The Yellow River Forum on Teacher Education Development, themed "Promoting the Spirit of Educator and Strengthening the Foundation for an Education-Powered Nation", concluded successfully on May 11, 2024, at Weinan Normal University. Jointly hosted by Weinan Normal University, the Northwest Branch Center of Beijing Normal University (BNU) Center for Teacher Education Research, and the Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences for Universities, Ministry of Education, the forum brought together over 100 experts from 30 institutions across 10 provinces to explore strategies for advancing teacher education under the guidance of "the Spirit of Educator" .

Forum Highlights

1.Opening Remarks

Xiao Yaogang (Weinan Normal University) emphasized the need to cultivate teachers aligned with China’s educational modernization, urging educators to uphold the mission of educating for the Party and the nation.

Wang Binwu (Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education) highlighted the transformative role of "the Spirit of Educator" in guiding teacher training, professional ethics, and institutional reforms.

Li Zhonghai (Weinan Municipal Government) praised Weinan Normal University’s contributions to regional talent development and called for deeper collaboration in the Yellow River Basin.

Zhu Xudong (BNU) reviewed the Center’s 20-year efforts in building a national teacher education research network and expressed hope that the forum would galvanize action for western China’s educational revitalization.

2.Keynote Presentations

Yuan Li (BNU) proposed cultivating Chinese teachers with "teacher holistic professionalism" by nourishing them with the Spirit of Education with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era. She emphasized that "the Spirit of Educator" defines teachers’ core identity and sets value standards for their roles in teaching, mentoring, and societal contribution.

Wang Binwu (Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education) delivered a keynote speech titled "Deeply Understanding the Era Value of the Spirit of Educators".

Xiao Qiqing (Zhaoqing University) shared the "Three Dimensions, Eight Mechanisms" model for training future educators, stressing innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Li Sen (Shaanxi Normal University) outlined pathways to revitalize teacher education in western China, advocating for resource-sharing platforms and stronger ties between teacher training institutions and schools.

Wang Zhengqing (Southwest University) presented a model to connect teacher training with agrarian cultural heritage through moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education.

Long Baoxin (Shaanxi Normal University) discussed mechanisms to internalize "the Spirit of Educator", urging educators to "translate ideals into practice" through ethical reflection and community-driven professional growth.

Liu Ruiru (Yan’an University) linked "Yan’an Spirit" with modern educator cultivation, proposing immersive training programs that blend theoretical learning, emotional engagement, and practical experience.

3.Parallel Sessions

Experts and scholars delved into three key themes related to teacher education in the backdrop of building an educational powerhouse. 12 experts from various normal universities, including Southwest University and Shaanxi Normal University, shared their views on topics like rural teacher training and professional growth, and jointly explored new paths for teacher education development through in-depth discussions and constructive proposals.

This gathering marked a significant step in aligning teacher education with national goals, fostering dialogue between academia and policymakers, and driving sustainable progress in China’s educational modernization.