China aims to recruit 21,000 special post teachers for compulsory education schools in rural areas to strengthen rural teaching workforce and promote high-quality education, according to a notice recently released by the ministries of education and finance.

The notice on the implementation of the 2025 special post teacher plan for rural compulsory education schools stipulates that college graduates are encouraged to teach in rural schools, with a focus on filling vacancies in critical and weak subjects such as moral and legal education, physical education and mental health, as well as science and arts.

Qualified retired military personnel and outstanding retired athletes are encouraged to join primary and secondary schools, the notice said.

It emphasizes the importance of a rigorous recruitment process, ensuring that the exams should meet with the actual duties of the teaching positions. The public recruitment process will be completed by the end of July.

For remote areas, the recruitment process may be adjusted, including using interviews or direct assessments to hire teachers, the notice said.

Training for special post teachers will be focus on integrating ethical and professional conduct education throughout the process.

Local authorities are urged to ensure the welfare of special post teachers, ensuring timely and full payment of salaries, and participation in social insurance, it added.