Restoring Confidence for "Slow-Flying Angels": Hemei Practical School Director Xiao Shihong to Lead Taitung University's Special Education School

Xiao Shihong, who has dedicated 30 years to teaching at Hemei Practical School, is set to take on a new role as the principal of the Affiliated Special Education School of Taitung University starting August 1.

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Special education teachers often have more感動 (gan dong - touching moments). Seeing slow-flying angels regain their confidence in the learning process is the greatest achievement.

Xiao, an art teacher by training, shared that working with students with special needs has been profoundly rewarding. He finds immense satisfaction in witnessing "slow-flying angels", a term for children with developmental delays, regain their confidence through learning. Even small progress from these students brings him great joy and a sense of accomplishment.

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Students, as long as they make a little progress, it gives me great感動 (gan dong - touching moments).

He recalled a student who, after surgery for a brain tumor, faced mobility challenges. This student, initially planning to finish only vocational high school, discovered confidence through art creation. The student's work was even developed into cultural and creative products by a convenience store chain, significantly changing how relatives viewed them. This success not only boosted the student's and their family's confidence but also deeply moved Xiao, reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of special education.

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If teaching can influence one person, one class, then as a principal, I will have the opportunity to work with a group, a team, to influence more lives.

Driven by a desire to amplify his impact, Xiao decided to pursue the principalship. He explained, "If teaching can influence one person, one class, then as a principal, I will have the opportunity to work with a group, a team, to influence more lives." His aspiration is to "let life influence life, blooming everyone's most brilliant flower."

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Let life influence life, blooming everyone's most brilliant flower.