World Teacher’s Day: How Annual October Celebration of Teachers Evolved
World Teacher’s Day is celebrated annually on October 5 to recognize their contribution to education and honor them.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed World Teacher’s Day in 1994, when it was first observed.
After UNESCO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) convened an intergovernmental conference in Paris, France, in 1966 to discuss teacher-related issues, this occurred.
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The special conferences held by UNESCO and the ILO focused on teacher preparation, working conditions, and educational quality.
After the conference concluded, attendees made a number of recommendations to enhance the status of teachers around the globe.
This included recognizing the significance of teachers in society and the need for improved training and opportunities for professional development.
On October 5, 1966, they adopted the conference recommendations regarding the status of teachers.
The recommendations detailed the rights and obligations of educators. In addition, it established international standards for teacher preparation and continuing education.
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UNESCO designated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the adoption of the recommendations and recognize the crucial role teachers play in influencing the future.
Since then, people have celebrated World Teachers’ Day annually to commemorate educators and recognize their contributions to education and society.
It is an opportunity for governments, educational institutions, and individuals to recognize and support the important work performed by teachers around the globe.
UNESCO has designated October 5 as the date for the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day; however, different countries may have their own dates for honoring teachers.
Nevertheless, the 5th of October remains a global day of recognition for the teaching profession.
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This year, the global celebrations will be conducted in Paris, France, at the UNESCO headquarters.
The theme for the commemoration of World Teacher’s Day in 2023 is “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage.”
The ceremony will begin with a message from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, and then the three co-organizing organizations—ILO, UNICEF, and Education International—will follow.
As part of the festivities, UNESCO will launch an original photo exhibition of educators from around the world.
Nancy Macharia, the chairwoman of Kenya’s Teachers Service Commission, will be in charge of the celebration along with other education stakeholders.
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World Teacher’s Day: How Annual October Celebration of Teachers Evolved
