Wan Xubo is the principal of Jiuli Central Primary School in Lianyungang, Jiangsu. [Photo/jsenews.com]

Recently, the selection results for the "2024 Jiangsu Teachers of the Year" were announced, with 50 outstanding educators being recognized. These teachers have made significant contributions through innovative research, providing rural children with opportunities, or advancing education in remote regions such as Shaanxi, Xinjiang, and Tibet.

Professor Huang He, vice-president of Nanjing Normal University and dean of the School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, tackled the reliance on imported algal strains. Through relentless efforts, Huang led his students in researching new algal species and developing domestic DHA production, improving the quality and efficiency of Chinese products to international standards while significantly reducing costs.

At Nanjing Forestry University, Professor Zhou Hongping has dedicated 37 years to research that meets national needs. Integrating modern science with traditional forestry, Zhou and his team created a forestry equipment system that has addressed long-standing challenges in pest control. Their innovations include 18 specialized forestry tools, now exported to 14 countries, including India and Algeria.

In rural education, Wan Xubo has transformed the lives of children. As the Party secretary and principal of Jiuli Central Primary School in Lianyungang, where 80 percent of the students are left-behind children, Wan formed a volunteer team to mentor these children. His "Red Coral" team now has 78 members, offering over 20 classes in arts, sports, and traditional culture. To date, the team has provided services to more than 9,000 children, fostering their growth and dreams.