Qin Cai (蔡琴)

Qin brings over a decade of experience teaching Mandarin Chinese and leading world language programs in international schools in Beijing, Penang, Hong Kong, and Chicago. She has taught students in grades 4–12 across a range of curricula, including the IB, IGCSE, and A-Level programs, and has consistently supported students in achieving strong academic outcomes.

Throughout her career, Qin has taken on a variety of leadership roles, including supervising and mentoring language educators, designing and developing school-wide curricula, aligning language programs with international accreditation standards, and introducing innovative approaches to language teaching and learning. She has also organized school-wide cultural celebrations and experiential learning opportunities that promote intercultural understanding and strengthen connections within the school community.

Qin holds an M.A. in Chinese Linguistics and Language Acquisition from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature (Pedagogy) from Capital Normal University in Beijing. Most recently, she earned an A.A.S. degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College at National Louis University, reflecting her lifelong interest in food, culture, and learning.

Originally from Anhui Province, China, Qin now lives in Riverside with her husband and their cat. Outside of school, she enjoys tennis, badminton, traveling, cooking, and exploring Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene. She is excited to continue sharing her passion for language, culture, and global learning with the Bennett community.