Skip to content The Tzu Chi Teachers’ Association was officially formed in Taiwan in 1992. From preschool teachers to university deans, members of the Association promote and teach character driven education through love and personal examples. Presently, there are about 30,000 active members in the Association.
Our teachers incorporate concise, wisdom-laden Jing Si Aphorisms into their lessons, which cover topics about life, social issues, and language. By using a five-stage teaching methodology comprising “experience”, “story-telling”, “self-reflection”, “contemplation”, and “practice” the teachers design various experiential and practical activities that gradually guide the students along the path of positive character development.
The Tzu Chi Teachers’ Association (TCTA) in Canada was established in June 2003 to support Jing Si Aphorism teaching for the four Tzu Chi Academy schools and their 1,200 students at the time.
The association aims to promote Tzu Chi’s humanistic education philosophy of “gratitude, respect, and love,” implement Jing Si Aphorism teaching, and meet the needs of Canadian humanistic educators. Its main tasks include: (1) cultivating seed teachers to deepen their understanding of Tzu Chi’s humanistic philosophy; (2) developing and improving teaching materials and methods to enhance teaching quality; (3) interacting with teachers from other Chinese schools to promote Jing Si Aphorisms; (4) exchanging and learning with the Taiwan Teachers’ Association; (5) planning humanistic education camps, teacher training, children’s camps, parent-child camps, and community Jing Si Aphorism activities; and (6) compiling “Jing Si Aphorism Notebooks” suitable for local students.
Over the years, the Teachers’ Association has organized numerous humanistic education activities, such as the Great Love Mother Seed Training Class, Children’s Reading Club, and Humanistic Education Camps. It has also actively participated in community events, such as sharing Jing Si Aphorism teaching at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and promoting Jing Si Aphorisms during International Children’s Day.
During the pandemic in 2020, the association promoted Jing Si Aphorisms through the “Everywhere Blossoms Reading Club” and launched the “Humanistic Education Volunteer Training” online. Its goals were: (1) to uphold Tzu Chi’s humanistic philosophy, encouraging volunteers to teach children with “the wisdom of a Bodhisattva and the love of a parent” and promote humanistic education; (2) to integrate and share resources across regions; and (3) to enhance volunteers’ abilities through training courses, promoting Jing Si Aphorisms and moral education.
In 2022, the association resumed in-person workshops, covering topics such as Tzu Chi humanistic courses (Jing Si Aphorisms, humanistic etiquette, tea and flower art, sign language), storytelling skills, humanistic group activities, communication skills, and self-affirmation.
In 2023, the association organized spring break and summer Tzu Shao (Tzu Chi youth volunteers) camps, integrating resources and instructors while encouraging parent participation in branch activities. The diverse programs included the Great Love Elementary School, Jing Si Aphorism Matching, Children’s Jing Si Sign Language, Happy Little Chef, Farm Earth Kiln Fun, Flower Arranging and Tea Ceremony, Farm Experience, Environmental Percussion, Creative Arts, Parent-Child Interaction Activities, and Vegetarian Lunch.
The Master has taught: Since 1989, when Jing Si Aphorisms were compiled into a book by layman Gao Xinjiang, wherever Tzu Chi members have set foot—whether in communities, schools, or families—Jing Si’s good words can be heard and seen. We are grateful to those who spread the teachings and even more grateful to those who benefit from them and influence others. Volunteers practice what they preach, and the profound truths in their Jing Si Aphorisms naturally touch people’s hearts. May this wonderful teaching multiply infinitely, inspiring everyone to cultivate blessings and wisdom together.
The Teachers’ Association deeply understands that the power of education lies in the dedication and contributions of every volunteer and teacher. It is because of these quietly nurturing hearts that the seeds of Jing Si Aphorisms can take root and sprout in every child’s heart. In the future, the association will continue to focus on “gratitude, respect, and love” to advance humanistic education, allowing this wisdom and love to spread continuously in society, influence more people, and create a better tomorrow.
