Core Viewpoint - The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission has developed the "Implementation Opinions on Strengthening the Construction of the Class Teacher Team in the New Era," aimed at promoting the high-quality and professional development of class teachers, effective from January 1, 2026 [1] Group 1: Selection and Responsibilities - Newly appointed class teachers must undergo at least 32 hours of training and have one year of internship experience, which can be combined with standardized training for novice teachers [2] - Each class in primary and secondary schools must have a class teacher, with the option to add deputy class teachers, and the responsibilities of class teachers are clearly defined [2] - Schools are required to establish selection methods for class teachers, prioritizing those with strong political qualities, mental health, and communication skills, with a preference for Communist Party members and ideological education teachers [2] Group 2: Empowerment and Training - The implementation opinions emphasize integrating class teacher training into the overall teacher training plan, creating a comprehensive, tiered, and systematic training system [3] - A regular research mechanism at the municipal, district, and school levels will be established, focusing on case studies and developing unique working methods for class teachers [3] - Schools will be responsible for establishing a school-based research system for class teachers, conducting at least one research activity per month, and enhancing digital technology support for training [3] Group 3: Incentives and Workload Management - Education departments and schools must ensure class teachers have the time and energy to focus on their responsibilities, reducing repetitive and non-educational tasks [4] - The workload of class teachers will be counted as half of the standard teaching hours for teachers in the locality [4] - Performance-based salary distribution will favor class teachers, with additional compensation for those exceeding standard workloads and rewards for outstanding performance [4]