Editor's note: China's 35th Teachers' Day falls on Sept 10 this year. Let's take a look at what President Xi Jinping has said about teachers.
Xi reaffirmed the great importance the Chinese nation has always attached to education in personal growth, social progress and human civilization, while calling for more respect for teachers and stronger efforts to enhance education in building a socialist, modern China.
--- A speech delivered to mark China's 34th Teachers' Day, Sept 10, 2018
Education equality is the basis of social equality, Xi said. He said measures must be taken to narrow the gap in educational resources and quality between rural and urban areas, with special aid given to poverty-stricken places and areas mainly populated by ethnic groups.
Xi called on teachers to instill in their students a love of the motherland, the people and the Communist Party of China.
--- At Beijing Bayi School, Sept 9, 2016
Xi encouraged China's teachers to contribute more to education in poor areas. Giving rural children a good education is an important task in poverty relief and also a crucial means to stop poverty being passed on between generations, he said.
--- A letter of reply to teachers from Guizhou, Sept 9, 2015
Teachers are dream builders, undertaking their mission to forge a "dream team", Xi said. The importance of teachers is in shaping souls, forging lives and crafting people. To become a good teacher, one must have lofty ideals, solid knowledge and a kind heart, Xi said.
--- At Beijing Normal University, Sept 9, 2014
Xi encouraged teachers to contribute more to develop the educational sector into a modern system with Chinese characteristics and world-class quality.
He called on teachers to keep learning, improve the quality of their teaching, embrace innovation and serve as exemplary models for their students.
--- A letter extending festive greetings to teachers, Sept 9, 2013