Teacher authorization widens on mainland

People from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who live on the Chinese mainland can apply for teaching credentials for primary and secondary schools, giving them easier access to jobs.

They can apply to take the teaching credentials test and work at kindergartens, primary schools, middle schools, high schools and secondary vocational schools, according to a guideline issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Education and the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.

Applicants should have the academic requirements stipulated by the teacher's law and score at least Level 2-Grade B in the national Mandarin proficiency test, it said.

Cheng Man-chu, a Hong Kong student who is studying in Guangzhou, said the policy has opened the door for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan students studying on the mainland who want to stay on as teachers. She believes it may also help attract more talent.

An education startup founder, Cheng believed the policy would further strengthen educational cooperation.

According to Xiong Bingqi, vice-president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, "The addition of teachers from these regions will also help to boost the capability of mainland teachers, as they can learn from each other."

However, Liu Yuli, a Taiwan resident who has taught Chinese at a private international middle school in Foshan, Guangdong province, said, "The new guideline won't affect me much since international schools do not require mainland teaching credentials."

Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who have lived on the Chinese mainland for longer than six months have been able to apply for a mainland residence permit since Sept 1. With a residence permit, they will enjoy more rights, basic public services and other conveniences relating to their study, work, business operations and life on the mainland, Shi Jun, vice-minister of public security, said at a news conference in August.

Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents with mainland residence permits will be allowed to register their vehicles, apply for driver's licenses and take professional qualification exams, he said.