31st October Teachers' Day

Teachers' day in Australia is celebrated today, the last Friday in October. World Teachers' Day is celebrated internationally on 5th October and in India it is celebrated on the 5th September, the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an eminent educationist, the first Vice-President of India, and the second President of the country.

Whenever you celebrate it, the day is a tribute to educators who shape the future by guiding students not only academically but also in values and life skills. They inspire, motivate, and strengthen the foundation of society, leaving a lasting impact on generations.

As teachers we know the profound difference that one brilliant educator can make in a child's life and we all aspire to do that.

There are some wonderful picture books that highlight exemplary teachers.

26th October World Teachers' Day

World Teachers' Day! Anyone who signs up to teach now must really want to do it because it is getting harder by the day. Everyone wants to tell you how to do your job, parents, people in the street, politicians. I want to be treated professionally and trusted to do my job well. I don't tell my dentist or doctor how to do their job. So why do so many people question what teachers do and whether they are qualified to do it. Thank heavens for the children because they really make my day. Today one of my cherubs told me I wasn't old, just mature! Bless him. Another told me he would like to recommend the book he was reading to Roald Dahl because he was sure it would make him laugh! Today I also taught a class of preschoolers all of whom start school next year and they are super keen to be there. We talked about their expectations of school and read Pog by Lynn Lee where a monster starting school is scared of children. They thought that was very funny.

We have four student teachers at school at the moment and they are enthusiastic, energetic and very committed to their future vocation which is wonderful. So as I write and think that often I am cynical and jaded, I remember why I chose to be a teacher and then a teacher librarian, and I smile at all the good experiences I have had, all the wonderful children I have taught and all the gifted teachers I have had the pleasure to work with and teach. I got out Mr Ouchy's First Day and Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten and had a read to myself and revelled in why I teach.

29th October World Teachers' Day (Australia)

Internationally World Teacher's Day is celebrated on the first Friday in October, however this is usually in the school holidays in Australia, so we celebrate on the last Friday of October. With the theme 'Recovery begins with teachers', World Teachers' Day is a tribute to teachers' vital role in social, economic and intellectual rebuilding.

Teachers are a vitally important education resource. Quality education cannot happen without them. UNESCO estimates that just to reach the goal of achieving universal primary education by 2015, an additional 1.9 million new trained teachers are needed worldwide.

If you feel undervalued or you have had a bad day check out Youtube, a teacher appreciation website or read one of these books. Suddenly you will feel inspired to keep going, you'll be reinvigorated and feel you can be just like 'Ms Frizzle'.