It’s a (Large) World After All

If you pause on October 5 and give yourself a hand, it could end up being the clap heard ‘round the world as educators celebrate World Teachers’ Day. This year, advocates will call attention to the the global principle of a  great public school for every student, as well as the need to support educators worldwide. More than 100 countries observe the day, now in its 41st year.

In 1966, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization joined with the International Labor Organization in releasing a plan that called for teachers to receive fair pay, safe working conditions, and the respect they deserve. Today, that is still not the case for many teachers around the globe. In Rwanda, the average class size is 55 students. In Zambia, teachers are unemployed in large numbers, despite supposed teacher shortages. And in Colombia, Ethiopia, and Nepal teachers suffer human rights violations at the hands of their own governments.

Education International President Thulas Nxesi, of the South Africa Democratic Teachers' Union, offered a call for unity and activism in his opening address this summer at the World Congress in Berlin:  "We are all educators, we are all workers – regardless of any difference in color or creed – and we face common challenges. Where teacher unions do not exist, EI must offer assistance in establishing them. Where unions are weak we must work cooperatively to strengthen them. Where unions are under attack from governments or vested interests we must be willing to provide concrete solidarity and support.”

Want to get involved? Head to http://www.ei-ie.org/worldteachersday/en/about_how.php for things you can do in your community and in your school to celebrate the day.