The 20th Anniversary Launch Ceremony and 2023 Academic Annual Summit of Center for Teacher Education Research of Beijing Normal University (CTER), Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences for Universities, Ministry of Education，was successfully held in Beijing. The event reviewed the Center’s two-decade journey, shared insights from its development, and envisioned the future of teacher education as an academic discipline.  

Distinguished attendees included Zhong Binglin, former President of the Chinese Society of Education and the Center’s inaugural director; Shi Kecan, Secretary of the Party Committee of BNU’s Faculty of Education; Lee Chi-Kin John, President of the Education University of Hong Kong; Chen Shijian, former Vice President of Southwest University； Zhu Xudong , Director of the Center and leaders from other 14  universities. Representatives from schools, research institutes, and BNU faculty and students also participated.  

The summit was organized by the Center, co-organized by China Teacher Education News, with academic guidance provided by the   Teacher Education Branch of the China Association of Higher Education . Attendees from 36 universities engaged in five keynote presentations and interactive discussions with 37 panelists. The summit included a main forum and four specialized sessions for doctoral students, international dialogue, academic master’s students, and professional master’s students, marking a milestone in both scale and academic depth.  

At the opening ceremony, Professors Zhong Binglin, Shi Kecan, and Zhu Xudong delivered remarks. Experts from diverse fields jointly activated an on-screen countdown, symbolizing the official launch of the Center’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.  

Keynote speakers, including President Lee Chi-Kin John, Professor Chen Shijian, Professor Ding Xiangmei, Professor Yang Yue, and Professor Yuan Li, explored the trajectory of China’s teacher education discipline, emphasizing collaborative strategies for its future growth.  

In the afternoon of January 6, 22 thematic presentations by the Center’s faculty and postdoctoral researchers highlighted cutting-edge trends and innovations in teacher education. Topics covered emerging challenges, policy implications, and pedagogical innovations, offering a vibrant academic exchange.  

The January 7 morning forum focused on the development of the Center’s regional branches. Professor Zhu Xudong outlined pragmatic expectations for their growth, while representatives from 16 branches summarized 2023 achievements and shared 2024 plans. Professor Song Huan proposed a targeted "1+1+1+N" framework to enhance branch specialization.  

Simultaneously, a parallel workshop addressed quality assurance in teacher training practicums, featuring discussions among Professor Zhu Xudong, FUTURE Teacher Education Program's leaders and mentors，teacher educators and researchers.  

In the closing remarks, Professor Song Huan emphasized that the summit marked a pivotal moment for the Center to reflect on its legacy and strategize for the next era. In 2024, the Center will host a series of anniversary events, including academic salons, learning community forums, the Fifth Global Teacher Education Summit, publication of research compilations, and alumni reunions. Looking forward to a brighter future for the Center for Teacher Education Research, as we jointly write a new chapter of brilliance in China's teacher education endeavors!