Where the Sun Shines: Teacher Jen Sun on Planting Seeds of Learning in Children

Posted by Chinoy TV Web Staff

October 8, 2025

On October 7, 2025

I first met Teacher Jen Sun 許真妮 when she was still Jen Ang, or “Jen tsi” as I call her (short for Atsi 姐, meaning big sister) back in elementary. We briefly joined a ministry called Joy Light, trained to write for fellowship. As an educator and writer, she was undoubtedly a good fit to lead the ministry. But to tell you a secret, my friend and I weren’t the most faithful members—young and spontaneous, we often skipped our Sunday commitments! Consequently, whenever I would bump into Teacher Jen afterward, I’d feel guilty and shy. But she never once greeted me with anything less than warmth. She was always the smiling, encouraging Atsi, radiating joy even when we didn’t live up to our responsibilities at the time.

Source: Jennifer Sun

Through the years, I caught glimpses of her life on Facebook—her beautiful marriage, insightful anecdotes, and most memorably, her deep and enduring devotion to teaching. It didn’t surprise me to hear that she had become a beloved educator of children, one whose name carries respect and affection across schools, homes, and communities. So this Teacher’s Day 教师节, there was no question in my mind about who I wanted to feature.

Finding Her Calling

Teaching was something Teacher Jen had dreamt of since childhood, inspired by her mother who was a preschool teacher. She recalls how she and her sister used to play “teacher, teacher” with stuffed toys lined up as students. That dream stayed in her heart, even as she first pursued engineering and corporate work.

The turning point came when she joined a summer camp organized by her church, which led her back to what she loved most. Soon after, she found herself teaching at MGC New Life Christian Academy, where she grew into her role with the encouragement of mentors who believed in her potential.

Teacher Jen with one her mentors, Mrs. Helen Villanueva, then principal, now school directress of MGC New Life Christian Academy | Source: Jennifer Sun

Teacher Jen with one her mentors, Mrs. Evangeline Co, then preschool department supervisor, now school principal of MGC New Life Christian Academy | Source: Jennifer Sun

From there, she went on to serve in Top Tots Academy, Jubilee Christian Academy, and eventually began working as an independent educator and consultant. As she reflects on those years, she says, “In my many hats, including my devotional and inspirational writer hat, I believe at the core of it all is that I am a teacher. [And] to be an effective teacher means that you have to be a learner – for life.”

Teaching with Heart

Her guiding purpose is love—for children, families, and the work itself. As Teacher Jen frames it: “children are our most important curricula.” She adds, “While it’s great to create well-written curricula, if love for children is not present, then it will be just a document that is at best, used for lip service. When we do everything with our heart, it will just show, without us even trying.”

Teacher Jen Sun with students | Source: Jennifer Sun

She was able to deepen this philosophy at Top Tots Academy, where she witnessed how joy can truly anchor a child’s learning journey. She recalls being surprised when children cried not because they had to go to school, but because classes were suspended. It was there that she “discovered one thing that the school fosters—love for learning.” This became her doorway into progressive education, where curiosity is nurtured and learning unfolds naturally. “There is very little rote memorization—yes, I know, not very Chinese!” she mentions jokingly. But she also began to shift her teaching style. Teacher Jen believes this is the future of education: hands-on learning that encourages critical thinking, starting at a young age.

Teacher Jen Sun with students at Top Tots Academy | Source: Jennifer Sun

That said, her belief about the early years is unequivocal: “Early childhood education is a window, a perfect opportunity to foster love for learning. For me, it’s a make or break season. Make learning fun, and they will love to learn. Make it so rigid, they will hate it for the rest of their lives.”

It’s a conviction that seems deeply connected to the values she grew up with. As she shares, one guiding line from her parents continues to shape her journey: “活到老，学到老。If there is one thing that my parents instilled in me—it’s this! The moment we stop learning is the moment we die, as a teacher, and as a person.”

Caption: Photo with parents who have always encouraged a 活到老，学到老 attitude | Source: Jennifer Sun

Character, for her, is also a non-negotiable: “It does not matter if our kids get straight A’s, but cannot sit with someone who became an outcast in the class.” And the marching orders are clear: “Do not be a bully. Show kindness, every single time. … I am advocating for kindness, not people-pleasing.” She also sees teaching as a family partnership: “I always believe that it takes a village to raise a child. And for me, being part of their village is a privilege from God.”

Another remarkable aspect of Teacher Jen’s work is how Mandarin and Hokkien, in her classroom, become bridges to belonging.

Teacher Jen with Junior Mandarin Learners, her newest online class offering for children ages 3-6 | Source: Jennifer Sun

She keeps the approach simple: “As with learning any language, earlier is always better.” For her, language is not just a tool but an anchor—one that roots a child in culture and purpose. As she puts it, “It also allows them to carry a sense of pride for their culture and identity.”

Where the Sun Shines, Children Bloom

When I ask what she hopes her students remember, Teacher Jen says: “I want them to remember me as someone who believed in them for who they are, and propelled them to become who they want to be.” Teaching has also reshaped her: “I teach them, yes, but they teach me – a lot of things. Most days they teach me perseverance, patience and understanding. Some days they teach me Gen Z lingo. On more special days, they teach me encouragement and kindness.”

Until she and her husband welcome children of their own, her arms remain open to many: “While we are waiting for our own children to come, God has purposefully called me to be a blessing to other families first. This is a privilege and a responsibility. And needless to say, I take my calling seriously.”

Teacher Jen with Charlie Sun, husband who supports her in every teaching, writing, and speaking endeavor .| Source: Jennifer Sun

Jen Sun praying with kids at MGC New Life | Source: Jennifer Sun

Teacher Jen 許真妮’s journey is a reminder of the quiet, transformative power of teachers who lead with both skill and heart. And as her story shines brightly, it also reflects the many other educators who share the same advocacy—those who nurture curiosity, safeguard culture, and plant seeds of empathy in young lives.

To celebrate Teacher Jen is also to honor every teacher who chooses love, patience, and purpose as their lifelong lesson plan—those who quietly shape futures, nurture character, and remind us that the true measure of teaching is not only in knowledge gained, but in lives forever touched.