Every year on 5th October teachers across the globe are celebrated by their employers, students, parents, communities and teaching organisations.

The day has been observed annually since 1994 as World Teachers’ Day, after the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) adopted the “Recommendation concerning the status of teachers”.

This year’s theme is Teachers for gender equality.

Observed in conjunction with Education International (EI), the day is used to celebrate and promote international standards for the teaching profession. Both organisations also aim to mobilise support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by the teaching profession.

Locally, Minister for Education, the Hon. Rolston Anglin, JP, encourages parent teacher associations, students and community members to commemorate the day by acknowledging all our
dedicated teachers.

“We have all benefited in one way or another from the contributions of teachers, and many of us can still remember that one teacher or maybe two who made a lasting impression on our lives. We often forget, however, to stop and simply say thank you or to show our gratitude for the life-changing impact they’ve had.

“So I use this opportunity to encourage parents and the wider community to join me in thanking our children’s teachers on 5 October,” he said.

“Our goal for a high quality public education system that will ensure every child succeeds starts with motivated and knowledgeable teachers. They are at the center of the process.”

He added a reminder however that parents must work closely with their children’s teachers, noting that parents’ participation in their children’s education was a major factor in guaranteeing their success.

Students and community members may share photos of their World Teachers’ Day celebrations or send e-cards to teachers from www.5oct.org. Information on this year’s theme, as well as the annual celebration’s history, is also available there.

World Teachers’ Day is observed by more than 100 countries globally.