An Analysis of Pathways for Empowering Moral Education of Normal‑University Students with the Educator Spirit

Abstract

As the spiritual core for the development of China’s teaching workforce in the new era, the educator spirit embodies the mission of fostering talent for the nation, and provides value guidance and operational guidelines for moral education of normal‑university students in higher education institutions. As reserve teachers for basic education, normal‑university students’ moral attainment, professional ethics and value convictions directly determine the effectiveness of the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education and the progress of building a powerful country through education. At present, in‑depth integration between the educator spirit and moral education for normal‑university students remains insufficient. Major shortcomings include superficial individual understanding of the educator spirit, the absence of spiritual‑shaping dimensions in the whole training process, and inadequate integration of such spirit into educational probation practices. Starting from the connotative logic of the educator spirit and moral education for normal‑university students, this paper clarifies the contemporary value of the former empowering the latter, analyzes practical dilemmas in educational practices, and proposes implementable practical pathways from the dimensions of subject‑initiated awareness, whole‑process training systems, practical‑site development and improved evaluation mechanisms. It aims to transform the educator spirit from theoretical narratives into the internal moral consciousness of normal‑university students, and support the cultivation of high‑quality prospective teachers with firm ideals and convictions, moral integrity and benevolent care for students.