Lydia Wang

Originally from Shanghai, China, Lydia has lived in the United States for more than 17 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Education from Shanghai International Studies University and later received her Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University’s Medill School. Before becoming an educator, Lydia spent several years working in marketing and business analytics. Lydia discovered her passion for early childhood education through volunteering with WITS (Working in the Schools) in Chicago. That passion fully took shape when she toured a Montessori school for her first child and was deeply drawn to the philosophy’s respect for children, independence, and love of learning. In 2019, Lydia began her Montessori training at West Side Montessori School and earned her AMS Early Childhood credential in 2020. She completed her student teaching at Battery Park Montessori (BPM), which became her first school and has remained an important community throughout her Montessori journey. In the years that followed, Lydia continued working with young children as a substitute teacher at BPM and Pine Street School, taking on a variety of roles, including classroom support, art, and after-school teaching. In 2026, Lydia returned to BPM as a full-time Mandarin teacher, where she found great joy in building meaningful relationships with children and families and collaborating closely with her co-teachers. As a multilingual and multicultural educator, Lydia brings together her background in English and communication, her Chinese heritage and Mandarin language, and her Montessori training to create a warm, inclusive classroom where children feel known, respected, and inspired to learn. Outside the classroom, Lydia treasures family time—especially cuddling with her two boys—and enjoys exploring museums and parks together. In her own time, she enjoys Pilates, printmaking and stamp carving, and getting lost in a good audiobook.