Su Gaosheng, the school's deputy principal, said: "Rather than being a good place to study, the school couldn't ensure its students received an adequate education due to its chaotic management."

Chen began with the basics. In the first two months of his tenure, he took measures to improve the cafeteria and dormitories with the aim of providing better dining and living conditions for students and teachers. He then focused on improving students' academic performance by getting teaching roles back on track.

A slew of regulations on campus management and teaching standards were introduced, and teachers were sent to Hangzhou for training courses. Chen visited classrooms from time to time to supervise teachers' preparations for classes.

Ren Weijuan, an English teacher at the school, said stricter management and better training significantly improved the learning atmosphere in the classrooms. "The school's 55 classrooms became orderly, with more students dedicated to their study missions," she said.

Chen encouraged students to make learning and hard work their priorities in order to achieve their life goals. "As educators we need to help our students make their objectives clear and strive to grasp more knowledge on their path toward higher academic institutions," he said.

Last year, 450 of the 901 senior students were enrolled in universities and colleges, proof that Chen's methods worked.

In Taijiang, most students are left-behind children from poor families, whose parents have moved to cities in search of work.

At the beginning of his tenure, Chen visited these students and their families and tried his best to help them. Many students call him "father" for the care and affection he has shown in both words and deeds. "Taijiang's education sector feels so proud to have such a legendary teacher and principal like Chen," said Long Feng, director of Taijiang's education department.

Qin Jirong in Hangzhou contributed to this story.