September 10 marks China’s 40th National Teachers' Day. As Shenzhen continues its commitment to high-quality education, the city recognizes that great teachers are the key to educational excellence.

Strengthening Professional Ethics in Teaching

Shenzhen has prioritized teacher ethics as the cornerstone of its education system. The city’s Education Bureau has long viewed professional conduct as the top evaluation standard for teachers. Since 2013, guidelines have emphasized that "teacher quality begins with ethics," and the bureau has maintained a zero-tolerance stance toward misconduct. In 2019, a more detailed plan was introduced to further strengthen teacher ethics, urging educators to lead by example, fostering and practicing core socialist values while ensuring political awareness and teaching accountability.

The bureau has implemented several measures, including a list for misconduct, routine supervision, and strict disciplinary actions for infractions like accepting gifts or offering paid tutoring. These efforts have established a robust framework for maintaining high ethical standards among Shenzhen's educators.

Innovating Teacher Recruitment Mechanisms

With the rapid expansion of Shenzhen’s school system, recruiting new teachers has become a top priority. Ahead of the current academic year, a new wave of educators joined Shenzhen’s schools, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. To attract top talent, Shenzhen has broadened its recruitment policies, giving schools greater autonomy and opening pathways for graduates from non-education majors to become public school teachers. Over the past three years, 23,500 new graduates have been hired, creating a teaching workforce that is younger, more educated, and diverse.

Additionally, Shenzhen has sought out experienced educators and introduced special recruitment programs for retired athletes to serve as physical education teachers, integrating sports with education. As of 2022, the city has hired 104 retired athletes, contributing to youth fitness and sports education.

Enhancing Professional Development for Teachers

Professional development remains a cornerstone of Shenzhen's efforts to improve education quality. The city has launched various training programs aimed at teachers at all stages of their careers, including initiatives like the "Seedling Project" and the "Master Teacher Program," which nurture new talent and foster leadership among experienced educators.

The creation of the Shenzhen Education Supervision and Evaluation Center underscores the city's commitment to continuous teacher development. The center is tasked with overseeing education quality assessments, teacher development, and professional support. Additionally, cloud-based professional development programs are helping teachers upgrade their skills through virtual learning communities.

Leadership training for school principals and party secretaries is also a top priority. A detailed three-year action plan (2024-2026) outlines strategies to improve leadership across all levels of education.With these comprehensive efforts, Shenzhen is not only improving its teacher workforce but is also laying a solid foundation for the future of high-quality education.