World Teachers’ Day 2019

Category: DistrictSchool

In 1994, UNESCO inaugurated October 5th as World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the joint UNESCO and International Labour Organization’s (ILO) signing of the recommendations concerning the status of teachers.


A Message from Delta School Board Chairperson, Laura Dixon

I would like to take a moment to remind everyone of World Teachers’ Day, which is coming up on Saturday, October 5th.

This year marks the 25th celebration of World Teacher’s Day, and represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development around the world.

Along with over 100 countries around the world, the Delta School District will celebrate World Teachers’ Day, and recognize the invaluable service, skill, time, and care our teachers commit to our students each and every day.

As October 5 is a Saturday this year, we will recognize World Teachers’ Day as a district on Friday October 4. This year’s theme is “Young Teachers: The future of the Profession.” We know our new educators enter the profession with excitement and enthusiasm, and through our support and mentorship they can become lifetime educators of the highest quality.

“This year, World Teachers’ Day will celebrate teachers with the theme, “Young Teachers: The future of the Profession.”  The day provides the occasion to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide, to take stock of achievements, and to address some of the issues central for attracting and keeping the brightest minds and young talents in the profession.” – UNESCO

As chair of the Delta School Board, I know I join my fellow trustees in expressing deep gratitude for the commitment our teachers have for their students and their role as stewards of education. We are blessed with a community of teachers who strive for excellence and innovation each and every day.

My hope is that on October 5th you will all take time to reflect on the deep impact teaching has on our community, and how teachers around the world continue to need support. 


A Message from Delta School District Superintendent, Doug Sheppard

I would like to add to Laura’s comments and share some of my thoughts on why World Teachers’ Day is important to Delta School District, and to me personally.

I began my teaching career over 25 years ago. Much has changed over the years. Our relationship with technology, our awareness and desire for understanding on complex issues like gender identity, truth and reconciliation, equity and inclusion in a diverse world, and global climate issues.

In Delta classrooms, these challenges become positive and powerful learning opportunities. And through it all our teachers are the leaders of this change—creating opportunities for deepening the critical and creative thinking of our students. I am proud of the commitment our educators have shown in being curious and collaborative as we work to constantly bring global understanding into the classroom.

I am humbled at the work we do, and also saddened knowing that around the world, and even in some areas of Canada— teachers are not afforded the resources and support we experience here in Delta.

“Many young teachers have so much more pressure and demands on them than before, especially in high-income countries. National education reforms increasingly focus on standards and learning outcomes and teachers are expected to keep up, sometimes at lightning speed. Meanwhile in low-income countries, pupil/trained teacher ratios can be very high.

Young teachers are often insufficiently prepared for the pedagogical challenges of teaching large class sizes with limited teaching-learning resources and facilities.

In rural, remote and crisis-affected areas, the goal of keeping teachers in the classroom has its own challenges. Displacements and migration caused by emergencies, as well as HIV/AIDS and other acute health concerns, impact heavily on teachers’ day-to-day practice, their presence in the classroom, their effectiveness and motivation levels.

Young newly qualified teachers are often faced with students and communities who may have experienced trauma, are vulnerable migrants or displaced persons. Novice teachers, especially women, who are already facing considerable problems related to their housing, safety and work conditions, may worry about their isolation, lack of family connections, social ties and support frameworks.” -UNESCO

I echo Laura’s comments, and hope that on World Teachers Day we can all take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous work our teachers do here in Delta, and also the challenges that still exist for teachers both here and around the world.