2: Master Teacher Studio Innovation

In 1999, China introduced the Master Teacher Studio, a form of cross-school professional learning community run by Master Teachers who recruit teachers from different schools to develop their professional competencies and leadership in the Studio and then guide them to influence other teachers’ professional development in their schools. That same year, China’s National Council issued the Educational Renaissance Plan for the 21st Century and announced the Cross-Century Gardener¹ Project to improve K-12 teacher quality through Master Teachers. Since then, the state has developed mechanisms to select Master Teachers who meet the education bureaux’s specific quality and quantity output requirements, such as teaching prizes and publications. Master Teachers receive added income and honours and are expected to influence other teachers’ professional development beyond their school (Zhang & Han, 2014).