2007 ceremony to present Education Contribution Awards and commend distinguished veteran teachers

Education is the driving force behind social progress and national development. It takes quality individuals for a country to develop, and it takes education to produce quality individuals. As of this year (2007), there are 16,040 veteran teachers, with 8,180 having taught for ten years, 5,278 having taught for 20 years, 2,383 having taught for 30 years, and 199 having taught for 40 years.

To pay tribute to teachers across the country and make the stories of those who devote themselves to education known to the general public, prior to Teachers' Day, the MOE presented a reward to every winner of the Award and the veteran teachers. In addition, a ceremony was held to commend veteran teachers who had taught for 40 years and winners of the Award. At the ceremony, Vice President Lu and Minister of Education Tu Cheng-sheng presented each of them with a medal and a plaque. After the ceremony, the President held a banquet to commend their achievements and hard work.

Minister Tu noted that teachers have a profound influence on students, and they foster a nation's overall strength. Therefore, the educational policy has become one of the most important policies of industrialized nations, including the UK and the US. Teachers play a key role in education. They are essential to the development of individuals, the society and the nation. Good teachers can produce students that can serve the public and as a result, the country becomes strong and prosperous. Retired teachers who are still devoted to educating people are particularly admirable.

To highlight students' gratitude to teachers, the theme of the ceremony was to praise teachers' devotion to education. In addition, both international and local performances were held at the ceremony. Meantime, a website (http://www.teach.mcu.edu.tw/) has been set up exclusively for winners of the Award and veteran teachers. With the accessibility of the internet, information about the winners, veteran teachers and the ceremony was made available to the public. It was hoped, by doing so, more people would be encouraged to work hard for the goal of raising the quality of education.