We in the Caribbean are joyously joining the international community in celebrating World Teachers’ day on October 5th under the theme: "A Call for Teachers".
All over the world quality education offers hope and promise of a better standard of living. However, there can be no quality education without competent and motivated teachers. The work of teachers is therefore worthy of celebrating.
We are called to remember the importance of our job.A true teacher is not a person who just teaches academic lessons to his/her students. Rather he/ she are like a guide who helps the students in each and every sphere of life, by offering the appropriate advice. We are creators of the future. None of the great achievers in the world has attained their feat without out the guidance and assistance of a teacher.
We of the Caribbean Union of Teachers believe that a call for teachers is call to our governments and administrators to provide adequate training, ongoing professional development, and protection of teaching rights, proper remuneration and decent working conditions for teachers. Society expects a lot from us. We in turn should expect a lot from society.
As teachers respond to the call it is necessary that we respond. Teachers’ unions are doing a tremendous job for their members in seeking the best teaching and learning conditions. It is a good time for teachers who are not active members in the unions to get involved in a visible and meaningful way. As the words of one trade union song states; "what force on earth is weaker that the feeble strength of one for the union makes us strong". We trust also that Teacher Union leaders would strengthen their resolve to continue providing inspired leadership.
As we answer the call for teachers may we see the need to support each other as members of the same profession by sharing ideas, best practices and giving encouragement. It would be so wonderful if we make a concerted effort to ensure that the profession is more enjoyable and rewarding for at least one of our other colleagues.
We trust that parents and the public at large will continue to support us in the important job that we do as we answer the call to create the future leaders and citizens.
Best wishes for a successful celebration.
Marvin Andall
President C.U.T