Every year, on World Teachers’ Day, we come together to honor and appreciate the invaluable role that teachers play in shaping the future. Teachers are the unsung heroes who guide, inspire, and impart knowledge, contributing to limitless learning opportunities and paving the way for countless innovations and discoveries. To commemorate this special day, UNESCO’s Regional Office in Delhi, in collaboration with ASN Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar, organized a Seminar on October 5th, 2023, under the theme “The teachers we need for the education we want.” The event provided a platform for educators to set a new precedent of learning and leading together in the quest to reconstruct the educational landscape. The prestigious venue for the seminar was the UNESCO Cluster Office Auditorium in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Representing The Khaitan School, Ms. Pooja Singh, Ms. Preeti Gambhir, and Ms. Neha Gupta actively participated in the seminar, joining teachers from over 30 NCR schools. The event was graced by eminent guest speakers who shared their insights and expertise on the changing face of education and the evolving role of teachers in today’s world.
Here are some of the notable guest speakers who contributed to the discussions:
1. Timothy Curtis (Australia) – Director, UNESCO Office in New Delhi and UNESCO Representative to India, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
2. Dr. Joseph Emmanuel – Director, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) India.
3. Dr. Sharad Sinha – Department of Teacher Education, National Institute of Education (NIE), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
4. Ms. Joyce Poan – Programme Specialist and Chief of Education, UNESCO, New Delhi.
5. Prof. Pranati Panda – Head of the Department of School and Non-Formal Education and Head for Unit on School Standards and Evaluation of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, India.
6. Ms. Swarnima Luthra – Principal, ASN Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar.
The guest speakers emphasized the changing dynamics of education and the critical role teachers play as facilitators, guides, and counselors in the modern world. The team from UNESCO shared key findings and insights from reports on education and the teaching profession. Educators and experts discussed issues such as teacher shortages, attrition, and ways to empower the teaching workforce.
The key takeaways from the seminar include:
1. A vision for creating passionate teachers who are essential for the future education we aspire to achieve.
2. A focus on capacity building to ensure well-trained and competent teachers.
Granting greater autonomy to teachers in the classroom to enable them to give their best.
3. Addressing better remuneration for teachers and the need for more teacher recruitment.
4. Bridging the gap between the quality of education in India and that of high-quality education systems in various countries worldwide.
5. Recognizing the evolving role of the teacher from a revered guru to a facilitator, guide, and counselor.
6. Emphasizing localized teaching and learning to enable students to connect their education to the real world.
7. Promoting and aligning with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023 while strengthening teacher education systems.
8. Empowering teachers for a stronger and more empowered nation.
The seminar concluded with a vibrant cultural program presented by the students of ASN Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar, paying a heartfelt tribute to teachers through the ages. It was a fitting end to a day dedicated to recognizing the teachers who shape the minds and futures of the next generation. The event underscored the importance of continuous dialogue and collaboration among educators to ensure that we have the teachers we need for the education we want. On this World Teachers’ Day, let us express our gratitude to the educators who light the path of knowledge and lead the way toward a brighter future.
