Having been settled down in Nanjing for 10 years, Casper Lamprecht, an English teacher at Nanjing Foreign Language School Xianlin Campus, was recently awarded the May 1 Labor Medal of Honor in Jiangsu.

“I initially wanted to take a one-year break and travelled to China because I had never explored Asia in my previous travels. A one-year stint turned into a 13-year adventure of learning and growing as a teacher, discovering new places, eating amazing food and meeting wonderful people.” Casper from the North West of South Africa said that he found the true calling of teaching in China.

Casper is a very popular teacher in school, where he teaches English as well as two elective classes. During the process of learning Chinese, Casper has developed an effective way to acquire knowledge. He applies it in his class, focusing on practical language use through various real-world practice scenarios and debates. He believes that teachers should not only teach knowledge but also allow students to experience joy through creative expression. “Our task is to instill knowledge, provide a positive example, create a healthy learning environment and most importantly to nurture and grow young minds.”

Casper speaks highly of his Chinese colleagues, as they project incredible care to their students. They work together and learn from each other. Casper acknowledges the uniqueness of each student. He emphasizes that every teacher should remember what a vital role they play in the future of our children. “When you feel tired or unappreciated, look at the faces of our students and remember that they are on a journey of discovery together, with many unknowns in the future.” Casper considers him a guide on this journey.

"I've seen Nanjing develop together with me as I grew as a teacher. It's my home." Casper met his wife and they got married at a small chapel in Nanjing. From time to time, they would take a trip in Nanjing at weekends, climbing mountainous, having some local snacks, talking to the people, and just enjoy the amazing life here in Nanjing.

Contact us at english@jschina.com.cn