World Teachers' Day

World Teachers’ Day, held annually on October 5th since 1994 - when it was created by UNESCO - celebrates teachers worldwide. Its aim is to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.
World Teachers’ Day offers the chance for the worldwide public to observe significantly the vital contributions teacher create, both outside and inside the classroom.

The theme for 2010 World Teachers’ day in Canada was ‘Doing It Right.’ The International theme was ‘Recovery Begins with Teachers.’ Both themes are interrelated. The international theme of recovery focuses on how “The best teachers can inspire, lead, and educate children for the future of a nation. In situations of emergency, teachers have an even greater role to play, for they must not only impart knowledge, but also instil confidence and a sense of security and normality.” (IEP focus on Education in emergencies (May-August 2010).

And as Haim Ginott would say “Teachers are expected to reach unattainable goals with inadequate tools. The miracle is that at times they accomplish this impossible task.”

Our community of teachers are faced with many challenges everyday, we continue to ‘do it right’ against all odds day after day no matter our conditions - war, poverty, illness , natural disasters, lack of resources, difficult students, etc.

I commend you teachers all over the world, for the hard work you do in your classrooms and your communities. I commend you teachers all over the world, for your efforts to never give up against all odds. I commend you teachers all over the world, for believing in every child. I commend you teachers all over the world, for your willingness to try your very best everyday. Thank you teachers!!!


If I Could Teach You, Teacher

If I could teach you, teacher,
I’d teach you how much more
you have accomplished
than you think you have.
I’d show you the seeds
you planted years ago
that are now coming into bloom.
I’d reveal to you the young minds
that have expanded under your care,
the hearts that are serving others
because they had you as a role model.
If I could teach you, teacher,
I’d show you the positive effect
you have had on me and my life.
Your homework is
to know your value to the world,
to acknowledge it, to believe it.
Thank you, teacher.
By Joanna Fuchs