Xu Teli

Xu Teli (February 1, 1877 - November 28, 1968), originally named Maoxun, styled Shitao, was born in Changsha, Hunan. He was a renowned modern Chinese educator, revolutionary, and one of the early leaders of the Chinese Communist Party. Early Life: Xu Teli was born into a poor peasant family in Changsha, Hunan. Orphaned at a young age, he grew up in poverty but demonstrated exceptional diligence in learning. In 1895, he was admitted to the Changsha Current Affairs School, where he began to encounter modern education. In 1905, he went to Japan for further studies, enrolling in the Tokyo Kōbun Gakuin Normal Department, where he was influenced by Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary ideas. Education for National Salvation Period: After returning to China in 1907, Xu Teli devoted himself to education. He founded several modern schools in Changsha, including Zhounan Girls' School and Xiuye School. Advocating mass education and the concept of saving the nation through education, he cultivated numerous progressive youth. After the 1911 Revolution, he actively supported the revolution and promoted revolutionary ideas in educational circles. Joining the Revolution: In 1927, Xu Teli joined the Chinese Communist Party. During the White Terror period, he persisted in revolutionary struggle, engaging in underground work in Shanghai, Wuhan, and other places. In 1934, he participated in the Long March, becoming one of the oldest leaders in the march. Yan'an Period: After arriving in Yan'an, Xu Teli served as Deputy Minister of the Central Propaganda Department and President of the Natural Science Research Institute. Emphasizing cadre education, he founded multiple cadre schools that trained numerous talents for the revolution. During the Yan'an Rectification Movement, he actively supported Mao Zedong's correct line. After the Founding of New China: After 1949, Xu Teli held positions including member of the Central People's Government, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and member of the CPC Central Committee. He continued to focus on education, proposing many important educational ideas. He passed away in Beijing on November 28, 1968, at the age of 91. Throughout his life, Xu Teli dedicated himself to education, and his educational thoughts and practices profoundly influenced the development of modern Chinese education.