Charles Ungerleider, Professor Emeritus, The University of British Columbia
[permission to reproduce granted if authorship is acknowledged]
October 5th is World Teachers' Day commemorating the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/International Labour Organization (ILO) Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. I’ve long argued that teaching is among the most socially useful professions because teachers help to recreate society by preparing the next generation of citizens. October 5th acknowledges the contribution that teachers make: shaping the future of those whom they teach and, through them, society.
The 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation outlines the rights and responsibilities of teachers and sets international standards for their employment conditions and professional preparation. The Recommendation addresses various dimensions of the profession. It emphasizes professional standards and responsibilities: Teachers should aim to foster the physical, mental, and moral development of students, preparing them for active participation in society. Teachers should be able to exercise their judgment while they adhere to high ethical and professional standards and demonstrate integrity, fairness, and dedication.
Teacher preparation and continuous professional education are key components in the Recommendation. Teachers must receive thorough and effective initial training that includes both theoretical and practical knowledge. To ensure teachers stay current with educational advancements and methodologies the Recommendation regards currency of professional knowledge through ongoing professional development as essential.
Employment and working conditions are also addressed in the Recommendation. Merit-based recruitment, job security, fair remuneration, and the benefits of social insurance benefits are key considerations. Schools must provide safe and healthy working conditions, with adequate resources and facilities to support effective teaching and learning.
The Recommendation also draws attention to the importance of teachers' participation in educational decision-making and their right to hold membership in professional organizations that represent their interests. Teachers should be involved in the development and implementation of educational policies that affect their work and the quality of education.
The 1966 Recommendation is intended to be a global framework for ensuring that teachers are respected, well-prepared, and supported throughout their careers. The standards it articulates are intended to improve the quality of education, promote the well-being of teachers, and benefit students and society.
Almost
sixty years have passed since the Recommendation was advanced. It would be
interesting to see whether and how well the aspirations expressed by the
standards have been realized. October 5th should be both a
celebration of the profession and appraisal of its progress toward the
standards recommended.