Happy World Teachers' Day!

From The Daily Telegraph (UK):

"I take for granted that my toilet flushes, that the bin men come every Tuesday and that, when I pull the cord in my bathroom, the light comes on.  I take for granted that I can drink the water from the tap, I can access information from my phone, and – especially at this time of year – that my central heating will come on in the morning.

We take a great deal for granted in life, especially the fundamentals, like being able to read and write.  Most of us have also taken our teachers for granted.

Take a moment to consider the skills you have now and the person who taught these skills to you.  Remember your first English teacher, who taught you the "i before e" rule, your ABCs and the difference between a noun and a verb.

Remember your first Math teacher who taught you to add and subtract, to tell the time, and who explained the 24-hour clock, even though there are only twelve numbers on a clock face.

Tomorrow is World Teachers' Day – a UNESCO initiative that celebrates teachers around the world.  Since 1994, WTD is held annually on October 5, to raise awareness and address the issues pertinent to teachers while recognizing the contribution they make to education.

Isn't it curious that one of the most pivotal professions in our society, that impacts our young people, influences our leaders of tomorrow, and affects the way we live our life, rarely receives the respect or acknowledgement it deserves?

Teachers and school communities are a vital component to the healthy functioning of our society and yet in the UK, teacher morale is in crisis, external criticism is rife, and sickness due to stress is exploding.

Tomorrow is the day to appreciate teachers and the extraordinary job they do to teach, support, and inspire our children.  As you finish reading this article, raise a glass to the teachers who inspired you.  Say thank you to the teachers who made a positive difference in your life.

Start singing the praises to your children's head teacher, the governors of their school, and your MP's, about a teacher who has helped, encouraged, or inspired your child to grow, progress, and understand the world.

Teachers are the most valuable resource in education.  It's time to appreciate their value in our society.  You cannot put a price on inspiring a child to be the best he or she can be.  Teachers are the unsung heroes of our communities.

Today of all days, let's acknowledge and celebrate their foundational influence in our lives."

--Kathryn Lovewell, author of Every Teacher Matters