The day aims to celebrate the contributions of teachers, while also reflecting on the challenges they face and the support they need to excel in their profession.
By Eyo Willie
The Celebration of International Teachers’ Day was triggered by UNESCOs’ adoption of the 1966, ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of Teachers, which sets bench marks for Teachers’ rights, responsibilities, and standards for their training and working conditions.
This recommendation was a significant step towards recognising the importance of teachers in shaping the future of education.
International Teachers’Day, held annually on October 5, commemorates the anniversary of the recommendation.
The day aims to celebrate the contributions of teachers, while also reflecting on the challenges they face and the support they need to excel in their profession.
Since its inception in 1994, World Teachers’ Day has achieved several significant milestones. For instance, it has raised awareness about teachers shortages.
The 2023 Theme, “The Teachers we need for the education we want”.
The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage, highlighted the need to address the global teacher shortage.
Promoted Teacher development.
UNESCO’s Hamdan prize for teacher development recognises outstanding contributions to Teachers development.
In Nigeria, there’s the Maltina Teachers award initiative, the brainchild of the Nigeria Brewery PLc, that was birthed in the year 2015, to encourage and recognise dedicated and hardworking teachers.
World teachers’ Day is co-convened by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF, and Education International, demonstrating global commitment to Teacher welfare and education.
This year’s Theme, “Valuing Teacher voices, towards a new social contact for education“, emphasises the importance of listening to Teachers’ perspective to address the challenges they face and improve education outcomes.
The unique roles of Teachers in shaping the development of education, has to do with the following parameters:
1. Mentors: Guiding student’s cognitive, social and emotional growth.
2. Instruction: Delivering curriculum content, facilitating learning, and assessing progress.
3. Role Models: Demonstrating values, work ethics, and positive attitude.
4. Facilitators: Creating engaging and interactive learning environment.
5. Assessors: Evaluating students progress, identifying areas for improvement.
6. Advisors: Helping students set goals and explore interest.
7. Collaborators: Working with colleagues, parents, to support students development.
8. Innovators: Integrating new technologies, pedagogies to enhance learning.
9. Counsellors: Providing emotional support guidance.
10. Lifelong learners: Continously updating knowledge and skills.
11. Teachers dedication: Dedication and effectiveness significantly impact students academic success and personal development, with the following yardsticks: Students academic performance ( test scores, grades; Lesson plan quality and alignment with curriculum; Classroom engagement and participation; and Differentiated Instruction for diverse learners.
RATIONAL YARDSTICKS.
Students teachers relationship ( rapport empathy); Parents teacher communication and engagement; Classroom environment ( respect, inclusivity); and Student feedback and concern addressed.
PROFESSIONAL YARDSTICKS.
Continuing education and professional development; Reflective with self assessment; Collaboration with colleagues and school staff; and Adaptability and flexibility in teaching methods.
SCHOOL CULTURE YARDSTICKS.
Contribution to school initiative and activities; Leadership and mentorship roles; School community involvement; and Support for school policies and values.
STUDENT CENTRED YARDSTICKS.
Student autonomy and agency; Critical thinking and problem solving skills; Creativity and innovation encouraged; and Edmontonal intelligence and well-being supported.
It is worth noting that valuating teachers, based on these yardsticks helps ensure dedication and effectiveness in fostering students academic success and personal growth.
In all, National Teachers Day Celebration have become an essential part of recognising the vital role Teachers play in shaping the future of education.
On this note, we extend our heartfelt and sincere congratulations to Teachers the world over as they celebrate this very special day.
Celebrating this day encourages us to appreciate and advocate for the invaluable contributions of Teachers in fostering learning and inspiring future generations.
We also say kudos to the UNESCO, ILO,and UNICEF, for sustaining this all important Celebration over the years.
Author and Literacy Development Expert, Eyo Willie writes in from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
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