Nanchong Gaoping Vocational High School's "Little Teacher" Model: A Dynamic Example of Student Self-Management

Upon entering Gaoping Vocational High School in Nanchong, Sichuan Province, one is immediately struck by the bright and clean classrooms, spotless dormitories, and orderly corridors during break times. The campus exudes a sense of discipline and vitality. Flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and large-scale competitions are all conducted in an orderly fashion. In the classroom, students listen attentively, and after class, the campus remains orderly. What is the "secret weapon" behind these commendable campus scenes? The answer lies in the school's unique "Little Teacher" self-management model.

The term "Little Teacher" refers to a special role that sits between student cadres and teachers. It is also a student management organization with a complete structure and operational mechanism. They are representatives of outstanding students and bear the dual responsibilities of self-management and assisting school management.

At Gaoping Vocational High School, the "Little Teacher" management model has distinct characteristics. Dormitory management, centered around "Little Teacher" self-management, adheres to 44 military-standardized norms across five major categories, ensuring that dormitory housekeeping is neat and orderly. The "cubed" blankets and toothbrushes facing the same direction demonstrate a high level of standardization and attention to detail. The school's security team is also managed according to military standards. Team members persist in physical and quality training, not only undertaking campus patrols and flag-raising duties but also stepping outside the campus to assist the district education and sports bureau in maintaining order during physical education exams and supporting sister schools in conducting drill training. The school's etiquette team, through professional training, showcases its expertise at various major events. The school's performance team, with "Little Teachers" as the core, has its dance and choir teams shining brightly at various cultural activities, with some programs even making it to the municipal and district Spring Festival Galas.

The "Little Teacher" model has brought about significant changes for both students and teachers. For students, they have shifted from passively accepting management to actively participating, finding their sense of self-worth and belonging. Wang, a student from the 2023 computer science class, used to be very introverted. After joining the etiquette team and undergoing training and practice, she became confident and poised, able to calmly guide foreign guests on tours. Such transformations are not uncommon among "Little Teachers." For teachers, the model has freed them from the tedious tasks enable them to focus on improving the quality of teaching。Math teacher Li now has more time to research differentiated teaching and design personalized learning plans, resulting in a significant improvement in teaching effectiveness. At the same time, teachers have also enhanced their own management skills in the process of guiding "Little Teachers," forming a virtuous cycle of mutual learning and growth.

Thanks to the "Little Teacher" model, Gaoping Vocational High School has reaped numerous benefits, successfully creating a provincial model school for dormitory management, becoming a key vocational high school in Nanchong, and receiving many honors such as advanced unit in logistics management. This model has also attracted many schools from within and outside the city to visit and learn, becoming a dynamic example of student self-management in vocational education. As Principal Jiang Di said, "We hope that through the 'Little Teacher' model, every student can find their own value coordinates and grow into responsible, warm-hearted, and creative new-era individuals." (Kou Lingman)