Student Spotlight: Xiang Li, M.Ed. ’27
Graduate student Xiang Li, M.Ed. ’27, supports immigrant families through her work, blending her own language learning journey with a passion for equity, community, and innovative education
Photo courtesy of Xiang Li
The best part of my Loyola program is how connected the courses are to my actual job. I can see that the curriculum is intentionally designed to allow me to immediately apply that new knowledge back to my work.
Xiang Li, M.Ed. ’27, who is pursuing her Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology, works full-time as a specialist at the Multilingual Welcome Center for Baltimore County Public Schools. There, she supports students and families arriving from other countries.
Li assesses students’ English language proficiency so schools can provide appropriate English language development support. She also helps parents and guardians navigate a school system that is often completely new to them.
I am constantly amazed by immigrants’ resilience and passion as they start a new chapter of life in a new country.
This fall, Li secured a grant to help her launch a Little Free Library outside the Multilingual Welcome Center, extending that welcome with free, diverse, high-quality books.
Li began her M.Ed. studies to keep improving her skills while continuing her career. She values learning about AI technology and exploring social justice and techno-ethical discussions that closely relate to her work experience.
Li’s path to this work began with her own language learning. She grew up in China, and English is her second language. “My own experience learning English allows me to deeply understand both the challenges and the joy of acquiring new language and navigating a new cultural environment,” she said.