Banzhuren (Homeroom Teacher) and Classroom Culture in China

Introduction

Banzhuren is a significant other for every student in mainland China. Although Banzhuren is similar to the home classroom teacher, advisor, or counselor in the United States, it is a very different role in China’s basic education system. The banzhuren is the leader of other teachers and the key person who is responsible for the entire class of students. Banzhuren has responsibilities of participating in school management, other than teaching. The principal often assigns banzhuren first, and then other teachers for a classroom. Banzhuren is responsible for the development of all students and always ready to help other teachers in teaching and learning areas. The class integrates all students into a unit, and banzhuren is not only a unit leader guiding students to develop themselves but also a mediator interacting with the world outside the class, to maintain the relationship of the class in society.

Banzhuren: Key Roles in China’s Schools

Banzhurenoften bears the duel...