World Teachers’ Day
On October 5^th, teachers across Canada will join more than 30 million of their colleagues around the globe marking World Teachers’ Day.  The national theme for this year’s celebration is “Teachers: Inspiring students, awakening potential”. 

“It is the dedication of Canada’s well-educated, highly professional teaching force that has created one of the best public education systems in the world,” says Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) President Paul Taillefer.  “By drawing on their substantial pool of experience, expertise and knowledge, Canadian teachers can continue to enhance public education in order to inspire students and awaken their potential.”

The international theme for this day is “Teachers for Gender Equality”. UNESCO in partnership with Education International (EI) selected the 2011 theme as “Teachers for Gender Equality” in order to encompass equality between female and male teachers; demand access for girls to gender-sensitive and quality education, as well as to focus on the contribution of teachers and education in overcoming gender stereotypes.

 “On this day we pay homage to teachers’ vital contribution to the intellectual, social and economic development of societies. High quality public education is the foundation for creating and sustaining socially just societies, and teachers stand at the centre of this process. On this World Teachers’ Day we will call on governments, parents, communities, national and international institutions to renew their commitment to teachers and teaching, and to commit to equality in education and society, declared EI General Secretary, Fred van Leeuwen”.

On this occasion, I invite everyone to join this tribute to the millions of teachers who dedicate their time and energy to education for children and adults.

World Teachers’ Day 2011, it’s your day!

Marie