Media Release
World Teachers’ Day – Friday 31 October 2008
Teachers, educate, inspire, and make us strive for excellence. Nearly everyone can remember a teacher who touched their
lives in a meaningful way. Who was yours?
On World Teachers’ Day, the New Zealand Teachers Council praises the important contribution that over 86,000 registered
teachers make to our communities and the future development of our nation.
“Thousands of early childhood, primary and secondary teachers and teacher educators around New Zealand are making a
difference to the lives of their students. Teaching is a complex, challenging profession requiring multiple skills and
capabilities. Inspirational, ccommitted, competent and enthusiastic teachers enjoy the challenges of helping students to
achieve their potential,” says Dr Peter Lind, Director of the New Zealand Teachers Council.
“In celebrating World Teachers’ Day on 31 October, we support the goals of UNESCO to raise the status of teachers
internationally. All learners need access to high quality education. When knowledge is shared, skills are gained and
lives can be forever changed.”
Teachers Council research shows that those people who are open to a career in teaching are significantly more likely to
talk about being involved in children’s future growth and success. The most significant factors influencing people to
stay in teaching are related to teachers’ commitment to children, enjoyment of their job and doing a job of which they
feel proud.
The Teachers Council is marking World Teachers' Day in Wellington by hosting a one day conference for teachers and
professional leaders. This conference will examine ways in which the knowledge, skills and attributes of effective
teachers are identified. Examples of effective teachers are the winners of the Linking Minds scholarship (see attached
list). The conference keynote speaker will be Dr Graeme Aitken, Dean of the University of Auckland Faculty of Education.
ENDS