Commentary, News

Why we must celebrate teachers in our communities

By Meshach Aselisiwine Agunya, Teacher, Ahwiaa Anglican JSS, Sefwi Wiawso

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated yearly on October 5, to honour all teachers around the world. It commemorates the anniversary of the 1966 International Labour Organization/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of Teachers, which establishes benchmarks for teachers’ rights and responsibilities, as well as standards for their initial and further education, employment and teaching and learning conditions.

The 2024 World Teachers Day celebration is focused on Valuing teachers’ voices: towards a new social contract for education. The global event at the UNESCO Headquarters is on the need to embrace teachers’ perspectives into educational policies and creating a conducive atmosphere for professional growth.

This issue addresses the serious challenges identified by the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession and the latest global report on Teachers, which includes important new statistics on the growing Teacher shortage and poor working conditions. The Ghana Teachers Prize 2024 is organized by the Ministry of Education, through the National Teaching Council (NTC) on October 5, 2024, at the KNUST Great Hall, to honour Teachers for their hard work, love, dedication and loyalty to Mother Ghana. Some teachers will be smiling home with recognitions of various kinds, in different categories.

The most outstanding Teacher receives a three-bedroom accommodation and other benefits. Teachers, as frontline educators, have firsthand experience and insights into the challenges and needs of the education system, hence, their voices are essential for shaping a new social contract for education.

Involving Teachers in policy and decision-making processes ensures that reforms are practical, effective and responsive to the realities of classroom situations. Empowering Teachers with voices in the education system, fosters collaborative environments, promotes innovation and improves learning outcomes. A new social contract for education should prioritize Teacher inputs and outputs, respect their expertise and provide them with the necessary resources and support to fulfill their crucial role in shaping future generations.

Teachers are the cornerstone of any educational system and general economy, educating or training all categories of professionals, but receive low wages, take a long time to be promoted and stay on a particular rank for longer than required. Implementing defined pathways for professional growth, promotion and upgrading would provide Teachers a sense of progression, motivation and accomplishment, thereby increasing job output,satisfaction and commitment.

In line with this year’s theme, the government must seek to improve the working conditions of Teachers. Providing better salaries, benefits and good working conditions are critical for attracting and retaining committed, exceptional and great Educators, essential for the country’s prosperity and growth. Adequate support, such as professional development opportunities and modern instructional resources, will help Teachers to be more effective in the classroom.

Decentralizing the Ghana Teachers’ Awards would also increase Teacher motivation at the regional and district levels, rather than only at the national level, as they will feel acknowledged and appreciated for their efforts, to keep them giving off their best. It would also emphasize the accomplishments of teachers in the rural areas, focusing on their contributions and other challenges they may face. It is refreshing that Professors, Doctors, Nurses, Journalists and other professions have come out ahead of this year’s Teachers Day to congratulate and wish our Ghanaian Teachers all the best and for improving their lives. The ‘Teacher effect’ is seen and can be felt in every sphere of the country’s economy.

Ayikoo to all our brave, compassionate and committed teachers around the world, who work tirelessly every day, crossing rivers, streams, hills and dangerous routes to get to school and promote lifelong learning opportunities across the world. As we celebrate our heroic Teachers today, let us join hands to wish them well and aspire for better working conditions. If you can read and write, always appreciate your Teacher. A happy Teacher is always dedicated and results-driven. Happy Teachers’ Day to all Teachers and we pray for God’s guidance and protection.