Teachers

Jing Zhong

Chinese Language Teacher

Becoming a good teacher is both my personal interest and career goal. I love my students and work hard. I have more than 20 years of teaching experiences.  I am particularly good at using different teaching methodologies to make my students learning in a relaxing environment.

  • Certified in CPR and First Aid
  • Health & Safety Trained
  • 2009 – Obtained Basic Teacher Certificate in Chabot college
  • 2006 – Obtained Associate Teacher Certificate
  • 1991 – 1996, Guangdong ShunDe Normal College, Majored in Children psychology and elementary education
  • 17 years as a director in a learning center
  • 14 years as a Chinese teacher in a weekend school
  • 8 years of private teaching Chinese class

Janet Wen

English Teacher

Teacher Janet is a patient and reliable person, which are great characteristics to work with children. 

  • Graduated from U.C Berkeley majoring in Biology and Anthropology.
  • 6 years experience in tutoring and working with young children
  • A teacher assistant at college of Alameda.

Christopher Leonard

English / Writing Teacher

Christopher Leonard is a published writer, graphic designer, and award-winning filmmaker. He has a Bachelor of Science in Digital Film making and Video Production from The Art Institute of California. A ten-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, Christopher brings the USCG core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty to the private sector in his teaching philosophy. Christopher sees every student as unique and tailors his lesson plans accommodate each as necessary. He lives in Alameda, California with his fiancée and a small dog. He is currently working on a new book about superheroes in society.

Alyson Du

Kindergarten Teacher 

More than 6 years experience work with young kids.

Amy Zhu

English & Math Teacher

I was raised in Alameda for a majority of my life and attended Will C. Wood Middle School and Alameda High School. I recently graduated from the University of California, Davis in Spring 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development emphasizing in child development and also have a minor degree in Education.
I have over five years of experience working in a wide set of educational environments—from volunteer work, childcare, learning centers, elementary schools, early childhood lab program, and more. I first started working at GGLC when I was a senior in high school providing after school support on the weekdays and English tutoring in reading and writing comprehension on the weekends. Ever since then, I have been welcomed back every summer to help out with their camp program. My long-time commitment to the center has provided me the opportunity to build a close relationship with most of the children there. I believe as an educator we need to grow and learn along with every student’s developmental needs. With my academic career and background in child development, psychology, and education, I hope I can utilize these skills to become a good mentor, role model, and teacher for the students.

Andy Crockett

English/Writing Teacher

Andy Crockett has lived and taught English and creative writing at various colleges and universities in California, Arizona, and Japan.  He earned both an MFA and PhD at The University of Arizona.  He has lived in Alameda since 2004 and currently teaches at City College of San Francisco.  His passions include oil painting, drawing, and swimming as well as watching movies in the theater.  Throughout his career he has tutored students of all ages.

Maggie Ma

Fine Art Teacher
 
I grew up in a family that valued creativity and I’ve been practicing painting for more than 20 years. I was often invited to multiple Artist Showcases in the Bay Area. I’m a patient, fun and loving teacher that have students at all ages. I love working with kids. In my classes, your children are not only be able to earn knowledge and techniques of art/ painting, but also able to explore and develop their creativities. 
 
Besides painting, I also design. I have graduated from UC Davis with both Graphic and Interior Design degree. I have won multiple design awards during school years. With my love to art and passion in design, In 2016, I’ve opened my own online store that sells prints and artworks that 100% original designed/ painted by me.
 
I started painting when I was a kid. If I can do it, I believe your kids can do it too. Let’s witness their growth together!