CE International Celebrates World Teachers’ Day
At Childhood Education International, we enthusiastically celebrate World Teachers’ Day on October 5. World Teachers’ Day is an important time for recognizing the profound role teachers play in the lives of young people and the future of our world.
Teachers also face incredible challenges and see firsthand the needs of young people in their communities. We must work together to ensure teachers have the opportunities and resources they need as they shape tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
“World crises and destabilizing events such as migration, climate change, conflict, war, and other instabilities affect children deeply. Teachers not only help children to learn, but they are on the frontlines working daily to support and protect our children,” said Diane Whitehead, President and CEO of CE International. “We need every community, everywhere, to take action to honor and celebrate teachers. The commitments we make to teachers on this World Teachers’ Day must not be made and then forgotten.”
At CE International, we are honored to work with educators around the world. Through this work, we witness the hard work, dedication, and passion of educators and the significant difference they make in the lives of their students.
In honor of World Teachers Day, we are highlighting the words of educators from around the globe. Please join us in applauding these educators and learning more about their work.
“To quote William Butler Yeats a 20th Century Irish Poet, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail but rather a lighting of a fire.’ This powerful statement describes the difference in perspective. This is something I have been able to learn over the past two years, especially working with the Quality Holistic Learning project. Our learners come from a place of knowledge. They have different assets that can enrich the learning process. Our biggest duty as educators is to assist the learners to strike that match!”
Fredrick Kariuki, high school teacher in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
“As a teacher, you can change the world by building smart students who can contribute to society’s development. I can say that teaching is a difficult occupation, but it is enjoyable, too. I feel so proud, special, and satisfied because I know that I play a crucial role by educating, motivating, inspiring, and providing mentorship to learners. A big thanks to all the people who help and support me to be a successful teacher.”
Soukaina Ennayem, primary school teacher in Morocco
“Being a teacher holds profound meaning for me. It’s about fostering growth, igniting curiosity, and empowering the next generation with knowledge and skills. The work we do as educators is of paramount importance because we have the privilege and responsibility to shape the future. It’s a profession that embodies the transmission of wisdom, nurturing of talents, and the building of strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Celebrating teachers is essential because they are the unsung heroes who inspire, guide, and support students on their educational journeys. Teachers are the pillars of society, contributing to the development of informed, responsible, and compassionate citizens.
Our collaborative projects have given me a deeper appreciation for the dedication and innovation that educators bring to the field. They have reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of education and the positive impact it has on individuals and communities.”
Ostap Bodyk, Assistant Professor at Mariupol State University and a Ukraine Embassy English Teaching Fellow
“Being a teacher is one of the most important and rewarding professions in the world. Teachers have the opportunity to shape the lives of their students, helping them to learn and grow. They play a vital role in society, and their work should be celebrated.
There are many reasons why being a teacher is so important. First, teachers help students to learn. They provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. Teachers also help students to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills. These skills are essential for success in the workplace and in life in general.
Second, teachers help students to grow. They help students to develop their self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Teachers also help students to learn how to work with others, how to solve problems, and how to overcome challenges. These skills are essential for success in life.
Third, teachers play a vital role in society. They help to educate the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Teachers also help to create a more informed and engaged citizenry. This is essential for a healthy democracy.
The work of teachers is important and should be celebrated. Teachers make a difference in the lives of their students, and they make a difference in the world. Great teachers inspire great generations through true resilience and commitment and lead hands for a better tomorrow.
A quote that’s meaningful to me is, ‘An amazing teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget.'”
Yanal Moussa, QHL Senior Teacher Fellow and QHPLL Project Fellow
“Teachers have an extremely important role in the education and development of students. They transfer knowledge, develop skills by motivating students to reach their full potential and develop their talents, encourage critical thinking, and shape character. Their role has a profound impact on the future of students and society as a whole. In essence, teachers are key to the development and progress of individuals and society as a whole.“
Jelena Stefanovic, Teacher of Serbian language and literature at Dragisa Lukovic Spanac Elementary School in Kragujevac, Serbia
The 2023 theme for World Teachers’ Day is “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.”