World Teachers’ Day – four facts you might not know
This year’s theme is ‘The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’.
TODAY, October 5, marks World Teachers’ Day, a day set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The commemorative day is co-convened in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
This year’s objectives for World Teachers’ Day were shared in a joint statement by Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO; Gilbert F Houngbo, director-general of the International Labour Organisation; Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, and David Edwards, general secretary of Education International for World Teachers’ Day.
“Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the critical role of teachers in transforming learners’ potential by ensuring they have the tools they need to take responsibility for themselves, for others and for the planet. We call on countries to ensure that teachers are trusted and recognised as knowledge producers, reflective practitioners and policy partners,” reads the statement.
There is plenty of information about the commemorative day on the UNESCO website – here are four facts you might not know about World Teachers Day:
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It dates back to the 60s
Held annually, World Teachers’ Day marks the anniversary of the ILO and UNESCO recommendation which was adopted in 1966. This outlines the rights and responsibilities of teachers. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education.
It promotes accountability
While World Teachers’ Day is a day to celebrate teachers, the commemorative day also prompts educational institutions across the globe to reflect on the support teachers need to reach their goals and how to pave the way for teachers in the future. This year’s theme is aptly picked to reflect this idea.
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There’s a yearly theme
Each year, there is a new theme set to guide discussions around World Teachers’ Day. This year’s theme is ‘The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’. This reflects the call to action made at the Transforming Education Summit, in September 2022.
Celebrations span three days
World Teachers’ Day is commemorated across three days at UNESCO Headquarters. This year’s celebrations include an award ceremony for the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development.
