A Study on the Current Situation and Countermeasure Approaches for the Professional Development of Rural Primary School Teachers in Western China

Abstract

As China strives to build a high-quality education system and accelerate its progress toward becoming a global education powerhouse, the professional development of rural primary school teachers in western regions remains relatively underdeveloped. This is due to historical and regional constraints, further exacerbated by the combined impacts of declining birthrates, urbanization, and an aging population. Addressing this issue has become a critical challenge that must be overcome to achieve high-quality educational development. President Xi Jinping has highlighted that rural revitalization ultimately hinges on talent, and the development of talent relies fundamentally on education. The development of rural education is undeniably a key pillar of the rural revitalization strategy, with rural teachers being at the heart of this effort. Their professional growth not only directly influences the quality of education in rural areas but also plays a critical role in narrowing the educational disparities between urban and rural regions, different areas, schools, and social groups. This is essential for building a fair and high-quality basic education system. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of professional development for rural primary school teachers in western China, accurately identifying existing challenges and their underlying causes. The goal is to establish a holistic, multi-tiered support system that will provide strong impetus for the professional development of rural primary school teachers.