To thoroughly implement the principles of the National Conference on Education, vigorously promote the spirit of educators, and foster a profound atmosphere of encouraging respect for educators and support for education, the Open University of China (OUC) convenes its 2024 Teachers’ Day Celebration on 11 September.

This significant event marked the 40th Teachers' Day and honoured faculty members who have dedicated 30 years to the university or to the field of education for 30 years, as well as those who have made significant achievements in teaching, research, and community services during the 2023-2024 academic year. The theme of the conference was " Enhancing the Spirit of Educators and Accelerating the Development of a Leading Nation in Education”. The OUC leadership members in Beijing were present. Li Song, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC, delivered a speech, and Liu Xuanxuan, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the OUC, chaired the event.

 

The OUC celebrated the 2024 Teachers' Day.

 

The OUC leadership members in Beijing were present.

 

Li Song, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC, delivered a speech.

 

Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC, read out the “Decision to Commend Faculty Members Who Have Dedicated 30 Years to the University or to the Field of Education for 30 Years”.

 

Liu Xuanxuan, deputy Party secretary and secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, chaired the event.

 

Xu Mingjun, deputy secretary of the Party Committee, read out the “List of Projects Winning Teaching and Teaching Reform Awards for the 2023-2024 Academic Year”.

 

Vice President Zhou Tianming read out the “List of Research Achievements Winning Awards at or Above the Provincial Level for the 2023-2024 Academic Year”.

The meeting highlighted the directives of the National Conference on Education, elaborated on the significant initiatives proposed by the “Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Promoting the Spirit of Educators and Enhancing the Construction of High-Quality, Professional Teaching Staff for the New Era”. It also reviewed the substantial progress in teacher development since the OUC's inception 45 years ago. Four key requirements were set forth for promoting and practicing the educators' spirit and cultivating a superior, professional open education teaching force: Teachers at the Open University should be steadfast adherents and practitioners of the Party's innovative theories, persistent advocates for excellence and quality in open education, exemplary practitioners of the digital education strategy, and active promoters of the project to build a high-quality teaching staff.

 

Li Song presented awards to faculty and staff members who have served at the university for 30 years.

Li Song presented awards to faculty and staff members who have served in education sector for 30 years.

 

Liu Zhanrong, a teacher representative who have served at the university for 30 years, delivered a speech.

 

Zheng Jipeng, dean of the School of Foreign Languages, delivered a speech.

 

Yang Shijian, a teacher aiding Xinjiang, gave a video speech.

 

Chen Fengying, a representative of young teachers, delivered a speech.

 

New faculty members took an official oath.

 

The OUC choir gave a melodious performance as a tribute to Teachers' Day.

The assembly recognised the faculty members who have served at the OUC or in education sector for 30 years, as well as individuals and groups who have excelled in comprehensive categories, teaching reforms, and research achievements at or above the provincial or ministerial level for the 2023-2024 academic year. Representatives from various departments of the OUC, including Liu Zhanrong, a teacher with 30 years of service; Zheng Jipeng, dean of the School of Foreign Languages; Yang Shijian, a teacher aiding Xinjiang; and Chen Fengying, a young teacher representative, delivered speeches. New faculty and staff members for 2024 took a solemn oath. During the conference, the OUC choir gave a melodious performance as a tribute to the faculty members on the front lines of open education.

The event was attended in person by all faculty members, heads of the departments within the OUC, and some staff members from the teaching management department, while other staff members participated online.

 

By Yang Jianliao, OUC