My name is Yan Omen. I am the Mandarin teacher in New Albany High School. I am a native speaker of Mandarin growing up a city in the northeast of China named Dalian. I came to the United States to study at The Ohio State University as a graduate student in 2001 and received a master’s degree in Chinese Linguistics in 2003 from OSU. Prior to my master’s program I was an undergraduate student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. My undergraduate major was Chinese Language and Literature. Following receipt of my master’s degree, I joined the Ph.D.program in OSU before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana in 2006. I have taught Mandarin in a variety of domains, starting as a Graduate Teaching Associate at The Ohio State University, then continuing my career in Indiana University, Purdue University, Indianapolis Crooked Creek Elementary School and Eastwood Middle School in Indianapolis, Indiana. I came back to Columbus, and joined New Albany’s team in 2012.

I was first inspired to become a teacher by my mother, who was a language arts teacher at a middle school in Dalian. My classes focus on a fun, free flowing, and conversation based approach to learning Mandarin. I hope all my students can develop a love for Chinese culture and language. Finally, in my off time I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter and travel.