Gratitude toward teachers may come late. At every critical juncture in our lives, we recall a word from our teachers and step toward our choice. Our future prepared together with teachers becomes what we are today and tomorrow. For this reason, teachers remain teachers forever even after graduation.

The classic saying, “Teaching and learning help one another grow” (敎學相長) is our longstanding wisdom and experience. Our democracy and economic development, both of which the world admires today, are achievements accomplished together by this land’s teachers and pupils who have ushered in the future by teaching and learning.

We are celebrating Teachers’ Day amid the continued delay of the reunion between teachers and students. I extend heartfelt consolation and gratitude to the teachers who have encouraged their students and eased their own longing to be with them by saying, “Everyone, wait a little bit. We’ll be able to meet soon.”

In the process of overcoming COVID-19, our teachers prepared in advance to greet their students with schools reopening in an unfamilair way online. They rolled up their sleeves to disinfect every nook and corner of their schools, including classrooms and cafeterias. They’ve prepared remote classes, which require considerably more work – given the scripts, equipment and filming – and guided their students toward a new educational journey.

Teachers, who share their own resources with students like water from springs, have inspired courage in not only students and parents but also all the people standing up to COVID-19.

The Government will do everything it can to support teachers’ efforts. Even after the current crisis has been overcome, a virus outbreak can occur again. We will advance the remote class system and the information and communication technology infrastructure. We will ensure that every school in the country is capable of conducting distance education through edu-tech. The Government will strengthen teachers’ ability to utilize information and communication technology and actively seek ways to ease their burdens from administrative work.

Schools are places where our future is born. I respect all the teachers preparing to meet their students in this land. I hope that many schools in the country will be filled with conversations and laughter shared between teachers and students amid bright sunlight and clean air.