Montclair Has Until Monday to Save Popular Mandarin Teacher

Montclair High School could lose a popular Mandarin teacher due to an issue with her visa which expires on Tuesday.

Sichang Gao, who was hired by Montclair Public Schools last year to teach high school-level Mandarin, could be forced to return to her native China if the issue is not resolved, according to Montclair Board of Education President Robin Kulwin.

Kulwin said, while this is not a Board of Education matter, the district has done everything it could to help. If the issue is not resolved, Gao will not be able to work for the district past her visa's May 14 expiration date, she said.

"This is a real loss. She's a great teacher; there's no question about that,” she said.

Gao did not immediately return request for comment for this story.

The beloved teacher told The Montclair Times she hoped to at least be able to finish the school year.

A letter sent to parents from Montclair High School Principal James Earle said, “When the issue was brought to our attention in late March, we acted immediately to assist Ms. Gao with obtaining the necessary documents needed to submit her application. The district has also provided appropriate assistance regarding this matter, which included connecting district legal counsel with Ms. Gao's immigration legal counsel.'"

The district cannot file immigration paperwork for the teacher, said Kulwin, it is her responsibility. 

"It is absolutely not the fault of the district," Kulwin said about Gao's immigration status. 

The district has sent petitions to state Sen. Nia Gill, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez for help to extend Gao's visa, Kulwin said.

Elected officials have also been contacted by parents who hope to keep their children’s teacher around for as along as possible.

Correction: The story previously stated Gao's visa expired on May 13.