Today, October 5th, is World Teachers’ Day – a day of recognition created by UNESCO in 1994 to celebrate teachers worldwide. Its aim is to mobilize support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers.
We couldn’t let this day go by without acknowledgement. In honor of World Teachers’ Day, we wanted to share a powerful animated video by Davis Guggenheim, of “Waiting for ‘Superman’” fame, in which he describes the kind of teacher All Kinds of Minds wants to see for all students …
- The teacher who looks a little bit deeper at each student to see strengths and talents.
- The teacher who makes sure learning is challenging, engaging, relevant, supportive, and experiential.
- The teacher who helps to foster success in school and life for every child.
Watch the video here.
What teacher is the face of your own learning story? In honor of World Teachers’ Day, share your thoughts below about a teacher who inspired you, who helped you see beyond your grades and believe in your own potential.
Visit the World Teachers’ Day 2010 website to learn more about this day of recognition or to get ideas for acknowledging and celebrating the profoundly important work of teachers across the globe.
All Kinds of Minds 
Two teachers come to mind – Jean Bounds was my 9th grade English teacher. She taught me, and many others, how to write. I remember having an assignment to write a research paper, which I was dreading until I found out that we got to pick the subject. I researched and wrote on the history of the Cold War, capitalizing on my interest in history. Ms. Bounds was tough, connected with her students, and brought out the best in us. The other teacher was John Hamby – speech, drama, debate. My parents talked their shy, quiet son into trying drama in high school. Under Mr. Hamby’s tutelage I became more confident, outgoing, and better able to build relationships with others. Not to forget, acquiring a love of the theatre as well. Mr. Hamby focused the speech and debate squad on learning and growing, more than winning tournaments. Two great teachers who changed my life.