In this early winter of the Year of Snake, we pause in gratitude to honor two milestones: 4 decades since the revival of Education at SJTU, and 5 vibrant years since the founding of our SOE. To the leaders, alumni, friends, teachers, and students who have woven your support into the very fabric of our journey—we extend our deepest appreciation. Your belief has been our compass; your partnership, our strength.
Forty Years: Where Seeds Grew into Forests
What began in 1985 as a small room of thought, the Higher Education Research Office, slowly took root and stretched across time. Through seasons of change, we have not only witnessed history but helped shape it. From lighting the way for university reform to casting ripples into national policy, our work has carved a quiet niche in China’s educational landscape. The “SJTU Model” in higher education, the global voice of the Academic Ranking of World Universities, the steady branching into disciplines—each grew from a seed of inquiry planted years ago.
The establishment of the Institute of Higher Education in 1993 marked a step forward, followed by the Graduate School of Education in 2007, strengthening our role as an educational think tank. Through key milestones, a master’s program in Higher Education in 1998, a doctoral program in Management in 2003, and being listed as the first-tier discipline in Education nationwide in 2010, we cultivated a garden of minds, season after season.
Five Years: A New Chapter Takes Flight
Founded in 2020 amid a growing call to strengthen the teaching profession, SOE was born with a clear vision: to ground excellence in foundations, and to nurture outstanding educators through outstanding mentorship. Gathering scholars from around the world, we have embraced an approach that is inquiry-driven, practice-oriented, interdisciplinary, and compassionate.
Our “3+3+X” educational framework and “9+3+3” disciplinary structure reflect our commitment to innovation and relevance. With a focus on emerging fields such as AI in education, STEM, and science and engineering education, we are exploring how technology can deepen human learning. Our faculty, over 30 talents graduated home and abroad, bring diverse perspectives and a shared passion for transforming education.
Looking Forward: Education for the Future
As we stand at this new beginning, we reaffirm our mission: to advance educational research, foster teaching innovation, and contribute meaningfully to society. Guided by national policies and global best practices, we aspire to build a world-class school of education—one that remains rooted in Chinese contexts while engaging confidently with the world.
We are committed to preparing educators who not only teach but inspire, and to producing research that not only analyzes but transforms. Together with our partners, we will continue to shape an educational ecosystem that is inclusive, forward-looking, and impactful.
Join Us in Celebrating
To mark this dual anniversary, we are launching a special English series featuring stories of impact, interviews with pioneers, and insights into our future vision. Click here to explore:
1. Professor TAO Aizhu: A Legacy of Vision and Grit
2. Professor LIU Niancai: Building Foundations, Leading Excellence
3. Professor LIU Shaoxue: Exploring Education, Cultivating Minds
4. Professor Zhao Wenhua: Pioneering the Frontiers, Nurturing Talents through Practice
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to the next chapter—together.
Originally Written (Chinese and English) and Edited by CHEN Ruoxi
Copyright © 2021年 上海交通大学 教育学院
