Two Batesville educators recognized for statewide for Mandarin program

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Two Batesville Schools staff members are being recognized statewide for their involvement with the district’s Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program. 

Emily Ying Du teaches Mandarin at Batesville Middle School and Batesville High School. 

She’s been recognized as the K-8 Chinese Teacher of the Year by the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Indiana.

Du has also been named the Indiana Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association (IFLTA).

Du has taught for more than two decades, with the last nine years in the United States, and is described as an instrumental part of Batesville’s Mandarin growth at the middle school and high school levels.

“Ultimately, my mission is to help students discover that language learning is far more than an academic subject. It is an opportunity to understand others, appreciate different perspectives, and build bridges across cultures. I hope every student leaves my classroom not only with greater proficiency in Chinese but also with the confidence, curiosity, and compassion to engage thoughtfully with our diverse world,” Du said. 

Dr. Jackie Huber serves as the Director of Student Learning and Technology for Batesville Schools. 

She has received the 2026 IFLTA Distinguished World Language Advocate Award. 

Dr. Huber is being highlighted for her work in establishing and maintaining a partnership with a Cincinnati nonprofit that provides youth programming that promotes Asian culture. 

School officials say that collaboration has enriched learning experiences for DLI students and benefited the broader Batesville community.

“Dr. Huber’s passion for helping students and families connect across languages and cultures has made such a meaningful difference in our schools and community. We are incredibly fortunate to have a leader who brings this kind of heart and dedication to her work,” said Batesville Superintendent Dr. Katy Eastes. 

Batesville Schools launched the Dual Language Mandarin Immersion program in 2016 and approximately 12% of students are currently involved in the program. 

In grades K–5, students experience full immersion in math, science, and Mandarin language arts taught by a dedicated Mandarin teacher, alongside instruction in allied arts and English. From grade six through high school, students engage in Mandarin literacy before progressing to classes which award high school level foreign language credit.

Du and Huber formally accepted their awards during the annual IFLTA Conference held in Indianapolis.