The status of teachers in the immediate school community and society in general is the focus of this year’s celebration of World Teachers’ Day. This year’s theme is “Valuing teachers improve their status”. The United Nations celebrates the day internationally on 5 October but in South Africa this date falls in the school holiday. To ensure that teachers get the acknowledgement they deserve, the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) celebrates World Teachers’ Day in South Africa on the first Friday of the fourth term. This year the date is 14 October.

“One of the important aspects determining the success of education is respect. This is true for the entire education sector, but it is especially important in the classroom. Teachers who enjoy the respect of their learners are more successful because learners are more receptive in these instances,” explains Dr Jaco Deacon, Deputy CEO of FEDSAS. Deacon says in the South African context the status of teachers in the community is especially important. This improves the status of the profession, which in turn increases the quality of education.

FEDSAS invites everybody – current learners and those for whom school is merely a vague memory – to pay their respects to a beloved teacher or favourite school. “Any form of appreciation is welcome – personal contact, a visit to your former school or even a mention on social media. The aim is to thank teachers for what they do and to show the impact they have on the future of learners.”

The National Office of FEDSAS will celebrate World Teachers’ Day at the Carel du Toit Centre in Bloemfontein this year. FEDSAS staff will be at the school to show their appreciation.

This year, FEDSAS will incorporate social media to increase awareness about teachers and their status. People are encouraged to show their appreciation by sending a message to a school or teacher via one of the FEDSAS social media platforms using the hashtags #ThanksTeacher or #DankieOnnie.