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Friday October 5, 2018 marks World Teachers’ Day. Recognized in over 100 countries to celebrate and acknowledge the vital contributions that teachers make to students and society.

This day was initiated by UNESCO in 1994 to celebrate, appreciate and reflect on issues in education world-wide and in particular the need for highly qualified teachers. The theme for this year is “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher.” Chosen to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), where education is recognized as a key fundamental right. A right that cannot be fulfilled without qualified teachers.

Today more than ever, across the world we are dealing with complex issues. The news is filled with stories that are polarizing and increasingly multi-faceted.  The citizens of tomorrow, our students, are going to be faced with solving problems and issues that we might yet be aware of. Advancements in technology are moving at a breakneck speed and changing the world we live in.  Now and in the future it is even more important that all children, wherever they live, have access to a great education taught by highly qualified and dedicated teachers. A strong education system will develop and prepare the citizens of tomorrow to make decisions that will ensure our future growth and prosperity.

Teachers have the power to impact many lives over the course of their careers. We can all remember that teacher that influenced our thinking, inspired us to pursue a specific course in life, and exposed us to a world that we didn’t know existed or ensured that we had the confidence and support to tackle a difficult problem or time in our lives.  When we reflect on the impact that one teacher can have over the course of their career, we need to be highly invested in ensuring we support teachers in this important work.

In Foothills School Division we are extremely grateful to the 480 teachers and 113 Guest Teachers that are committed to providing the best educational programming and experience for our students. Teachers regularly engage in ongoing professional learning. They collaboratively learn with colleagues in their schools or across the division on our Professional Learning Days that are built into our school calendar.  This ongoing learning is essential to support teachers in collectively reviewing their practice, sharing impactful strategies and resources, as well as building their knowledge and capacity on how to best support student success. This investment is vital, as research has shown that having a quality teacher is the most important factor in student achievement.

Our teachers also regularly give of their time and energy to volunteer to coach a team, support musical and arts endeavors and productions, lead student organizations and activities, all of which are essential to a student’s experience and success at school.  So, as we mark World Teachers’ Day, please take time to reflect and celebrate the teachers that have had an impact on your life and the teachers that are presently impacting on the lives of students today!
 

Pamela Rannelli
Acting Superintendent of Schools