Updated: May 2
1. PARTICIPANTS
Local Chinese language teachers may apply who:
- Are currently teaching at an educational institution (e.g., school, university, language center, etc.) in Latin America or the Caribbean.
- Have at least one year of teaching experience.
- Attach a letter of recommendation from an educational institution.
2. KEY DATES
- Portfolio Submission Deadline: by August 25, 2025.
- Evaluation of materials: from August 25 to August 30, 2025.
- Winners and Awards Ceremony: September 2025, during the Hybrid Chinese Language Teacher Training for Latin America and the Caribbean
3. MATERIALS
Creation of a Mandarin Chinese class, developed by the local teacher according to their teaching experience and context. Materials should reflect the process of designing, implementing, and analyzing a real classroom. There is no mandatory topic or level: each participant must freely select the contents and level according to their teaching experience and teaching context.
The materials correspond to:
- Class Planning
- Definition of clear learning objectives.
- Selection and organization of content and activities.
- Methodological strategies adapted to the level and characteristics of the group.
- Proposal for evaluation consistent with the objectives.
- Teaching materials
- Presentation of visual, digital or physical resources used in the class.
- Justification of its relevance and adaptation to the local context.
- Recording of the class (max. 20 minutes)
- Audiovisual record of the class taught by the local teacher, either face-to-face or online.
- The video should evidence the implementation of planning and the use of materials.
- Show interaction with students.
- Allowed formats: .avi, .mpg, .flv (horizontal recording, with good image and sound quality).
- Once the video has been validated, it will be published on the CLEC Foundation’s YouTube channel.
- Teacher’s reflection
- A one-page written critical reflection on the class.
- The text is expected to address questions such as: What worked well? What could be improved? What lessons were learned?
- This reflection should focus on the continuous improvement of teaching practice, not only in individual performance, but also as an input to share with other teachers.
4. EVALUATION
The evaluation process will be carried out by a jury composed of specialists in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, experts in didactics, education and language policies. The review will focus on both the pedagogical content and the overall consistency of the material presented. The criteria to be considered are as follows:
- Linguistic and Didactic Mastery. The clarity and depth of the handling of linguistic and cultural content will be assessed, as well as the way in which it is transmitted to students.
- Coherent and contextualized planning. The jury will analyze whether the class is well structured, with clear objectives, relevant activities, logical sequence and adapted to the characteristics of the educational context.
- Pedagogical interaction and use of the Chinese language. The quality of teacher-student interaction, the promotion of active participation and the actual use of the Chinese language during the class will be assessed.
- Creativity and innovation. Proposals that integrate creative elements, innovative resources, inclusive approaches or that represent an effective adaptation to local challenges.
- Critical reflection on teaching practice. The local teacher’s written reflection must show analytical skills, self-criticism, and willingness to improve and awareness of the impact of their teaching.
- Use of materials. The resources used should be relevant and aligned with the objectives of the class, in addition to considering the context of the classroom.
Each criterion is scored from 1 (minimum) to 5 (excellence). The jury may declare special mentions depending on the number and quality of the applications.
5. AWARDS
In order to publicly recognize the effort, dedication and pedagogical talent of the participants, the following prizes will be awarded:
- 🥇 1st Place: Trip to China as an attendee to the world edition of the contest “Chinese Teaching Hero – 汉教英雄会”, plus USD 500
- 🥈 Excellence Awards (3): USD 600 each
- 🥉 Popularity Award: USD 200.
Additional Award Considerations:
- Each participant may receive only one prize.
- Monetary prizes will be transferred via Western Union in U.S. dollars (at the exchange rate in Chilean pesos).
- The amount received in local currency may vary depending on the exchange rate and bank fees on the day of transfer.
- Each winner must send a signed proof of receipt once the prize has been delivered
- The winning and finalist works will be published on the official website of the CLEC Foundation and disseminated through its social networks (YouTube, Facebook, WeChat, Twitter, among others).
- All professors who complete the application process will receive an official digital certificate of participation issued by CLEC Foundation – Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.
6. SUBMISSION AND INQUIRIES
Participants must send the complete portfolio, including all the requested materials, via WeTransfer platform to the email:
📧 andreamella@fundacionclec.org
(with a copy to contacto@fundacionclec.org)
📝 Email Subject: Chinese Local Teachers Contest 2025 – [Name]
⚠️ Important: Do not use platforms like Google Drive, which may restrict access. Ensure all materials are accessible. You will receive a confirmation email within 3 business days. For inquiries or clarifications, contact us up to one week before the closing date.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
- All submissions must be original and authored by the participant.
- Obtain permissions for any individuals in the videos, especially minors, according to local laws.
- Participants are responsible for any copyright, image-rights, or intellectual-property issues.
- By applying, participants agree that the CLEC Foundation may disseminate their class in media and events without additional compensation.
- Participation is free; no registration fees apply.
- The CLEC Foundation – Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean is the official organizer and reserves the right to verify compliance with these rules.
- Submission implies acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Download guidelines
Download announcement
CLEC Foundation – Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean