Media release 4 October 1999
INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS' DAY
Good teachers are the most important thing schools need to do a good job and teachers are one of the nation's valuable
resources, according to Margaret Austin, Chairperson of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.
Mrs Austin was commenting on International Teachers' Day, being commemorated tomorrow (October 5). October 5 is the 28th
anniversary of the adoption of the International Labour Organisation/UNESCO Recommendation Concerning the Status of
Teachers which recognises the importance of teachers.
Mrs Austin said New Zealand was fortunate to have a high level of commitment and professionalism in its teaching
profession.
"Our teachers have shown a remarkable degree of adaptability by the way in which they have coped with considerable
change over recent years. But school reform cannot succeed unless it focuses on creating the conditions in which
teachers can teach and teach well," she said.
"It is timely to think about the needs of teachers. With the world of employment so constantly changing, the task of
teachers has become even more important and challenging. Teachers need our faith and support more than ever. On
International Teachers Day I urge everyone to show their support for the work teachers do in preparing our young people
for their future," Mrs Austin said.
ENDS