Each year as Teacher's Day approaches on September 10th, Chinese leaders visit schools and talk with teachers. Premier Wen Jiabao toured Beijing's Number 35 Middle School on Friday, and highlighted innovation in educational reform.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) meets with teacher representatives before a symposium at Beijing No. 35 Middle School in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2009. Ahead of China's 25th Teacher's Day, which falls on Sept. 10, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on teachers across the country to enhance their teaching standards and do a good job. [Xinhua]

The Premier spent the morning with students in a class, and joined them for lunch at school dining hall. He urged the students to love and respect their teachers, and work hard to build the country in the future. He attended a seminar with teacher representatives to get advice on educational reform.

Wen Jiabao placed great importance on the key role of education, and urged innovative methods to improve the traditional educational system. He also praised the contribution of teachers, and urged them to be creative in improving their skills and evaluation methods.