Mandarin Class to Launch at VCUSD High Schools in 2025–26

Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) is expanding its world language offerings with the addition of Mandarin instruction at both Jesse Bethel High School and Vallejo High School, beginning in the 2025–26 school year. The new course will support students in developing foundational skills in speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin, with adaptations available for those who already speak the language.

This expansion aligns with the district’s commitment to broadening academic opportunities and reflecting the diversity of the Vallejo community. According to Census.gov, as of July 2024, 23 percent of Vallejo residents identify as Asian—the city’s third largest demographic group. Within VCUSD, 14.7 percent of students identify as Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander. Offering Mandarin is one way the district is working to honor and support its diverse cultural landscape.

“Mandarin can be challenging to learn because there’s no direct link between the written characters and pronunciation,” said incoming Mandarin teacher Cecil Chee. “But over time, students will gain not only language skills, but also access to a wealth of cultural and global opportunities.”

VCUSD is pleased to welcome Chee as the district’s new Mandarin teacher. He brings a California Clear Teaching Credential in social studies and Mandarin and extensive experience. His previous roles include teaching Mandarin at high schools and dual immersion programs in middle schools in Southern California.

Chee was born in Singapore and lived in Southern California for three decades. Both of his parents were also Mandarin teachers. He currently resides in Sacramento and plans to relocate to Vallejo with his wife. He holds a bachelor’s of arts from the National University of Singapore and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

The district looks forward to the contributions Chee will make as he helps students grow their language skills and global awareness.