On Chinese Teacher’s Day - September 10, President Xi Jinping met with students and teachers at Beijing Normal University (BNU).  Xi said China’s prosperity calling for teachers with ethics and strong teaching skills. He promised education would be a priority, with increased government input and more reforms. Xi said the income of teachers, especially those in rural and less developed regions, is not enough. He urged governments at all levels to grant better welfare and respect for teachers.

President Xi stressed that a well-structured team of highly qualified and professional teachers with noble ethics and strong technical skills is at urgent demand. He also urged that teachers should make greater contribution for the development of modern education with Chinese characteristics at the global level. The party committees and governments at all levels should insist the prioritized strategic status of education and continue to facilitate the reform and development of education.Xi also participated in the National Training Program Seminar and carefully listened to the feedback from 50 outstanding primary school teachers from Guizhou. 

He addressed that the National Training Program has provided a professional development platform for teachers from rural Central and Western China to broaden their horizon, absorb new knowledge, and improve professional capability, which is of great significance for the educational development in Central and Western China.In the end, President Xi Jinping remarked that students will be the main force for China’s great rejuvenation and teachers will be the fundamental architects to build up this “Dream Team” .