Acknowledging Our Impact on World Teachers' Day: October 2024

Today, on World Teachers' Day, I want to take a moment to acknowledge all the incredible teachers out there. Just over 25 years ago, I embarked on this journey because I believed teaching was the best job in the world—and thankfully I still hold that belief close to my heart today. However, the world is changing, and so is the traditional landscape of education. The question is: have we managed to keep up?

From Knowledge Transmitter to Masterful Educator

Traditionally, the primary role of the teacher was that of a transmitter, solely focused on whatthey could teach to those who were able to absorb it. School was largely about compliance, obedience, memorization, and the imparting of knowledge and facts. As time went on, the emphasis shifted to understanding how to teach effectively. The art of pedagogy became paramount, with great teachers honing their craft through adaptation and innovation.

Today, we recognise that to be outstanding educators, we must master both the "what" and "how" of teaching while developing a deep, practical understanding of who our students are. Learning is a relationship, and we take our responsibility to create conducive conditions for learning in the classroom very seriously. This involves knowing our students, connecting with them, and building meaningful interactions that allow us to coach, motivate, and inspire engagement. Our passionate and dedicated teachers do this every single day, and it is no small feat!

Call to Action: Celebrate and Elevate Our Profession

It is up to us as a profession to lift one another and highlight the remarkable things quality teachers are accomplishing across our country and around the globe. What makes these achievements remarkable? … Well, according to definition, they are the moments worth remarking on. Every day spent in the presence of passionate, inspired educators reveals instances worthy of recognition and attention, does it not?  According to Seth Godin, “you are either remarkable or you are invisible, make a choice”.  Well, I think that teachers have been invisible for too long and now it is time to step up and share how remarkable we are.

So, how can we acknowledge and spotlight these remarkable moments?  How can we honour the teachers who choose this vocation and strive for excellence?

 One way is by being intentional about how we speak about our profession. The next time someone asks what you do, imagine responding with something that emphasises the overall outcome of your role, for example “I inspire young minds and am shaping the future.” Because that’s exactly what you are doing! We need to make the link between what we do each day and the outcomes it brings for our communities and world. 

Imagine the impact we could have if we all began to clearly articulate the influence we are having in the world? Together, we could spark a movement that brings the vital and important role of teachers to life.

Teaching is not just a job; it’s a calling. As a connected and passionate community, we can shape the future of our profession in ways that matter to us.

Help me share this message and celebrate the amazing work we do! 

“All of us are smarter than any of us”.