On Wednesday, China named 24 teachers and a group of Baoding University graduates, who volunteered to teach in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, as the nation’s “Most Beautiful Teachers” for 2025. These teachers are standouts among the millions of educators in China. They include those who work with students with special needs, those who teach in rural and less-developed areas, and those who contribute to scientific and national development.

Ding Meizhen is a teacher from Shanghai. She has worked in education for 36 years, with 25 years focused on inclusive education. She believes every child with special needs should be identified and supported early. She created 38 courses and over 100 teaching tools. She also developed a smart online platform called “Four Clouds” to help children with disabilities learn better in regular classes. This system uses technology to assess children’s needs, track their progress, and provide quick support. Her work has won national awards and is seen as a model for modern education in China.

Ren Mingjie works in a village school in Henan. Since 2014, he has been teaching in a rural area. He documents his students’ lives through photos and a diary documenting their growth. Over the years, he has taken more than 170,000 pictures and written over 2.8 million words. He also teaches children practical skills such as using computers, taking photos, and making traditional food. At first, he found the conditions challenging and considered leaving. But now, he loves his job and feels like part of the village community. Parents and students respect him deeply. He says, “Rural education is a journey of the soul.”

A group of Baoding University graduates went to teach in Xinjiang in 2000. They gave up better job opportunities to teach in a remote region. During these years, they have helped provide a quality education for many students. Some of their students have even returned to Xinjiang to help build their hometown.

These teachers show great love and dedication to education.