Award-nominated teacher promotes psychological support program

As one of the top 10 candidates for the Global Teacher Prize, Yang Boya （fifth from left）attends the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai in March. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In its third year, the prize was created to recognize exceptional teachers who make outstanding contributions to the profession.

"I interacted with international counterparts in Dubai during the forum and we shared our experiences and stories. They were very interested in China's education development," Yang says.

"Chinese students' excellent academic performance and China's education method are hot topics in the world," she added.

In the OECD's 2012 Program for International Student Assessment, which evaluates education systems worldwide, Shanghai students topped the ranks in math, reading and science.

The UK's PISA ranking led to UK's interest in Shanghai's education methods. An exchange scheme provided opportunity to Shanghai math teachers to share their experience and knowledge with British primary schools in the past two years.

And Shanghai math textbooks will be published for use in UK classrooms from September.

"It is true that China's education system is doing well in many ways," Yang says, adding that China has a long tradition of valuing education and prioritizing learning.

"Chinese parents usually have high expectations for their children's academic performance, although the kids' psychological health is frequently neglected. Many Chinese teenagers suffer from pressure and confusion, especially the left-behind children," says Yang.