Ahead of the 25th Teacher's Day which falls on September 10, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on teachers across the country to enhance their teaching standards and do a good job.

Wen made the call Friday in an inspection tour at Beijing's No.35 Middle School. He personally attended five lessons including geography and music in the morning together with a class of students.

At a seminar attended by representatives of teachers from Beijing Friday afternoon, the premier said that education is a lofty and honorable cause to follow because the fate of the nation depends on it.

"The nation's rise and fall rely on education, as only first-rate education can generate first-rate talents who in turn can build a first-rate nation," Wen said.

China currently has about 16 million people working in educational institutions, including 12 million teachers in middle and primary schools.

Chinese teachers have made great contribution to the country's education and modernization through their hard work to cultivate generations of talented people over the years, Wen said.

He also urged the teachers to be creative in improving their teaching skills, teaching contents and evaluation methods.

In addition, he called on the teachers to teach with love, be dedicated to learning and set exemplary roles for students.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2009)