There have been sporadic media reports on teachers complaining about the "bad treatment", "low pay" or boycotting classes, but aggrieved teachers organizing such a large-scale demonstration is unheard of in recent years. Knowing the general nature of teachers in the country, there is reason to believe those in Zhaodong would not have compromised the interests of students to demand their due if they had had a better choice. This is partly reflected in a prior "letter of apology" some teachers wrote to students' parents for the "negative impact" of their protest on their children.

As a group that helps the "flowers of the motherland" blossom, teachers' salaries should be commensurate to their workload and responsibility. Despite a State slogan for "quality education" for all for many years, the pressure on many teachers, especially those in middle and primary schools, has not eased much because of the examination-oriented educational system. Besides taking regular classes, most of the normal teachers also have the time-consuming, heavy burden of reviewing and correcting students' homework.

The central government has been allocating more funds for the education sector over the past few years and the laws governing teachers stipulate that a region's teachers should not be paid less than its public servants. Yet teachers in most parts of the country are usually not paid the same salary as civil servants. And it is not rare to see some teachers, especially in impoverished rural areas, not getting their pay in time.

Teachers shape the future of students, who, in turn, are the future of the country. Most of them carry responsibilities on their shoulders no less than many government officials. There is, therefore, no reason for teachers' salaries not to be commensurate to the responsibilities they undertake.

It will be difficult to stop teachers from diverting their energy to part-time jobs or taking bribes from students' parents in return for some favors if they are underpaid, especially at a time when most people detest teachers who take gifts.

It is unrealistic to drive a horse that is not fed to run fast. To ensure the future of the country, we have to take better care of our teachers.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily. wuyixue@chinadaily.com.cn