UNESCO inaugurated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day in 1993. This day represents the appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development. Since 2000, the international community has made solid progress towards Education For All. Enrolment rates have increased dramatically. However, UNESCO estimates that 18 million more teachers are needed worldwide if universal primary education is to be achieved by 2015.
World Teachers’ Day, a day set aside by the world community to celebrate teachers and the central role they play in nurturing and guiding infants, children, youth and adults through the life-long learning process.
Every day, in millions of classrooms around the world, the universal endeavour of teaching and learning takes place. The gift of literacy is passed from one generation to the next, along with love of learning and thirst for knowledge. When knowledge is shared, skills are gained and lives can be changed.
The shortage of qualified teachers is considered one of the biggest obstacles to achieving this goal. Accordingly, this year’s activities are focused on professional training for quality education. Teachers’ unions around the world are calling on public authorities to develop and provide adequate training programmes - because teachers matter!
The 2008 World Teachers' Day theme is Teachers Matter!