BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leader Li Changchun Monday joined an evening gala which was held to celebrate the country's 27th Teachers' Day which falls on Sept. 10.
Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, presented awards to 10 "role-model teachers" selected by Chinese netizens during the gala which was themed "beautiful soul."
Li encouraged teachers to follow the examples of awarded ones and abide strictly by teachers' professional ethics and academic morality.
He also urged teachers to educate and affect students by knowledge and personality.
The gala, including singing and poem-chanting, told stories of excellent teachers who dedicated themselves to students.
The Ministry of Education initiated an annual online election of "role-model teachers" last year.
During this year's quarter-long election, 10 teachers stood out among the 64 candidates.
State Councilor Liu Yandong also watched the gala.
China now has 17 million teaching staff.
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