EdUHK and QFNU Jointly Host Seminar on ‘Teachers’ Professional Ethics: Succession and Future’
To further enhance the professional competency and deepen the professional ethics of educators, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) hosted a seminar titled ‘Teachers’ Professional Ethics: Succession and Future’ on 7 May on its Tai Po campus, in collaboration with Qufu Normal University (QFNU). The event drew an audience of nearly 300 educators and students. This is part of initiatives under the memorandum of understanding signed between the two universities in 2023, establishing the EdUHK-QFNU Joint Base for Teacher Professional Ethics Education.
The seminar was officiated by EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, Vice President (Academic) Professor May Cheng May-hung, QFNU Vice President Professor Li Zhao-xiang, as well as EdUHK Executive Co-Director of Centre for Classical Chinese Education Mr Chau Lap, Director of School Partnership and Field Experience Dr Kevin Kam Wai-keung, Librarian Dr Sidney Cheng Po-ying, and Deputy Librarian of the Chinese Teacher Museum at Qufu Normal University Mr Sun Shang-hui. Other attending guests included EdUHK Associate Director of School Partnership and Field Experience Ms Mandy Au Yuen-yee, Professional Consultant of School Partnership and Field Experience Office Mr Langton Cheung Yung-pong, and one of the judges of the Award for Supporting Teachers’ Excellence in Professional Ethics and Honorary School Partnership Advisors of EdUHK Mr Tang Kwai-tai, etc.
In his opening remarks, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin emphasised that ethics are fundamental to the teaching profession and vocation. Citing the Chinese dictum, ‘those who are well-educated can be good teachers; those who are virtuous can be good role models,’ he underscored that teachers serve not only as knowledge providers but also as role models in students' character development.
Professor Lee highlighted the pressing need for the inheritance and innovation of teacher ethics in the face of rapid societal changes. He called on the education community to reflect on preserving professional ethics in the new era, as well as integrating those principles into daily practice to nurture the next generation with noble character and social responsibility.
Professor May Cheng May-hung delivered a keynote speech on ‘The Development of Teachers’ Professional Ethics Education in Hong Kong’, offering insights into the practices and challenges in teacher ethics education. She explained that EdUHK would implement a series of curriculum reforms, including the introduction of five-year bachelor double degree programmes in education, along with Exit Requirements for Teachers’ Professional Conduct and Ethics’ to comprehensively strengthen the cultivation of professional ethics among pre-service teachers. The aim is to align with the continuous enhancement of national education policies and programme quality requirements as set by the Education Bureau of the HKSAR Government.
Professor Li Zhao-xiang delivered a keynote speech on ‘Confucius and Chinese Teacher Professional Ethics’, discussing the foundation and modern relevance of teacher ethics from traditional culture. Professor Li highlighted that the moral spirit in Confucian classics and core values like benevolence, righteousness, and propriety advocated by Confucianism are valuable for educators in the modern era.
Moderated by Mr Chau Lap, a discussion took place on the core values of teacher ethics education, practical strategies, future challenges, and the integration of traditional teacher ethics into contemporary educational practices, entitled ‘Teachers’ Professional Ethics: Succession and Future’. The panel included Professor Cheng, Professor Li, Vice Principal of Xianggang Putonghua Yanxishe Primary School of Science and Creativity Mr Kwok Hon-kit, and, Vice Principal of The Primary and High School Affiliated to Qufu Normal University Ms Wu Zhao-ling.
In two parallel sessions, Vice Principal of San Wui Commercial Society Chan Pak Sha School, Ms Wong Ming-kin, Vice Principal of Xianggang Putonghua Yanxishe Primary School of Science and Creativity, Mr Kwok Hon-kit, Vice Principal and teacher from The Primary and High School Affiliated to Qufu Normal University Ms Wu Zhao-ling and Ms Bi Wen-feng, delivered presentations. Outstanding educators from both regions shared their pedagogical experiences and innovative approaches, fostering cross-regional collaboration.
—Ends—
EdUHK and QFNU Jointly Host Seminar on ‘Teachers’ Professional Ethics: Succession and Future’
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