Despite five year's hard work, Zhang Lili, who was horrifically injured when saving her students from being run over by a school bus, was not formally employed and earned a monthly wage of just 1,000 yuan ($158). Zhang's is not an isolated case and highlights the predicament of many dedicated teachers, says an article on Guangming Daily's website. Excerpts:

Compared with the awards and praise from different ministries, a formal position as a middle school teacher with insurance would have been of more benefit to Zhang Lili. One of the biggest problems for Zhang is her lack of medical insurance. That's why so many people have rushed to donate money to help the heroic teacher.

Zhang is a good example of the many dedicated and hard-working temporary workers in our society. It's unfair to treat them differently from formal employees.

Zhang deserves her awards, and she should be a role model for moral education, but it is more important to grant her formal teacher status. Taxpayers are willing to support teachers if they are as dedicated and selfless as Zhang.

(China Daily 05/24/2012 page9)