A few days ago, the Publicity Department of Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Ministry of Education jointly organized the 2023 National Teaching and Educating Model campaign, and 12 teachers were named national models. Among them, some have dedicated themselves to ideological and political education to publicize the innovative theories of the CPC; some have devoted themselves to making breakthroughs in science and technology and have achieved major innovative outcomes; some teach in grassroots and empower students to achieve their dreams; and some have innovated the way they teach for high-quality development of education. They are outstanding representatives and models who epitomize the lofty ideals and convictions, moral sentiment, solid learning, and profound sense of humanity of the majority of teachers in the new era.

Since ancient times, teachers have often been compared to candles, burning themselves and illuminating others. These days, they are compared to "the beacon" of ideals and hope to navigate the future of this nation. China's Teachers' Day, which falls on September 10 every year, has been celebrated since 1985. On this occasion of the 39th Teachers' Day, let us pay tribute to those working in the profession.

Liu Shaokun is a professor at Hebei Vocational University of Industry and Technology in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province. For the past two decades, he has worked diligently in his position to cultivate high-quality technical and skilled talents for the country. Statistics show that throughout the past five years, under his leadership, over 1,000 students have won 40 first-place awards in skills competitions at or above the provincial level, as well as three first-place awards, 10 second-place awards, and 20 third-place awards in national competitions. The photo shows him answering students' questions during a class break.

Zhai Jin from the First Vocational School of Tanggu in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, has been rooted in vocational education for 23 years, and has grown from an ordinary teacher to the head of the coaching team of the national mechatronics project team in the WorldSkills Competition. In recent years, his students have brought home gold and silver medals from the WorldSkills Competition while showcasing China's vocational skills to the world. The photo shows Zhai guiding a contestant who is about to participate in the competition.