Ashley Hunter
Greene Publishing, Inc.
In 1994, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) founded the World Teacher's Day in celebration and remembrance of Oct. 5, 1966, when a special conference convened by UNESCO in Paris adopted a recommendation concerning the status of teachers.
The recommendation set forth the rights and responsibilities of teachers, as well as the international standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, teaching and learning conditions. Since its adoption, the recommendation has been considered an important set of guidelines to promote teachers’ status in the interest of quality education. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 recommendation.
While the UNESCO decided to devote the day entirely to the world's teachers, as an initiative to appreciate, assess, and improve the educators of the world, the real point for the UNESCO is to provide a time to look at and address issues pertaining to teachers.
While American teachers are fairly honored, there are many places around the world where teachers, who are easily one of the most vital aspects to society, are not fully appreciated.
Every year, the UNESCO holds a meeting in Paris for World Teacher's Day, but one way to help promote the day is to simply promote a teacher near you. Generate awareness about issues that regard teachers, speak with a child near to you about the importance of respecting and listening to their teacher and take the opportunity to use the day to discuss, compare, learn, argue, share experiences and improve the the cultural voice regarding teachers.