A special educator for special kids

Under Shi, Qizhi School developed an emphasis on designing individualized education plans for each child. She has also spearheaded the school's efforts in cooperating with hospitals and universities to introduce Chinese pinyin education into speech rehabilitation training. In addition, the school has developed an exercise to help kids improve the use of their lips and tongues so that they can better enunciate words.

Another highlight of her career is overseeing the construction of a specialized studio to teach autistic children. Shi said this was done because the number of students suffering from autism has been growing over the past decade. Currently, a third of her students suffer from autism.

"Language is the most vital bridge for human communication. Many medical reports show that a lack of proficiency in language is a common problem faced by children with mental disabilities. As such, it is imperative that we tackle the language issues," Shi explained.

The welfare of her colleagues has also been a priority since the day she joined. One of the first things Shi did as the new principal was to set up a direct line of communication between herself and her teachers.

In 2006, she received an email from a distressed young teacher.

"The teacher told me that she was going crazy and that her mind was filled with scenes of children screaming, crying and fighting in the classroom. She was one of the few teachers who majored in special education, but she left the school eventually," she said.

"So, how can we protect and care for teachers who work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional and physical disabilities in the classroom all day? We have to do more," she added.

"Special education needs more care and love than general education. Deep compassion and immense patience must be given to both children and teachers."

To help teachers cope with their jobs, Shi said that the school offers a "beautiful campus featuring gardens, bridges and ponds" where they can unwind after work. She also communicates with her teachers frequently to understand the problems they are facing.

"I also frequently tell the faculty that they are doing one of the most honorable and grateful things in the world to build their confidence," she said.

Another measure Shi has taken is to ensure that teachers are armed with the right skills for dealing with such children. To this end, she sends her teachers for training in various fields, including psychotherapy, behavioral intervention and child rehabilitation.

The efforts of Shi and her faculty have not gone unnoticed.

"Our family is lucky to have Shi and the school. Thanks to them, children with autism will never be hopeless," said Wang Tongfen, the grandmother of a boy named Chen Haowen who has autism.

Wang said that her grandson's speech has improved so much since attending the school that he is now able to host ceremonies and activities.

Xu Bin, a 20-year-old young man who has autism, is another testament to the effectiveness of the school's education. His condition has improved so much that he is now working for the school as a clerk.

His mother, Xu Wenjuan, expressed her gratitude to the school, saying that she never expected her son to be able to work in life.

"We need to improve job availability for people with intellectual disabilities in Shanghai," said Shi.

"We need professional experts and young educators dedicated to the cause and more support from the government and society."

Shi also noted that she is looking to establish more places that special needs children can eventually find work at, such as coffee houses and bookstores.

"I really like these unique children and I want to do something for them, even after I retire," she said.