The best teachers

The increasing number of schools and kindergartens has led to shortage of skilled workers in the zone. Local authorities have put forward measures to train and attract more professional teachers. Ninety-six university graduates and 20 high-caliber teachers were recruited to work in the region in 2016.

An expert with the International Baccalaureate Organization trains teachers at Weifang High-tech International School in December.Photos Provided To China Daily

Last year, two school principals in the zone were named in a list of "renowned principals" in Shandong province for their special contributions in the education sector. An additional 71 teachers were rewarded in Weifang city.

The zone has set up a one million yuan fund to reward exceptional principals, and a five million yuan fund to reward outstanding school teachers.

"An energetic education team is the key to building an excellent education system," said Mu Yanhua, deputy director of the education bureau of the zone.

"A reward mechanism will support our education sector's development. It is also a way to acknowledge teachers' efforts."