Silenced Classrooms: The Rising Culture of Fear and Complaint in Chinese Education

Opinion | The Negative Shift in China’s Classroom Environment: A Problem for More Than Just Teachers

Teachers are cautious about their classroom conversations, worried that a wrong word could lead to unemployment.

For those not acquainted with China, the remark might have seemed strange.

In its guidelines on applying Xi's instructions, the Ministry of Education stated: "[We must] resolutely address any behavior that spreads false information and tarnishes the reputation of teachers, ensuring that teachers maintain a respected status in society."

To an uninformed onlooker, the remark might seem to imply that there are obstacles to respecting teachers' dignity and their authority to discipline students.