CLIO, Michigan -- One in five people in the world speak Chinese.

But that number will increase this fall when Clio becomes the first school district in Genesee County with its own Chinese language instructor.

"The concept of Chinese instruction is not new to Genesee County, (but) no local district has had their own Chinese instructor," said Jerry Johnson, executive director of communications and development at Genesee Intermediate School District.

The courses are usually done through a GenNET program and usually offered at high school levels, Johnson said.

Offering Chinese at an elementary level is unique to the county, said Johnson.

Clio students will have the opportunity to learn Chinese from Snow Li, who is a certified teacher in China.

"It's another step to a global education," said Clio Superintendent Fay Latture.

Currently, 1.4 billion of the world's 7 billion people live in China. The U.S. population is 340 million.

Li will start by teaching third- and fourth-grade students, because it's believed they are most receptive to learning a new language. It is possible Li will add some middle school classes, as well, Latture said.

Li is part of the Confucius institute at Michigan State University, which works to bring qualified and certified Chinese teachers to America. While here, she will be furthering her education to become certified in the U.S. A certified teacher will be in the classroom with Li at all times, Latture said.

China shows a prominence in the economic and global marketplace, so teaching children Chinese helps them be competitive, said Jackie Moase-Burke, world language consultant for Oakland County schools.

Oakland schools have offered programs through the Confucius Institute for two years, she said.

"Our students are doing well in Chinese," Moase-Burke said. "The younger we start and the longer they study, the more proficient the students are and the more they can use the language."

Fletcher Spears, Clio assistant superintendent for business and operations, was impressed by how well the students participating in a test program earlier this month picked up the language.

Even with the difficult subject matter the students were very engaged the entire time Li taught, Spears said.

Spears believes the two languages important to learn besides English are Spanish and Chinese because of those countries connection with the U.S.

Starting early would allow the students to learn quickly, effectively and more like a native, he said.

"I think it's important that our youngsters have the knowledge of those two languages," Spears said. "It not only teaches you about other cultures, but it can have a great impact on understanding your own language."

Moase-Burke said 22 out of the 28 districts in Oakland County have some sort of Chinese programs.

"We've so enjoyed both the expertise and energy from the teachers who have come from China," she said.

The districts also have looked into finding certified instructors that live in Michigan or through other teacher exchange programs, Moase-Burke said.

But either way, having a Chinese program has benefited the students greatly, she said. They are able to feel proud and accomplished about knowing another language.

The programs range from preschool up to high school.

Clio High School will open up the opportunity for the students to learn Chinese through the GenNET program in the fall, as well, Latture said.