Animating Question

How can we share stories and communicate with intention to build connection and community?

River Hansen

Mandarin Teacher

BACKGROUND

River realized they had a passion for language learning and storytelling in high school, somewhere between attending unconventional German classes and independently studying J. R. R. Tolkien’s Elvish languages. In college, they took a Mandarin Chinese course on a whim, and they’ve been studying the language and culture ever since. They have over a decade of teaching experience, both English in China and Mandarin Chinese in the U.S. They are most passionate about using storytelling in their teaching practice – learning cultural stories, sharing our own personal stories, and collaboratively creating stories together. In addition, they love working on theatrical productions, and they have stage managed plays and musicals in educational, community, and professional theatre settings. Outside the classroom and the theater, River loves reading, fiber arts, and playing with their two dogs.

EDUCATION

B.A. Second Language Teaching and Learning, Hampshire College

WHAT THEY'D SAY TO THEIR 15-YEAR-OLD SELF

Often the most beautiful opportunities are unplanned and unpredictable–consider them anyway!

hello.neia

The latest from
NEIA on Instagram

Follow

Flying to a field near you...

#NEIANightOwls

Flying to a field near you...

#NEIANightOwls ...

NEIA is proud to announce that the NEIA Board of Trustees has formed a senior advisory group to counsel us on areas of improvement in all aspects of the school and to serve as a resource as we refine our curriculum and program.

Welcome Rick Hardy, Amir Reza, and Erdin Beshimov. We are so excited to work with you!

After joining us here at NEIA, Ricky Hardy says, "Some years ago, when I first talked with my friend Jane Du about her vision–to build a school that would be a laboratory for testing new ideas about education, a model for schools across the world, and a place where kids could thrive–I was excited. Now, after seeing NEIA take shape over the past two years, I am even more thrilled to be here. It is a privilege to be around students and teachers once again, and to feel that unmistakable energy of a true learning community, one whose values–empathy, creativity, and community–are ones I deeply believe in. I also believe that the world needs NEIA because it is built on a vital principle: that a school must have the capacity to evolve, to respond to changes in the world around it, and thereby to inspire students to be thoughtful stewards of that world. NEIA is just such a school, and I am honored to be a part of it."

Read more about our senior advisory group here: https://neiacademy.org/neias-new-senior-advisors/

#NEIA

NEIA is proud to announce that the NEIA Board of Trustees has formed a senior advisory group to counsel us on areas of improvement in all aspects of the school and to serve as a resource as we refine our curriculum and program.

Welcome Rick Hardy, Amir Reza, and Erdin Beshimov. We are so excited to work with you!

After joining us here at NEIA, Ricky Hardy says, "Some years ago, when I first talked with my friend Jane Du about her vision–to build a school that would be a laboratory for testing new ideas about education, a model for schools across the world, and a place where kids could thrive–I was excited. Now, after seeing NEIA take shape over the past two years, I am even more thrilled to be here. It is a privilege to be around students and teachers once again, and to feel that unmistakable energy of a true learning community, one whose values–empathy, creativity, and community–are ones I deeply believe in. I also believe that the world needs NEIA because it is built on a vital principle: that a school must have the capacity to evolve, to respond to changes in the world around it, and thereby to inspire students to be thoughtful stewards of that world. NEIA is just such a school, and I am honored to be a part of it."

Read more about our senior advisory group here: https://neiacademy.org/neias-new-senior-advisors/

#NEIA ...

Yesterday, Matt Forcier of LMV Productions spoke to Baldev’s Entrepreneurship class. He presented his real-world experience as a film production business owner. Matt shared with students his process of team building, business development, and, most importantly, believing in yourself. His message was taking every opportunity to be involved in your business and focus on what you are passionate about.

@mattforcier #NEIA

Yesterday, Matt Forcier of LMV Productions spoke to Baldev’s Entrepreneurship class. He presented his real-world experience as a film production business owner. Matt shared with students his process of team building, business development, and, most importantly, believing in yourself. His message was taking every opportunity to be involved in your business and focus on what you are passionate about.

@mattforcier #NEIA ...

START YOUR JOURNEY

Whether you're seeking more information about our grade 6-12 program or have any questions about the academy, this is the right place to start. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form, and our dedicated team will get back to you as soon as possible.