Jin Yan actively explored the teaching reform, won the first prize of national class evaluation, published many articles, edited many textbooks and participated in many scientific research projects. 1996 suffers from severe insulin-dependent diabetes and has to rely on insulin injection to maintain his life. However, Jin Yan gave up the easy work in the teachers' reading room and insisted on working at full capacity in the front line of teaching. Jin Yan took the lead in setting up "Jin Yan Model Worker Team Innovation Studio" to help poor students and children of migrant workers and provide voluntary counseling. Jin Yan unreservedly passed on his education and teaching experience to groups of young teachers; Jin Yan cares about teachers' work and life, founded the brand of "Sunshine Pioneer" in Party building, and was awarded as an outstanding party worker in Zhenjiang.

Jin Yan also won the first prize in the Basic Skills Competition for Middle School Students and the title of "Excellent Counselor", and Jin Yan won the titles of "National Excellent Teacher" and "Top Ten Female Teachers in Jiangsu Province".