Do I need to notify the Chinese embassy that I am coming to China?

I am going to China for 2 weeks this summer to teach a class to high school students. The Chinese company organizing the course is working on my visa now. They told me I need to call the nearest embassy and ask what I need to do to make sure I can come to China. They mentioned filling out a form on the embassy website. I don't know what this means. Can you help me know what I need to do?