During the mid-twentieth century, Chinese students were encouraged to actively support the communist party.
Down to the countryside
During the Cultural Revolution in the late 1960s and early 1970s, many urban youth were removed from school and sent down to the countryside to be reeducated by farmers, a campaign known as the 上山下乡运动, or the Down to the Countryside Movement.
While this movement was going on, academic achievement based university entrance exams were suspended and schools began selecting students based on class background, political attitudes and party allegiance.
Some historians argue that such changes resulted in a decline in the quality of education and the status of teachers in China during this period.
Rethinking education during
Reform and Opening-up
After the Cultural Revolution ended in 1976, newly implemented economic reforms called 改革开放 worked to once again elevate teachers’ social status. No longer marginalized as intellectuals in need of reeducation, teachers were to be integrated as members of the working class.
Campaigns to improve housing conditions, salaries and general welfare for teachers were conducted by the government from the 1980s on.
The reinstatement of national school and university entrance exams in 1977 also helped to reposition educators as cultivators of the nation. Conventional education was again seen as a necessary step towards achieving individual and national development.
During China’s period of reform and opening-up, students returned to conventional schools and the status of teachers improved.
Celebrating Teachers’ Day today
Because teaching is generally regarded as an honorable profession in China today, it should come as no surprise that Teachers’ Day remains an important holiday.
Although Teachers’ Day is not a public holiday in China, it is still observed in various ways. On September 10th, many teachers enjoy bonuses from school administrations or even a few hours off work. It is also common for students and families to gift teachers with cards.
教师节快乐
Teachers’ Day vocabulary
教师节 Teachers' Day
老师 teacher
辅导老师 tutor
师傅 master
孔子Confucius, China's most prominent philosopher and educator
六艺 the six arts or subjects in ancient Chinese education
儒学 Confucianism
科举考试 imperial examination
束脩 customary payment for teachers in ancient China
朝代 dynasty
教育 education; to educate
共产党 Communist Party
改革开放 China's economic reform and opening-up
职业 profession
尊敬 respect
仪式 ceremony
庆祝 celebrate
红包 red envelope filled with cash
辛苦 work hard; go to great trouble
Teachers' Day
教师节快乐
Teachers' Day
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