The Ministry of Education recently announced the list of recipients for the 20th Educational Dedication Award for the year 2025. Two retired educators from Taichung City were honored with this prestigious recognition: former principal Ji Chao-sheng of Lufeng Elementary School in Shalu District, and retired teacher Lin Yi-sheng of Dapeng Elementary School in Xitun District. With two awardees, Taichung ties with Taoyuan and Tainan for the highest number of recipients nationwide, highlighting the city's strong foundation in education and the selfless dedication of its educators.
Chiang Wei-min, Director of the Education Bureau, Taichung City Government, noted that both awardees have continued their involvement in the field of education even after retirement. Through their concrete actions, they have exemplified a deep passion and strong sense of mission for education, serving as role models for young teachers and fellow educators alike. Their actions truly embody the spirit of “retirement doesn't mean stopping.”
According to the Education Bureau, formal principal Ji Chao-sheng has long been dedicated to the promotion of character and arts education. Even after retirement, he remains actively involved in teacher training programs as a lecturer. He also established the Character Model Award at Lufeng Elementary School in Shalu District and Jianguo Elementary School in Qingshui District, which has to date recognized nearly 60 students for exemplary character, earning high praise from both schools and parents. In addition, Principal Ji is actively engaged in community arts education. He frequently volunteers to teach painting to the elderly and, since 2019, has offered oil painting courses at the Qingshui Lifelong Learning Center under the Chih-Hsuan Cultural and Educational Foundation. His students span a wide range of age groups, and he is committed to promoting the concept of lifelong learning.
The other award recipient, Mr. Lin Yi-sheng, has long been a passionate advocate for reading education. Following his retirement, he has remained committed to enhancing the reading environment in schools. He has led a volunteer team in the transformation of libraries at 13 schools, undertaking tasks such as refurbishing bookshelves, organizing collections, and designing reading corners. These efforts have helped create warm and inviting reading spaces that serve as beloved learning hubs for students. In addition, Mr. Lin has been actively engaged in senior education within the community. He has designed reading programs tailored to the needs of older adults, offering both knowledge and companionship. Through these programs, he brings joy, personal growth, and a sense of fulfillment to the lives of senior learners.
The Education Bureau emphasized that both Principal Ji Chao-sheng and Mr. Lin Yi-sheng have continued to extend their passion for education into the broader community after retirement, allowing the impact of education to reach beyond the campus and take root in people’s hearts. Their actions exemplify the ideals of lifelong learning and the boundless nature of education. They represent a deeply compassionate force in society and are a source of pride and honor for education in Taichung City.