October 4, 2019 — World Teachers’ Day is celebrated in over 100 countries around the world every year on October 5.

Initiated by UNESCO in 1994, the day recognizes the crucial role that the teaching profession plays in the life of any healthy society. According to The Canadian Teachers’ Federation, “World Teachers’ Day represents a significant token of the awareness, understanding and appreciation displayed for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development.” OSSTF/FEESO and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation celebrate World Teachers’ Day through a public awareness campaign that highlights the contributions of the teaching profession.

This year on World Teachers’ Day, in conjunction with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, we will be celebrating teachers and their continued commitment to Teach for a Better World.

In an era where the proponents of populist politics seek to undermine the value of public education, teachers continue to advocate for progressive policies so that students will have the knowledge and critical thinking skills they deserve and need to tackle the challenges that lay ahead for their generation and their planet.

On World Teachers’ Day, we invite all Ontarians to join us in considering and celebrating the central role teachers’ professionalism plays in protecting and enhancing public education in Ontario.