UNESCO World Teacher’s Day

Source: Charles Pieters

What does World Teacher’s Day tell us about the United Nations?

On October 5th, we’ll be celebrating World Teacher’s Day! According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this day provides awareness, understanding and appreciation of teachers and the important work they do every day. Teachers around the world are often undervalued, underpaid and under-appreciated. Yet, teachers can play a big part in creating the kind of inclusive society we aspire to, and many deserve praise for striving for inclusion and quality in education without asking anything in return.

Did you know that over 100 countries observe World Teachers’ Day? Yet, if we ask anyone on the street today, or even on October 5th, most would not know about it unless they were somehow involved or very interested in education-related matters. After all, almost every other day is a World “something” Day or an International Day of “something”! (How many of you knew that October 2nd celebrates “International Day of Non-Violence”, October 15th is the “International Day of Rural Women”, and October 16th is “World Food Day”?)

So does it mean anything? Does it make a difference? And who actually knows about this? This is one of the main problems with the United Nations in relation to public awareness: their activities sound so broad, ‘international’ and ‘important’, and often they are! But typically, the only people who truly know what the United Nations is doing are those directly involved in, or affected by, its development and implementation. From the outside, it can look like a massive bureaucracy that loves to discuss issues but doesn’t often meet its grand, well-meaning objectives (or only very watered down versions of them). There are many reasons for this perception; for example, the large number of members and stakeholders involved, all with different opinions and very ambitious goals.

This lack of public awareness about UN activities, particularly in education, is one of the main reasons we decided to start this blog, and we aim to explore more of this. However, for now, let’s turn the focus back on Teachers, because, as mentioned, they do need to be recognized, and preferably not only once a year on October 5th!

This year, UNESCO focuses on Gender Equality, divided into two main themes:

1. the issue of gender distribution in the teaching profession (i.e. the much higher percentage of female teachers); and
2. the (very important) role of teachers in promoting gender equality in education and society.

Leading up to World Teacher’s Day, UNESCO is hosting an online forum to share experiences and good practices on these issues. Anyone can join the forum, share and read contributions and learn more about how education systems and teachers address gender equality and the gender-related issues that permeate education systems around the world.

The United Nations is a great source for exploring these issues, and there is an abundance of information and resources that can easily be accessed – if you know where to look. Today, you can start by checking out http://www.worldteachersday.org/int/ and http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/education-building-blocks/teacher-education/world-teachers-day/ to see what UNESCO does for World Teacher’s Day.

Education is a main building block for life and success and, teachers are the primary ‘builders’. They are the ones – whether consciously or unconsciously – who decide how and what knowledge, values, attitudes and skills to teach future generations. Quality inclusive teaching will have a positive impact no matter what environment or resources are available. Of course, there is no denying that the more support and resources are available, the more good a teacher can do, and the more impact quality inclusive education can have. However, gratitude does not cost anything and we can always show our appreciation for teachers.

These sites can start you off with some ideas of easy and free/affordable ways to show your gratitude, like hosting a “Thank you Breakfast” for a teacher:

• http://listplanit.com/2011/05/list-of-ways-to-show-teacher-appreciation/
• http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin308.shtml

What could YOU do to show a teacher that you appreciate his/her efforts? Share your suggestions in the comments!

Happy World Teacher’s Day!