Celebrate World Teachers’ Day Friday 30 October

Draft Media Release

Date: 28 October 2009

World Teachers’ Day Media Release

“World Teachers Day is a day when New Zealanders can say thank you to teachers for the work they do in educating our youngest citizens to take an active part in our world, says Director of the New Zealand Teachers Council, Dr Peter Lind.

UNESCO's World Teachers Day, celebrated on Friday 30 October in New Zealand and Australia recognises the significant contribution, commitment and qualities that teachers make to our community.

This year, the Teachers Council will host a small one day conference that focuses on the unique skills, knowledge and attributes New Zealand teachers value and are the hallmark of their profession which form part of the draft Registered Teachers Criteria.

"The Council began a review of its registration standards in 2005. Working with a reference group of teacher unions and professional leaders we have consulted widely and are now at a point where we will be able to launch them. The criteria will be used by all teachers moving to full registration and experienced teachers renewing their practising certificates. The teachers who trialled these criteria agreed that they provided a valid framework to guide professional learning and development," says Dr Lind.

“There was a very strong affirmation that these criteria should provide a powerful resource to support on-going learning and reflection of teachers on their professional practice.”

"World Teachers Day is a key date in the Council’s calendar. We congratulate and thank all teachers and their professional leaders for another demanding and productive year supporting their students," says Dr Peter Lind

ENDS

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