Overseas Experience Helps Bramlett Elementary Teacher Connect with Students

Oxford, Mississippi — Bramlett Elementary School teacher Brynn Vaughn uses Mandarin Chinese she learned overseas to connect with and support students in her 1st-grade classroom. She and her husband taught English at a private Chinese school for two years. She spent the next two years homeschooling their children, continuing to learn the Chinese language and culture.

Mrs. Vaughn’s interest in Mandarin Chinese began in high school after spending time with a family that adopted children from China.

“I loved learning [Mandarin]. It was hard work, but so fun to be able to use what I learned out and about,” Mrs. Vaughn said. “We also learned skills to negotiate words with local Chinese people when we were out…basically, everyone we met became our teacher.”

In addition to China, Mrs. Vaughn and her family lived in Taiwan and the Philippines — further enriching her global perspective. She and her family returned to the United States in 2023.

“I love having Chinese students in my class, especially students that have just arrived from China and do not speak any English yet. You can literally see fear erase from their face when I begin speaking Chinese to them. And it’s fun for me to be able to continue using what I worked so hard to learn,” Mrs. Vaughn explained. “So, I think speaking Chinese to my students first helps them become more comfortable, but then also helps them begin to learn English quicker because of their ability to understand more of what I’m saying.”

We are grateful for Mrs. Vaughn and how her experience in China has enriched her teaching, allowing her to create a welcoming and positive environment for each and every student in her classroom.

With 26 students throughout the district who speak Mandarin, teachers like Mrs. Vaughn are such an integral part of the Oxford School District. Mandarin is just one of 43 languages spoken in the Oxford School District.