Hu Haixia is a teacher at a special education school in Shijiazhung, Hebei province. She has been teaching art there since graduating from Shijiazhung Normal University 13 years ago.

Hu believes it's art that opened the door of opportunity for her students as many of them went on to middle and high schools to continue their studies.

"When they first came to the school, they all felt inferior as they were unable to speak or hear. But they saw hope in their future after making progress in art," she said.

Hu said the teaching career also made her more sympathetic and she always wants give more love and care to the students.

Hu Haixia measures the height of her students at a special education school in Shijiazhung, Hebei province, on Nov 24, 2014. She likes to plays with them after school to get better acquainted with them. [Photo/IC]