NCCnovel Chapter 18: Discussion on Academy Reform
Chapter 18: Discussion on Academy Reform
"The word 'teacher' represents what you mean to your students." Cen Jiexiao's voice was clear and pleasant.
She paused, her eyes sweeping across the teachers present: "A good teacher is a transmitter of knowledge, an enlightener of wisdom, a shaper of character, and a guide of the soul. A good teacher benefits those who have one for a lifetime."
"As for...the title of Dean."
The corners of her mouth rose slightly, with a hint of ridicule: "I don't mean anything else, the dean likes it."
Cen Jiexiao's explanation and explanation not only convinced Teacher Wu, but also made all the teachers present nod in agreement.
"Dean, you really think too highly of us. The four words you just said explain the word 'teacher'. How can ordinary people like us be worthy of the title of 'teacher'?" An elderly teacher sighed, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes seeming to tell of the vicissitudes of life.
"Dear teachers, as far as I know, you have never been to any other academy since you came to Zhaoyin Academy. You treat students as if they were your own children. Many teachers even use their own monthly salary to buy writing materials and books for students." Cen Jiexiao said respectfully.
After a brief pause, Sister Cen's tone grew slightly more passionate. "You have used your wisdom, experience, and character to enlighten countless students in this academy. These students, like the lights of a thousand homes at night, illuminate this dark and cold world. Through you teachers, I finally understand why it is said that virtue and talent are both important, with virtue first and talent second."
"So it's not that you are unworthy of the title of teacher, but Zhaoyin Academy and its many students are fortunate to have teachers like you."
At this point, a burst of warm applause rang out. Although there were no words, it was the most profound recognition. At the same time, in this unfamiliar time and space, this great and glorious profession was reborn.
At this time, Cen Jiexiao gave Yu Lan and Xiao Zhi a look.
"Students Cen Jiexiao, Yu Lan, and Shen Shangzhi salute all the teachers. Hello, teachers!"
The three of them bowed slightly, their tone full of humility towards the teachers.
The teachers watched as the three girls saluted respectfully. One of them was the new dean of the academy. The teachers all stood up to return the greeting, and some of the more outgoing and cheerful teachers even shouted, "Hello, dean!"
Seeing this joyful scene for the first time, Cen Jiexiao couldn't help but feel a surge of joy and pride. She believed that these teachers, who came from a different time and space than herself, would work with her to write a new era for Zhaoyin Academy.
"Dean Cen, I'm Ai Wuling from the Dance Department. The regulations in this plan actually state that civilian females are admitted. I wonder if it's true or not?" A woman in a white skirt stood up. Her eyes were bright and focused, and there was a hint of doubt in her tone.
"Although I am also a girl, I naturally support the dean's proposal, but there has never been such a precedent in the Great Zhou Dynasty. I would like to ask the dean for some advice." Ai Wuling continued.
Sister Cen Xiao looked at Ai Wuling in front of her. She understood that Ai Wuling's temporary doubt about her had already proved that the reform plan had started from this moment on.
Ai Wuling's questioning is not a sign of cowardice, but a kind of awe and respect for unknown changes.
Sister Cen Xiao calmly replied, "Teacher Ai, your and the other teachers' concerns are understandable. After all, this has never happened before, so we've decided to initially open Zhaoyin Academy to female students, regardless of background or tuition. We'll conduct a trial semester and then make a final decision."
"Don't worry, at least in Zhaoyin Academy, we will ensure that all students can truly enjoy fair education, regardless of their background or gender." Cen Jiexiao spoke in a firm tone, her eyes sweeping across all the teachers present, her eyes full of confidence.
Looking at every face that was listening attentively, she couldn't help but tighten the college reform plan in her hand.
"Everyone, how to train and how to assess them requires our joint efforts." Sister Cen Xiao looked around at everyone with a determined gaze. After a pause, she continued, "We can start by teaching the skills that are most effective, easiest to produce results, and most helpful to women's lives. Painting, dance, poetry, and prose are the core subjects, but not just these. We can also include tailoring, carpentry, agricultural planting and breeding, fish farming, jewelry and jade design, interior and exterior clothing design, and so on. If external conditions permit, we can even open a special women's history and politics department."
"Who says that the first female prime minister of the Great Zhou cannot come from our Zhaoyin Academy?" Sister Cen Xiao's tone was slightly sarcastic, but with unquestionable firmness. She hoped to ignite the fire of hope that had just been ignited in the hearts of the teachers present.
"Dean Cen, I'm Wang Youcheng from the Painting Department. After listening to what you said, I feel that although it's a good idea, can these reforms really be effective in such a short period of time?" An elderly teacher stood up, full of doubts about the reform plan proposed by Sister Cen Xiao.
“Furthermore, although Zhaoyin Academy is not as good as the Imperial College of the Great Zhou Dynasty, it has produced many talents and has a good education. Once something goes wrong, I am afraid that this well-received academy will turn into everyone’s scorn.” Teacher Wang spoke with concern, worried that the failure of the reform would have a negative impact on the academy.
Sister Cen Xiao smiled faintly, her tone calm and firm, "Teacher Wang, I know you're worried about Zhaoyin Academy, but we have to give it a try, don't we? Don't you think the prestigious Zhaoyin Academy doesn't even have the courage and determination to do this? Of course, I definitely have the confidence and determination."
"In addition, I have another question for you, Teacher Wang. After a hundred or a thousand years from now, will women still be like they are now, illiterate, never leaving the house, and having learned nothing but absurd and empty etiquette, with no talent or virtue? Do you really think that if it remains like this, the country will be peaceful and the people will live in peace and contentment?" Sister Cen Xiao said with a hint of sarcasm.
"I know that the road ahead for women in education will be long and arduous, and will inevitably impact the interests of certain individuals. We may even encounter even greater difficulties and uncertainties." She paused, her tone becoming more resolute. "Everyone, imagine how future generations will view this decision we've made a thousand years from now. Teachers, your choice may truly make universal education a reality."
"Dean, we all understand what you said, but... changing it now will take a process." Another teacher couldn't help but speak.
"Reform is never achieved overnight; we need a gradual process. Therefore, we will conduct a trial teaching this semester, during which all teachers need to cooperate fully."
As a modern person, Cen Jiexiao understands that no matter what era, reform is like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon and being reborn from the ashes. It cannot be slow, nor can it be hasty.
Although everyone present felt a little uneasy, they considered that Sister Cen Xiao was the daughter of the old headmaster and the current dean of the academy. Secondly, as teachers, they more or less agreed with the principle of gender equality in teaching and running schools. After all, the more students they had, the higher their treatment and monthly salary would be. Moreover, in this era where reputation is valued, what teacher wouldn't want to have students everywhere?
Before she knew it, it was already noon. Cen Jiexiao checked the clock and realized it was around noon. Having reached a preliminary consensus with the teachers regarding the future direction of the academy, she signaled for the teachers present to head to the cafeteria for lunch and a rest.