Teachers in England have an additional reason to celebrate World Teachers’ Day this year after voting in favour of a 5.5 per cent pay deal at the end of September, which is some way ahead of inflation at 2.2 per cent.
Furthermore, education charity Teach First has recommended teachers be given the chance to have career breaks and short-term secondments, which should prevent burnout.
Trusts and schools too are recognising the need to look after teachers’ wellbeing. One state secondary, All Saints Catholic College in west London, gives all teachers a double period off each week. And the Dixons Academies Trust, which has 16 schools under its control, has put its teachers on a nine-day fortnight.
In addition Labour has pledged to recruit an extra 6,500 teachers, which should ease the strain on those already in the profession. The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, is looking at providing new guidance that says teachers should be able to work from home when marking homework and planning lessons in their free periods. The measure is partly aimed at trying to retain women in the profession.
The renewed sense of value government and society place on teachers in England is reflected in the theme of this Saturday’s World Teachers’ Day, which is Valuing Teachers’ Voices.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Teachers’ Day?
The celebration begannin 1994 to honour teachers, and commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recommendation concerning teachers’ status.
What is the theme for this year’s Teachers’ Day?
The theme for World Teachers’ Day 2024 is: Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.
This year a celebration is being held at Unesco headquarters in Paris on Friday October 4, which highlights the vital role that teachers have in shaping the future of education and the importance of their contribution to educational policy and decision-making.
An opening ceremony will be followed by discussions and activities that aim to enhance the role of teachers and recognise their contribution to education.
The event may be watched online.
How can I celebrate World Teachers’ Day?
For more information on the day, and to find out how to participate or celebrate teachers, and download resources, visit the official website.
