(CLTA-MN) Board Structure

Chinese Language Teacher Association of Minnesota (CLTA-MN) Board Structure
A practical guide to the organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Minnesota Chinese Teacher Association board members. 
Board Members 2025-2027
Qian Xu
President/Media support
Jan. 2025-Now
Leads board operations and coordinates community outreach initiatives including cultural festivals and public events. Lead for grant application and fundraising. Manages website content and maintains social media.
Yinzi Chen
Vice President/Event & Outreach Coordinator
May 2025-Now
Responsible for event planning and coordinating community outreach initiatives including cultural festivals and public events. Provides administrative support if necessary.  Support grant application and fundraising.
Fiona Zhang
Treasurer/PD support
May 2025-Now
Oversees all financial matters including budgeting, expense management, tax form and reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility. Support grant application and fundraising.
Xinyue Zong
Secretary & PD Lead
Aug. 2023-Now
Organizes workshops and develops learning opportunities. Manages documentation, meeting agenda, and administrative tasks. Support for grant application and fundraising.
Special Thanks to the Founder and Previous Board Members between 2019-2025
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all previous board members who have dedicated their time, expertise, and passion to building CLTAMN from the ground up. Your collective vision, commitment, and tireless efforts have created a strong foundation for Chinese language education in Minnesota. The success and growth of our organization would not have been possible without your valuable contributions and leadership throughout these formative years.
Yue Cheng
Founder/Executive Director
2019-2025
Led the initial vision and establishment and provide 6 years of dedication of time and service of CLTAMN
Peng Nelson
Vice Director/Board Member
2022-2025
Provided crucial leadership support and program development, support the grant application
Changying Yan Lawton
Board Member
2024-2025
Managed essential documentation and communication efforts
Peiwen Fang
Board Member
2024
Contributed valuable expertise to organizational initiatives
Yao Tu
Secretary
2019-2023
Supported key organizational programs and community outreach
Manyu Ding
Treasure
2019-2023
Board Leadership Overview
President/Vice president
Leads the CLTAMN board with strategic oversight and decision-making authority
Facilitates board meetings
Represents the association at statewide education conferences
Manages relationships with partner organizations like MCTLC and ACTFL
Spearheads annual grant applications to Minnesota Department of Education and other organizations
Secretary
Serves as the administrative backbone of CLTAMN with dual responsibilities
Creates and distributes meeting agendas before each meeting
Records and shares minutes
Maintains the official board documentation archive
Steps in for the Chairman when needed at events
Participates in the annual strategic planning retreat in summer
Treasurer
Oversees CLTAMN's financial health with comprehensive management of the association's annual budget
A brief report if the financial status on each board meeting with clear documentary
Manages the association's donation account and bank accounts
Works with certified accountant Associates for annual tax filing and compliance requirements
Supporting Role: Event/Outreach Coordinator
Annual Event Planning
Develops yearly calendar of cultural events including the Peony Festival and Asian Fair, coordinating venues, schedules, and activities.
Community Partnerships
Builds relationships with schools, cultural organizations, and businesses to expand the association's reach and impact.
Public Engagement
Creates opportunities for the wider community to learn about Chinese language and culture through interactive events.
Supporting Role: Professional Development Lead
Workshops
Organizes specialized workshops on teaching methodologies and classroom strategies.
Peer Learning
Facilitates teacher exchange programs and peer observation opportunities.
Resources
Develops and shares curriculum materials and teaching resources for members.
Certification
Provides information on professional certification pathways and requirements.
Supporting Role: Communications & Media
The Communications & Media role serves as the public face of CLTAMN, ensuring our message reaches members and the wider community.
Website Management
Regularly updates the association website with news, resources, and event information.
Social Media
Maintains active presence on appropriate platforms to increase visibility and engagement.
Content Creation
Develops photos, videos, and graphics to showcase association activities.
Supporting Role (Open for Application): Membership Coordinator
Member Recruitment
Develops and implements strategic plans to attract new members to the association, highlighting benefits and professional growth opportunities.
Membership Registration System
Maintains efficient member registration processes and updates membership database regularly to ensure accurate records.
Member Communications
Creates and distributes tailored communications to members about renewals, benefits, and opportunities for engagement.
Board Meeting Structure
Monthly Schedule
Regular board meetings held once per month
Quorum Requirement
More than half of board members must be present
Structured Agenda
Prepared and distributed by Secretary before each meeting
Effective board meetings are essential to the association's governance. Each meeting follows a consistent format that includes reports from all coordinators, discussion of ongoing initiatives, and planning for upcoming events. Decisions are made by consensus when possible, with formal voting when necessary.
Board Terms and Continuity
1
Term Length
2 years
2
Renewal Option
Renewable once (maximum 4 consecutive years)
3
Election Timing
End of academic year (May/June)
4
Transition Period
1 month overlap for knowledge transfer
5
Term Staggering
30% of positions rotate each year