Yan Jiazhen, a history teacher of special grade, was awarded the teacher of special grade title in 1991. She was born in March, 1938. During her teaching process, she emphasized the universal law and students' ability development as well as education on values. She applied a flexible teaching method combining knowledge, ability and methods as an organic whole, and developed a teaching style with high standards, strict requirements, solid yet flexible manner. Her illustrated teaching method developed into an innovative part of its own educational system. Since this teaching method is especially outstanding, her students became the best ones in college entrance examination. She has participated in compiling Beijing nine-year compulsory education program syllabus. Her publications include On the Method of Illustration Teaching, History Teaching and the Cultivation of Students' Thinking Ability (cooperated with Chen Hong and among the Beijing Education Book Series), and Case Study Series: History (consisting of 5 works). She is also very enthusiastic in helping young teachers.

Since 1960s, Yan Jiazhen has been working on educating and teaching the history of the Old Summer Palace. He has published Patriotism Education with Yuanmingyuan Ruins in national class journals. It is one of the ideological education features of Tsinghua University High School to offer patriotism education, and this activity is warmly welcomed by students. After 1978, this activity has been expanded to the society and has received good comments. China Central Television and Beijing Television reported it. As a representative teaching reform case, Patriotism Education in History Teaching greeted the public in the exhibition on achievements of teaching reform in middle schools in Beijing. Her publication, Treasure of Chinese Garden –Yuanmingyuan, won Bingxin Children's Literature Award in 2007. Since 2012, she has been taking part in the design of school-based curriculum, Welcome to Yuanmingyuan, in Tsinghua University High School.