Shining Lights of Nantou Education: Principal Huang Mei-Ling and Director Tsai Chung-Yi Awarded National Outstanding Educator Award

The Ministry of Education has announced the recipients of the 115th National Outstanding Educator Award, with two educators from Nantou County receiving this highest honor in Taiwan's education sector. Principal Huang Mei-Ling of Yingbei Junior High School and Director Tsai Chung-Yi of Puli Junior High School were recognized for their long-standing commitment and outstanding contributions to education. The Nantou County Government extended its heartfelt congratulations, affirming their dedication to educational excellence, professionalism, innovation, and passion in nurturing student growth, setting exemplary standards for local educators.

With nearly 34 years in education, Principal Huang Mei-Ling has served in various roles including homeroom teacher, department head, education bureau administrator, and principal, accumulating comprehensive experience in both teaching and administration. Guided by her educational philosophy of 'nurturing individual potential to empower every child,' she has led her school's steady development. She has actively promoted the 12-year national education curriculum, international education, and bilingual programs. As the long-term convener of Nantou County’s International Education Center and English Education Resource Center, she has integrated local educational resources to advance international exchanges, enabling students to engage globally. She has also played a key role in mentoring future principals and department heads, ensuring the continuity of educational expertise.

Beyond policy implementation, Principal Huang emphasizes a supportive campus environment, character education, and individualized student development. She replaces rigid management with compassionate guidance, attentively addressing each student’s unique needs. Through home visits and classroom support systems, she has helped disadvantaged students rebuild confidence in learning and reestablish their sense of belonging to school and self-worth—exemplifying the educator’s mission to 'see every child.' Her continuous involvement in teacher professional development, principal networking, and large-scale educational initiatives has significantly elevated the quality of education in Nantou.

Director Tsai Chung-Yi, with over 30 years of service at Puli Junior High, has been a pioneering force in advancing technology education in rural areas. Combining practical teaching skills, curriculum innovation, and administrative leadership, he has become a key driver of technological education in Nantou County. Building on his expertise in physical sciences, he has consistently introduced emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, and Scratch programming. By integrating digital reading, international education, and 5G technology, he has developed interdisciplinary curricula that allow rural students to keep pace with technological trends, cultivating self-directed learning, problem-solving, and innovative thinking—effectively narrowing the urban-rural education gap.

Adhering to the 'learning by doing' philosophy, Director Tsai dedicates his after-school hours and holidays to guiding students in technology clubs and competition training. Under his mentorship, students have achieved remarkable success in national robotics, drone, and Scratch programming competitions, enabling rural youth to shine on national and even international stages with confidence and competence. As a technology education advisor, consultant, and workshop lecturer, he actively shares his experiences to enhance teaching capabilities among educators across the county and beyond, expanding the impact of technology education and embodying the spirit of selfless dedication and knowledge transmission.

Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-Hua stated that the Outstanding Educator Award is one of the highest honors in education, recognizing not only professional excellence but also long-term commitment. Principal Huang has broadened students’ horizons through exceptional leadership in curriculum development and international education, while Director Tsai has transformed rural learning through technological innovation, empowering students to confidently embrace the future. Both have excelled in their respective fields, exemplifying the professionalism, innovation, and dedication of Nantou’s educators and serving as role models for all.

Educational achievements stem from the quiet, persistent efforts of dedicated educators. These two awardees not only demonstrate exceptional professional competence but also embody the student-centered educational philosophy through action, continuously creating more diverse and high-quality learning opportunities for children. Moving forward, the county government will continue to support educational innovation and deepen teacher professional development, striving to build an educational environment that blends local characteristics with global perspectives—ensuring every child can develop according to their strengths, unlock their potential, and achieve a fulfilling life.