang (Berea College)

Immediate Past-President: Na Li (Western Kentucky University)

President-elect: Zhuqin Tang (Western Kentucky University)

Secretary: Na Hu (WMS, FCPS)

Treasurer: Yanhong Zheng (TCMS, FCPS / Asbury University)

2026–2028

President: Mei Li Inouye, Ph.D. (Centre College)

Immediate Past-President: Jianfen Wang (Berea College)

President-elect: Jingjing Cai, Ph.D. (Centre College)

Secretary: Ou Ruiping (Field Elementary, JCPS)

Treasurer: Yanhong Zheng (TCMS, FCPS / Asbury University)
Over the years, the Kentucky Association of Chinese Language Teachers (KACLT) has organized and supported a wide array of educational, professional, and cultural initiatives aimed at fostering Chinese language education and international exchange across Kentucky:

1. Educational Exchanges & International Trips
China Educator Leadership Trips & Study Abroad: Coordinates professional development trips and study tours to China for Kentucky school leaders, language teachers, and educators to strengthen international partnerships and language immersion.

Student Exchange Programs: Facilitates dual-credit courses, study-abroad initiatives, and academic partnerships connecting Kentucky students with international host institutions and universities.

2. Professional Development & Conferences
KWLA Fall Conference Presentations & Awards: Actively participates in the annual Kentucky World Language Association (KWLA) Fall Conference, hosting specialized sessions, pedagogy workshops, and presenting teacher/student awards.

Teacher Training & Certification Workshops: Provides professional development seminars and resource-sharing platforms for public and private school instructors across primary, secondary, and higher education levels.

3. Diplomatic & Community Outreach
Civic & Diplomatic Luncheons: Hosts formal receptions, roundtables, and collaborative luncheons for visiting international delegations, educational leaders, and diplomatic guests (such as representatives from the Chinese Embassy and local government officials).

Cultural Festivals & Public Exhibits: Organizes and sponsors cultural showcases at local community events, including interactive educational exhibits in the Global Lex Village at the annual DiverCity Festival.

• Cultural/Multi-Arts
• Arts Education/Youth Arts
• Performing Arts
• Visual Arts

Summary
The Kentucky Association of Chinese Language Teachers (KACLT) requests $10,000 to support the implementation of the 2027 KACLT Lunar New Year Cultural Showcase & Festival in Lexington, Kentucky. This multi-generational event brings together K–12 students, post-secondary institutions, local performing artists, and the broader Central Kentucky community to celebrate Asian cultural heritage through interactive arts and live performances. The funding will directly cover artist honoraria, facility fees, and hands-on art workshop materials, ensuring free public admission for all Fayette County residents.
The KACLT Lunar New Year Community Celebration is an immersive, free, and family-friendly cultural festival designed to unite the Lexington community in celebration of one of the world's most vibrant seasonal traditions. Hosted in partnership with local cultural venues like the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, this multi-sensory event bridges traditional heritage and contemporary community building.
The programming features distinct artistic disciplines:
Performing Arts: Live showcases of traditional fan dances, lion dances, and instrumental performances featuring the Guzheng and Erhu.
Visual & Literary Arts: Interactive, hands-on workshops in traditional Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, and ink brush painting led by local master artisans.
Culinary & Oral Traditions: Educational presentations exploring the cross-cultural history of celebratory foods and traditional storytelling sessions for children.
Project Description
The KACLT Lunar New Year Cultural Showcase & Festival is an immersive, single-day public festival designed to celebrate Asian heritage, promote world language education, and foster cross-cultural unity. Taking place at a centralized, accessible community center in Lexington, the event transforms the venue into a vibrant cultural hub where attendees experience traditional and contemporary Chinese performing and visual arts firsthand.

The program unfolds across two primary, simultaneous activity tracks:

Main Stage Performing Arts Showcase:
The central stage features a continuous schedule of live traditional and folk arts. The event opens with a dynamic Lion Dance performance to symbolise vitality and good fortune, accompanied by traditional drums and cymbals. Throughout the day, local master musicians perform classical compositions on instruments such as the Guzheng (zither) and Erhus (two-stringed fiddle), alongside ensemble folk and fan dances by local community arts groups. Students from Fayette County Public Schools and regional universities perform choral pieces in Mandarin, poetry recitations, and martial arts (Kung Fu and Tai Chi) demonstrations.

Interactive Community Arts & Craft Workshops:
Surrounding the main stage area, artist-led interactive booths invite attendees of all ages to engage directly with traditional crafts. Master calligraphers host live writing stations where participants receive custom banner inscriptions and learn foundational brushwork. Complementary hands-on stations guide visitors through traditional paper-cutting (Jianzhi), Chinese lantern crafting, and ink-wash painting. All craft materials—including rice paper, specialized brushes, inks, and lantern kits—are provided free to attendees to ensure full participation regardless of background.

Implementation & Logistics:

Venue & Date: The event is scheduled for early February 2027 at a fully accessible public venue in Lexington-Fayette County (such as the Global Lex Center or a local community center).

Organization & Outreach: KACLT’s executive leadership and volunteer educator network oversee event management, performer scheduling, and venue staging. Public promotion is conducted in partnership with local community organizations, school networks, and multi-lingual news outlets to attract diverse audiences across Lexington.

New Components for the 2027 Cycle:
Building on previous years' community events, the 2027 program introduces several key enhancements:

Expanded Artist Residency & Workshops: Expanded collaboration with regional Asian-American artists to offer structured, scheduled masterclasses in traditional calligraphy and ink painting alongside informal drop-in stations.

Expanded Youth Arts Mentorship: A newly structured mentorship component pairing K-12 language students with university performers and traditional master artists for joint stage performances, strengthening cross-generational engagement and skill-building.

Community Benefit Narrative
The 2027 KACLT Lunar New Year Cultural Showcase & Festival delivers significant cultural, educational, and economic benefits to Lexington-Fayette County and the broader Central Kentucky region by promoting cultural equity, expanding youth engagement, and supporting local artists.

1. Promoting Cross-Cultural Understanding and Civic Cohesion
As Lexington continues to diversify, creating inclusive spaces for cross-cultural dialogue is essential for community harmony. The festival offers a free, welcoming platform where residents of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds can experience authentic Asian traditions firsthand. By bringing together multi-generational families, immigrant communities, and local residents, the project fosters mutual respect, breaks down cultural barriers, and enriches Lexington’s collective cultural identity.

2. Enhancing K–12 and Higher Education Through Experiential Learning
The project bridges classroom learning and real-world cultural expression. For students studying Chinese language and culture across Fayette County Public Schools and regional universities, the festival provides a hands-on venue to apply their skills, perform on stage, and demonstrate public leadership. For non-language students and the broader youth population, interactive craft stations—such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, and lantern making—provide accessible, experiential art education that complements school curricula and inspires curiosity about world cultures.

3. Supporting Local Artists and Eliminating Barriers to the Arts
By providing direct honoraria to local master musicians, calligraphers, martial artists, and traditional performers, the festival directly invests in Central Kentucky’s diverse creative economy. Furthermore, by offering 100% free admission and supplying all workshop materials at no cost, the project removes financial barriers that often prevent lower-income families, youth, and seniors from participating in live arts programming.

4. Sustaining Multi-Generational Community Engagement
The festival is intentionally structured to serve residents at every stage of life. Older adults and seniors benefit from accessible seating, traditional musical performances, and relaxed workshop environments, while children and teenagers participate in active, hands-on craft stations and dynamic stage demonstrations. This multi-generational focus strengthens family bonds and creates a shared civic celebration that enriches the entire community.

Digital & Social Media Channels: Announcements, event schedules, and performance highlights are published on KACLT’s official web portal and social media accounts (Facebook, WeChat, and YouTube). Targeted digital posts engage families, educators, and language enthusiasts.
School & Educational Networks: Promotional flyers, digital graphics, and event schedules are distributed directly to K–12 teachers, world language department heads, and school administrators within Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) and surrounding districts, as well as faculty liaisons at regional universities (e.g., University of Kentucky, Centre College, Berea College, Asbury University, and WKU).
Direct Email Campaigns: Periodic e-newsletters and event updates reach KACLT’s established database of over 200 educators, school leaders, community partners, and past event attendees.
KACLT’s branding strategy emphasizes cultural authenticity, educational value, and community accessibility.

K–12 Students and Families: School-aged youth learning Chinese or interested in world languages and Asian cultures across Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) and surrounding districts.
Higher Education Students & Educators: Undergraduate students, faculty, and academic staff from regional colleges and universities (e.g., University of Kentucky, Centre College, Berea College, Asbury University, and Western Kentucky University).
Local Asian-American & Immigrant Communities: Families, seniors, and multi-generational households seeking culturally authentic community heritage celebrations.
The Broader Central Kentucky Community: Local residents, arts patrons, and families interested in experiencing traditional performing arts, visual crafts, and cross-cultural programming.

Cultural Equity Plan & Strategic Process
The Kentucky Association of Chinese Language Teachers (KACLT) developed its cultural equity strategy by actively identifying and addressing access gaps in cultural arts and language education across Central Kentucky. Through structured board consultations and community feedback from Fayette and surrounding county educators, KACLT established a plan focused on equitable access, cost elimination, and community integration. Notable progress includes eliminating admission fees for all public community showcases, offering free craft and workshop materials, and expanding venue selections to accessible civic spaces like Global Lex and public community centers to reach economically and culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Diversity Partnerships (Arts & Non-Arts)
KACLT collaborates with a network of local arts, civic, and educational partners to fulfill its equity goals:

Civic & Immigrant Advocacy Part

1. Educational Institutions (K–12 & Higher Education)
Partner Organizations: Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS), Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), Centre College, Berea College, Asbury University, University of Kentucky (UK), and Western Kentucky University (WKU).

Nature of Collaboration: Educational partners facilitate student and faculty participation, co-organize youth performance groups, provide student volunteers, and integrate festival projects into world language and arts curricula. University partners assist with higher-level academic and artistic demonstrations, including classical music ensembles and calligraphic masterclasses.

2. Civic & Immigrant Advocacy Agencies
Partner Organizations: Global Lex (Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government's civic international center) and local multicultural community centers.

Nature of Collaboration: Global Lex serves as a primary civic and venue partner, providing accessible physical facilities, logistics support, and multi-lingual community outreach. These partnerships ensure the festival aligns with municipal inclusion goals and reaches newly arrived immigrant families, non-English-speaking residents, and international visitors.

3. Cultural & Performing Arts Collectives
Partner Organizations: Regional Asian-American arts groups, local martial arts academies, traditional musical ensembles (e.g., Guzheng and Erhu performers), and multicultural festival networks (such as the DiverCity Festival).

Nature of Collaboration: Professional master artists and community cultural groups co-curate stage programming, lead interactive workshops (such as paper-cutting and calligraphy), and conduct traditional performance demonstrations (lion dances, folk dances, and martial arts showcases).

4. Media & Tourism Organizations
Partner Organizations: Local public media outlets (WUKY/WEKU), community bulletin platforms, VisitLEX, and local multicultural press.

Nature of Collaboration: Media and tourism partners assist with cross-promotion, community calendar listings, and publicizing the event as an accessible cultural attraction for residents and regional visitors.

The mission of (KACLT) is to serve the interests and needs of Kentucky educators and learners of Chinese across all levels of instruction in public and private schools. KACLT is dedicated to providing a collaborative platform for educators to share resources, foster professional growth, stimulate interest in Chinese language and cultural heritage, and encourage mutual support across academic careers and personal lives.
This event directly fulfills this mission by creating a high-visibility, accessible venue for language application, community engagement, and cultural preservation. Goal 1: Expand Public Access to Authentic Cultural Arts & Heritage. Relation to Mission: Fulfills KACLT’s commitment to fostering broad interest in Chinese language, performing arts, and cultural traditions throughout Kentucky. Goal 1: Expand Public Access to Authentic Cultural Arts & Heritage. Goal 2: Enhance Experiential Learning & Student Stage Leadership. Goal and more goals to be completed.

1. Quantitative Data Collection
Attendance & Demographic Tracking: On-site door counts and registration tracking measure total public turnout, ensuring the target audience goal of serving 500+ Central Kentucky residents is met. Zip-code tracking on digital sign-ins helps verify geographic reach across Fayette and surrounding counties.

Student & School Participation Metrics: KACLT tallies student involvement across participating school districts (e.g., Fayette County Public Schools, Jefferson County Public Schools) and higher education institutions (e.g., Centre College, Berea College, Asbury University, UK, and WKU) to measure youth engagement targets (300+ students).

Workshop Engagement Numbers: Tracking the distribution and consumption of hands-on craft materials (calligraphy sheets, paper-cutting kits, lantern components) provides a direct measure of active workshop participation.

2. Qualitative Assessment & Survey Feedback
Participant & Audience Surveys: Accessible digital (QR code) and paper feedback forms measure audience satisfaction, cultural learning outcomes, and perceived community value. Key evaluation questions assess whether attendees gained a deeper appreciation for Asian heritage and felt the event was inclusive and welcoming.

Educator & Artist Reflections: Participating K–12 teachers, university faculty, and master artists complete post-event evaluation forms assessing the educational impact on students, the quality of stage production, and opportunities for future curriculum integration.

Student Self-Assessments: Student performers submit brief reflection notes evaluating their leadership growth, performance confidence, and language application during the festival.