As we observe World Teachers’ Day on October 5th, we take this opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of educators worldwide. This year’s theme, “Valuing teacher voices: towards new social contract for education”, emphasizing the importance of listening to teachers and addressing their challenges.
World Teachers’ Day, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994, is a global celebration recognizing the commitment and effort of teachers. According to UNESCO, this day commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.
“As we move into 2025 and the future, listening to the experiences of teachers we can learn how to build on the strengths of school communities to fulfill their goals,” said Ann Marie Ryan, Ph.D., professor and chair of the UTSA Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching. “Establishing a new social contract requires re-engaging as school communities, developing and honoring the expertise of teachers, and coming together to educate children and youth.”
To celebrate this day, several events and activities are scheduled to take place across the globe. Schools, communities, and organizations are hosting appreciation ceremonies, workshops, and social media campaigns to recognize the hard work of teachers.
The UTSA College of Education and Human Development celebrated World Teachers’ Day with an event on Wednesday, October 2. Students had the opportunity to mingle with COEHD staff and learn more about the programs and certificates offered. Blue ribbons, the official color of education, were available for attendees to honor and show support of teachers.
The Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching is the largest department in the UTSA College of Education and Human Development. We offer programs and certificates designed to advance the intellectual and professional development of students and faculty through research, critical reflection and dialogue, social responsibility and transformative leadership.
COEHD is one of the leading providers of educators in the San Antonio area and is ranked third in the United States for producing Hispanic educators. For decades, we have been preparing educators through a community-based learning and teaching model of teacher preparation.