Beijing, Sep 15 (IANS): A Chinese teacher was suspended after she called students a "bunch of bums" for not getting her a gift on Teachers' Day, media reported Monday.

The education department of Yilan county in Harbin suspended Feng Qunchao indefinitely Sep 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 Teachers' Day holiday Sep 10, Global Times reported.

"How can I face other teachers? They all received presents from students but me. How embarrassed I am!" Feng was heard saying on a 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 ordered 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".