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UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office celebrates World Teachers Day 2023 with gusto!
UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office observed a two-day celebration on World Teachers' Day celebrated each year on the 5 October, to honor and appreciate teachers worldwide. The theme for this year’s celebration was, “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”. The two-day commemoration was held on 5 & 6 October 2023 where the office hosted two discussions: an India-focused seminar and a Regional-Level South Asia focused online panel discussion, respectively.
On 5 October, the seminar was hosted at the office premises in collaboration with ASN Senior Secondary School Mayur Vihar where eminent subject experts, students, educators, teachers, and policymakers from India were a part of the celebrations on this year’s theme. Along with the discussion, students also presented a skit performance paying a befitting tribute to our esteemed teachers, and an exhibition showcasing innovative learning toys.
On 6 October, an online panel discussion was hosted inviting subject-experts from South Asia. Through the discussion, it was evident that the collective focus was unwavering, with equal attention given to every participating country. Participating countries from the region were: Bhutan, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. While each country presented its distinct set of problems and challenges, a common thread emerged – the recognition that these challenges are not isolated but rather represent opportunities for collaborative solutions through shared dialogue and mutual learning experiences.
On both days, the discussions delved into crucial aspects concerning the status of teachers and the associated elements within the profession. This encompassed critical topics such as pupil-teacher ratios, teacher shortages, the quality of teacher training, empowering teachers, and eliminating gender norms. This event aimed to engage in critical discussions about addressing the worldwide teacher shortage crisis.
This year’s celebrations place a central emphasis on highlighting the value of being a teacher and the urgency to both draw in and retain highly qualified educators. However, these issues are not new, and in 2021, the challenges of teachers and the teaching profession were examined in the UNESCO New Delhi Office’s State of the Education Report for India, entitled “No Teacher, No Class”. Even then, findings of the Report pointed to the critical issue of teacher shortages in the Indian education system and emphasized the profound impact this scarcity has on classroom learning and educational outcomes. The report also offered a comprehensive review of the challenges posed by inadequate teacher recruitment and retention, highlighting the urgent need for strategies to address this pressing concern in order to ensure quality education for all.
Turning to India, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has amplified this recognition by rightfully positioning teachers at the heart of the education system. NEP 2020 recognizes the pivotal role played by teachers and the enormous potential of teachers as the most significant catalysts for change in the education system of India. The National Education Policy suggests interventions at each juncture of a teacher’s lifecycle, from recruitment career progression to continuous professional development, and offers several recommendations and proposals to strengthen the teacher education system.
In the context of India, the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 places teachers at the center of the educational system and recognizes their pivotal role in achieving the nation's educational goals. The policy recognizes the importance of equipping teachers with competencies and skills through training to address current challenges. These challenges include understanding diverse learning requirements, fostering community engagement, and promoting 21st-century skills. According to UNESCO, A total of 68.8 million teachers will need to be recruited worldwide by 2030 if the ambition of every child receiving a primary and secondary education is to be achieved.[1]
In conclusion, this panel discussion has opened new avenues for collaboration within our region. Strengthening the teaching profession not only enhances the quality of education but also has a profound indirect impact on a country's progress. When teachers are empowered, trained effectively, and given the support they need, the ripple effects are felt across society, driving positive change, economic growth, and social development.
[1] https://indianexpress.com/article/education/south-asia-needs-15-million-new-teachers-by-2030-unesco/
