The Chinese government has paid tribute to the nation's 10 million teachers. On the eve of the annual Teachers' Day, Premier Wen Jiabao appealed to the public to show greater respect for teachers and called for further improvement in their living conditions. The premier was speaking as education authorities honored outstanding teachers for their contribution to social development.

It's been 18 years since China created Teachers' Day as a reminder to society of the hard work teachers do and sacrifices they make.

On Tuesday, Premier Wen Jiabao highlighted teachers' importance to society. He said the degree of respect shown to teachers was a reflection of a country's vitality and prosperity.

He urged governments at all levels to increase expenditure on education.

Addressing teachers, the premier called for greater innovation in education to improve China's education standards.

This year, China for the first time awarded 100 college teachers for their contributions to excellence in education.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education will launch a nationwide training program next week to help primary and middle school teachers upgrade their professional skills.

Currently, less than 40 percent of primary school teachers in rural areas have more than a middle school education. And teachers' salaries in the countryside do not measure up with those of their urban colleagues.

(CCTV.com September 10, 2003)