Today we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, held annually on October 5th since it was launched in 1994 by UNESCO, to celebrate every teacher worldwide.
Its aim is to mobilize support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.
A good teacher is like a candle- it consumes itself to light the way for others." Every time a classroom door opens, an empty prison cell closes.
I am proud that I began my public career as a teacher almost 39 years ago. Teacher’s Day is a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives and societies.
It is also a day to celebrate teachers and the central role they play in guiding children, youths and adults through the life-long learning process.
The day honors teachers’ virtues, pains, and also their contribution not only to their own students but to the whole society as a whole.
Teachers need encouragement, respect and support from the entire community, particularly from parents, to feel that their devotion to our students is appreciated.
We must show our appreciation to our teachers.
Teachers, I want to assure you that we appreciate all the sacrifices that each and every one of you have made, and continue to make everyday, in molding the future leaders.
We are grateful and are extremely confident that the good results of our students will be our reward in the future when our students are productive citizens, ready to take up their responsibilities in Country St. Maarten.
This year, however, World Teachers’ Day focuses on the role of teachers within the context of global financial and economic crisis and the need to invest in teachers now as a means to secure post-crisis regeneration in order to build a secure future.
But, it is the teaching force with its knowledge and experience and foresight which can bring new insights to global solutions.
Good teachers are essential for the effective functioning of education systems and for improving the quality of learning processes.
The new generation of local investors and small business entrepreneurs will also be created by teachers. So, that is why it is important for us to find innovative ways to reward our teachers.
All the available evidence confirms that to compete in this era of globalization, we need a population that is knowledgeable and highly skilled. Relevant and quality education is the key to our Country’s stability and progress.
St. Maarten’s competitive advantage lies in its educated workforce, its human resources—yes it lies in its teachers.
That is why in our first term of office we channeled significant investment and energy into attaining the landmark achievement of phasing in Compulsory Education.
We have opened the door for every 4, 5 and 6 year old child, with experienced teachers who are excited about making a difference. Some have even come out of retirement to give their support.
We congratulate them for their interest and commitment. The reopening of the Charles Leopold Bell School, the school that nurtured my teaching career, signals our commitment that education is no longer a privilege, but a reality for all.
This year, we have decided to highlight our exceptional educators. Each school was asked to identify one person, who is an example to all other teachers. An innovative and creative person, willing to go the extra mile and gets along well with students, colleagues and parents.
But, I want to again reiterate, that all teachers are greatly appreciated for the daily sacrifices you make. You are a special breed of people.
On behalf of the Government and People of St. Maarten I congratulate all teachers for your selfless service and considerable sacrifices to St. Maarten’s Students.
I commend you for your sustained and strong commitment to make quality education accessible to our people. Through your unceasing quest for greater opportunities, for improvements in the quality of your teaching and for enhancing the learning outcomes of St. Maarten’s students, you are vivid examples of "Country Above Self".
As we move towards the creation of a new country, the role model you have provided is as relevant and important as ever.
Congratulations and Happy Teacher’s Day!
Commissioner of Education
Mr. William V. Marlin