Teacher suspended after calling students 'bunch of bums' on recording

A 10th grade teacher was suspended in Harbin, Heilongjiang province when a recording revealed her hurling insults at students for not bringing her a gift on Teachers' Day.

The education department of Yilan county of Harbin suspended Feng Qunchao indefinitely on September 12 after students of Yilan County High School's Class 17 said she called them a "bunch of bums" for not getting her a present on the holiday.

Teacher's Day recognizes China's educators on September 10.

"How can I face other teachers? They all received presents from students but me. How embarrassed I am!" Feng was heard saying on the recording made by a student, which was later submitted to authorities.

The students quickly scrambled to collect 600 yuan ($98) to buy a gift for Feng.

Education authorities later required her to return the money.

Zhang Zhenyu, head of the education department of Yilan county, commented that asking students for a gift is unprofessional.

"How can such a person be a teacher? Ethics are important for a teacher. It is time to build a new spirit among teachers," posted Sina Weibo user "Chenglvfeng."