David (Kojo) Hakam, or 韩老师, is the curriculum specialist and an 8th grade teacher for the Portland Public Schools (PPS) Mandarin Immersion Program (MIP). He has also developed and currently leads two study abroad programs to China: 1) the China Research Residency (CRR)- a two week exchange program for 8th grade students to Suzhou, China, and 2) the Summer Institute in Yunnan (SIY) - a four week community service and village program for high school students to Yunnan, China. Since arriving in Portland in 2007, Kojo has continuously provided professional development support and training for immersion teachers, and has been instrumental in ensuring students in the program consistently reach proficiency benchmark targets.
