State Councilor Liu Yandong on Wednesday called for more teachers of virtue and ability in colleges so as to upgrade China's higher education.

Speaking at a ceremony awarding prestigious college teachers, Liu sent her greetings to teachers around the country on China's Teachers' Day, which falls on Wednesday.

She said cultivating more teachers of moral integrity, professional excellence, creativity and renovation ability was pivotal for improving the country's high-learning education.

She urged colleges, universities and governments of various levels to improve teachers' working and living conditions and taking measures to inspire their morale and creativity.

The teachers should also realize the heavy responsibility on their shoulders and be competent teachers and good models for their students, Liu said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2008)