At the Members’ Corridor of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wang Dinghua, a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Party secretary of Beijing Foreign Studies University, emphasized the crucial role of educators in the digital age.
Addressing media questions during a group interview at the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, Wang highlighted China’s efforts in developing a high-quality teaching force of 18.91 million full-time teachers distinguished by strong ethics and skills.
“To foster high-quality and balanced educational development, it’s essential that teachers embody the ‘educator spirit,'” Wang said, encouraging educators to draw inspiration from figures like Confucius, Tao Xingzhi, Zhang Guimei, and Yu Yi.
He called for improved benefits and policies to attract top talent into the teaching profession, aiming to make it a more desirable career choice. “We need to enhance the social status of teachers to ensure that our best and brightest consider teaching as a noble and rewarding profession,” Wang added.
Wang emphasized the importance of holistic education that encompasses moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor development. He advocated for equitable resource distribution and the rotation of teachers to ensure all students have access to quality education.
Recognizing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and the evolving needs of digitally native students, Wang urged teachers to embrace ongoing professional development. National and provincial programs, he noted, are crucial in equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital era.
As education continues to evolve in the face of technological advancements, Wang’s insights highlight the need for a dedicated focus on empowering teachers to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
