With 43 years of teaching experience at BCNC Acorn, Master Teacher and Assistant Director Lai Chan reflects on her work with students from immigrant backgrounds.

What inspired you to dedicate your life to teaching, and what has kept you passionate about working with young children?

Lai welcomes alumni to Acorn's 50th anniversary. RVSP to attend.

“My inspiration to dedicate my life to teaching stemmed from a deep belief in the foundational importance of early childhood education, much like how ‘a skyscraper rises from the ground up.’ As a music teacher, I was drawn to the creative and transformative potential of working with young children, using music, movement, and interactive play to foster their growth. Over the past 43 years at BCNC Acorn, I have been driven by the joy of witnessing children’s development and the profound impact that early education has on their future.”

How has this journey shaped you both professionally and personally?

“Professionally, this journey has taught me the value of collaboration, innovation, and the constant pursuit of enhancing educational quality. Personally, it has enriched my life with countless moments of joy, learning, and connection, affirming my belief that early childhood educators deserve recognition and respect.”

Acorn Teachers and lai chan (3rd from the left)

“I’ve seen the challenges faced by immigrant children evolve significantly. Initially, language barriers were the primary concern, but over time, I’ve observed the need for more holistic support that addresses not only language but also social integration and independence.”

— Lai Chan, Master Teacher

Can you share a memorable experience working at BCNC?

“One of the most unforgettable moments during my time at BCNC was leading parents and children to oppose the construction of a parking lot near BCNC, which posed a safety risk to the children. This collective action, where we ultimately succeeded in our efforts, demonstrated the power of community and advocacy.

Another memorable experience was when Bernadette Davidson, Director of Child Care Services, and I organized parents to go to the State House and voice our needs for funding, the preservation of early childhood education, and employment opportunities. We also took a train to Washington D.C. to advocate for early childhood educators to be respected and heard. These experiences underscored the resilience of our community and the impact of standing up for what we believe in.”

BCNC ACORN Director, Kathy Cheng (L) and Lai chan (R)

How have you seen the needs and challenges of immigrant children evolve in the classroom, and how have you adapted your teaching methods to meet those needs?

“I’ve seen the challenges faced by immigrant children evolve significantly. Initially, language barriers were the primary concern, but over time, I’ve observed the need for more holistic support that addresses not only language but also social integration and independence.

At BCNC Acorn, we’ve embraced bilingual education as a cornerstone of our approach, using music, rhythms, songs, and puppetry to make language learning engaging and accessible. Recognizing many children arrive with high levels of parental dependency, we focus on nurturing their independence through hands-on activities to build confidence.”

What advice would you give to new teachers, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds?

“My advice to new teachers is to approach your work with both patience and passion, understanding that every child brings a unique background and set of needs. Remember that your role goes beyond teaching academics; you are shaping the confidence, resilience, and future of each child you meet.”