Lee Chia-tung urges return of classroom salutes to honor teachers

Former National Tsing Hua University President Lee Chia-tung is calling for the return of a traditional classroom practice: students standing and saluting their teachers at the beginning and end of each class. He argues that this ritual, once common in Taiwanese schools, is a crucial element in teaching respect for educators and upholding the value of "honoring teachers and valuing their teachings."

Lee reminisced about his own school days, recalling how class monitors would call for students to rise and salute the teacher upon their entry and exit from the classroom. He views this as more than a mere formality; it represents a fundamental attitude of respect. He expressed a longing for the era when "honoring teachers was a national consensus."

To illustrate the importance of this value, Lee shared an anecdote from his time at the National Taiwan Normal University Affiliated Senior High School. He described a physically imposing student who was often perceived as intimidating, and a frail female homeroom teacher. Despite her weakness, the teacher would assign the large student the task of carrying her heavy stack of assignments to her dormitory each day. Lee noted that the usually boisterous student became remarkably compliant in the presence of the physically vulnerable teacher, highlighting a deep-seated respect.

Lee Chia-tung intends to formally propose the reinstatement of this classroom salutation to the "Bo-Yao Foundation." He expressed confidence that the children associated with the foundation will embrace and adhere to this respectful tradition, believing it can help cultivate a stronger sense of reverence for teachers among the younger generation.