Normal graduates encouraged to work in education

It was decided at an executive meeting of the State Council on Aug 17, chaired by Premier Li Keqiang, that China will reform the teacher qualification system by canceling qualification exams for normal college graduates, in an effort to encourage graduates to engage in education.

"By pushing forward teaching qualification system reform, more normal college graduates can secure jobs smoothly," Premier Li said. "It matters a lot for safeguarding stable employment, and should scale new heights."

Over the long term, a teacher shortage will remain in primary and secondary schools, especially in kindergartens, and the teaching qualification system reform will make up for it, he added.

According to those at the meeting, the reform will be based on periodic measures already in effect earlier this year that allow teachers to take up posts before obtaining teaching certificates.

And a performance appraisal system will be established in educational institutions to evaluate graduates on their teaching abilities.

The reform will mainly target graduates with master’s degrees and above in education, as well as normal university students with public-funded education backgrounds.

In addition, school quality evaluation for teaching institutions also will be launched to pillar the reform.

Premier Li urged related departments to look at the big picture and support the reform to ensure its full implementation.

"Employment lays the foundation for stable economic development," the Premier said. "Departments concerned all across the board should take measures to beef up administration streamlining and delegation of powers in more fields to expand channels to sound employment."