A special educator for special kids

Despite being thrown into the deep end 14 years ago with a posting to a school for children with severe intellectual disabilities, Shi Xiaojing overcame the odds to become a champion for these individuals.

Shi Xiaojing started her teaching career 27 years ago as an English teacher at Meilong Central Primary School before working at Xinmei Primary School in Shanghai's Minhang district.

Her career was progressing smoothly. In fact, she was even promoted to the dean of studies and assistant to the headmaster at Xinmei Primary School. In 2005, when the former principal of Qizhi School retired, the district's education authority assigned Shi to be its successor.