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“Valuing Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.” Teacher unions worldwide voiced this slogan, which was the theme of the 30th anniversary of World Teachers’ Day, October 5th. Many also reaffirmed their commitment to Education International's (EI) campaign “Go Public! Fund Education”.

Celebrating all teachers around the globe since 1994, World Teachers’ Day is co-convened by UNESCO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and EI and commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This international instrument sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education.

Amplifying the voices of teachers committed to building a better future for their students

Speaking at the UNESCO event celebrating World Teachers’ Day in Paris, France, EI President Mugwena Maluleke acknowledged “the incredible work of Education International's member organizations worldwide, who are marking this day with their own celebrations and actions, standing united in our call to value, respect, and invest in teachers. From rural to urban schools, across both the Global South and North, they amplify the voices of teachers committed to building a better future for their students.”

He added: “Today, we call on governments worldwide to act. It is imperative to fund public education, invest in teachers, guarantee their labor rights and ensure they have good working conditions. Let’s make it happen. Let’s work together—globally and locally—to make teaching a respected, well-paid, and aspirational profession for generations to come.”

Teachers play an indispensable role in the African educational landscape

Education International Africa (EIA) representatives at the event organized by the African Union, EIA Regional Director Dr. Dennis Sinyolo and EIA Coordinator Dr. Pedi Anawi, highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to enhance educational frameworks and conditions for teachers across Africa.

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In his remarks, Dr. Dennis Sinyolo urged the African Union to adapt and implement strategic recommendations that promote social development and effective governance. He emphasized the pivotal role of teachers in educational reform, advocating for their inclusion in crucial dialogue that shapes policies and frameworks. “Investment in teachers is essential for driving meaningful change,” he said, setting the tone for a collaborative approach to addressing educational challenges.

In Kenya, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba planted a tree and joined the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) leadership for a rally in the Nakuru Conty to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

The Unitary and Democratic Union of Teachers of Senegal (SUDES) also organized a virtual forum on World Teachers’ Day.

In South Africa, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) highlighted that “the transformation of education starts by placing teachers at the heart of the policies that shape our schools and higher education institutions. This requires genuine social dialogue, ensuring that teachers are consulted, their pedagogical expertise trusted.”

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), to which SADTU is affiliated, echoed this message, saying that “teachers are at the heart of education. They must also be at the heart of decision-making in education. This World Teachers’ Day, we call on governments to go public, fund education and invest in teachers.”

Also joining the celebrations of World Teachers’ Day, the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) reaffirmed its commitment to make teachers’ voices matter.

Addressing participants to the event organized by the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Winston Radikolo, President of the Botswana Sector of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, insisted that “United we stand!”

Unions ensure that teachers’ voices are not just heard but acted upon in Asia-Pacific

Education International Asia-Pacific (EIAP) member organizations called on governments to invest in teacher professional development and strengthen public education systems.

During an event bringing together educators from India, Maldives, Thailand, Australia, and Sri Lanka, EIAP Regional Director Anand Singh highlighted the critical role of teachers. He said: “Unions are the collective voices of teachers, amplifying their concerns, their ideas, and their demands for fair treatment and professional respect. It is through unions that we can ensure teachers’ voices are not just heard but acted upon. We must continue to support and strengthen unions globally, as they are key to forging this new social contract.”

Teachers’ involvement for real improvements in European education systems

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot educational organizations affiliated to EI and the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE) – the Cyprus Greek Teachers' Organisation (POED), the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Trade Union (KTÖS), the Organisation of Secondary School Teachers of Cyprus (OELMEK), the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers' Union (KTOEÖS), the Association of Teachers of Technical Education Cyprus (OLTEK) and the Eastern Mediterranean University Union of Academic Staff (DAÜ-SEN) – issued a joint declaration on World Teachers’ Day 2024, emphasizing the crucial role of teachers in shaping the future of education and the importance of incorporating their opinions and experiences into the education system.

The declaration also highlights the need for adequate teacher training and support to build an inclusive education system based on equality, diversity, and inclusion. It also calls for fighting discrimination and fostering a culture of tolerance in schools.

Furthermore, the declaration underscores the necessity of securing resources for teachers to succeed and supports public education to ensure high-quality education for all. It opposes the privatization and commercialization of education, advocating for public accountability and equal access. The document also promotes the values of peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion, aiming to equip students with the skills they need for the future while teaching the importance of peace, democracy, and justice.

In France, the French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT) recalled the attacks on teachers' rights around the world and the need to make the profession more attractive because it is recognized.

For the National Union of Secondary Education- Unitary Trade Union Federation (SNES-FSU) reminded of the importance of valuing the voice of our profession by listening to the profession and involving teachers in the development of education policies.

The National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions-Education (UNSA-Éducation) also joined in the World Teachers’ Day celebrations.

In a joint statement, Germany’s two largest education unions, the Education and Science Union (GEW) and the Education and Training Association (VBE), called for systemic changes in the education system. They emphasized the importance of education in a democratic society, highlighting its role in enabling individuals to understand complex realities, support minorities, and achieve a fulfilling life. The unions stressed that education is a fundamental right and increasingly at risk due to ongoing crises. They urged politicians “to move beyond reactive measures and implement fundamental improvements, ensuring schools can meet current and future challenges. This includes creating environments where teaching and learning are enjoyable and promoting equal opportunities.”

The unions also called for a national effort involving the federal government, states, municipalities, unions, parent and student representatives, and educational administrators to develop action strategies. Additionally, the legal right to a full-day place in primary school, set to begin in 2026, needs clear funding and staffing plans, they said. The unions added: “We must not put the future of the next generation at risk and must ensure more equal opportunities.”

On the eve of the World Teachers’ Day, the Education and Science Trade Union Federation from Moldova (ESTU) held a meeting including trade union leaders and activists from across the country, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education and Research, the National Trade Union Confederation, and the National Institute for Education and Leadership. The primary focus was to celebrate the contributions of education employees and to advocate for urgent salary increases to match the national average. ESTU President Ghenadie Donos emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers’ efforts and the ongoing negotiations with the government to improve their incomes. Despite recent wage increases, salaries in education remain below the national average.

The meeting also highlighted the broader challenges faced by teachers, including the need for societal awareness and empathy towards their daily struggles. Additionally, the event coincided with the International Day for Non-Violence, prompting discussions on recent legal measures to combat violence in educational institutions, particularly against teachers. Several trade union leaders were honored with diplomas for their contributions to education, reinforcing appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

In Portugal, FENPROF, the Portuguese Federation of Teachers, used World Teachers’ Day as a celebration and to reaffirm teachers’ positions and proposals for upcoming negotiations, particularly concerning the State Budget for 2025, the review of the Teaching Career Statute, and changes to other legal regimes affecting teachers.

On October 5th, teachers and educators gathered in the streets of Lisbon, starting at Rossio and marching to Largo de Camões, to demonstrate their solidarity and demand effective negotiations that lead to the appreciation and democratization of the teaching profession. The event served as a platform for teachers to voice their concerns and ensure that their contributions are recognized in the ongoing and planned changes within the education system. This public demonstration underscored the critical moment for education in Portugal, highlighting the need for substantial improvements and genuine dialogue between the government and educational professionals.

In Spain, the Federation of Teaching of Workers' Commissions (FE.CC.OO.) reiterated the need to recognize and dignify the daily work that teachers do in schools with students. More educational investment and resources are needed, and teachers’ working conditions must be enhanced, the union added.

In the United Kingdom, the National Education Union (NEU) shared its new report on the global teacher shortage ahead of World Teachers’ Day. They urged the UK Government to invest in education at home and internationally and put the world’s teachers at the heart of its education mission.

North America and Caribbean unions celebrate teachers as the heartbeat of public education

In the United States of America, Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) underlined that “teachers are the aspiration agents that go into their classrooms every day to help kids thrive.” She thanked “them for their work and commit ourselves to fighting for safe working conditions, fair pay, and respect for the profession.”

Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association (NEA) and EI Vice-President for North America-Caribbean, stated that there is no better day than World Teachers’ Day “to once again remind the world: teachers are hard workers and human beings deserving of support and respect. I am with EI as we advocate for peace and justice for all educators—not targeting and persecution.”

The Canadian Teachers’ Federation also noted that October 5th is an opportunity to: Show your appreciation to teachers, the heartbeat of public education; Celebrate the vital role of teachers; And raise awareness about the ongoing challenges and the support needed.

In Mexico, the General Secretary of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE), Alfonso Cepeda Salas, recognizing great work done by teachers in native communities, said that his union is committed to contribute to strengthening education for indigenous and Afro-Mexicans.

Latin American teachers bring their own pedagogical proposal forward

Education International for Latin America (IEAL) commemorated World Teachers' Day with the participation of representatives from Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Ecuador and Paraguay.

This celebration took place within the framework of the International Pedagogical Meeting, organized by IEAL, the Single Union of Education Workers of Peru (SUTEP) and Derrama Magisterial, as part of the actions to strengthen the Latin American Pedagogical Movement.

EIAL member organizations acknowledged the need to establish a stronger social dialogue with Latin American teachers and strengthen their unions.

The slogan “Valuing the teaching voice: Towards a new social contract for education” was reflected in the meeting in Cusco, Peru, where participants also discussed the need for education unions and organizations to have their own alternative pedagogical proposal, while fighting for decent wages and better working conditions.

Participants also discussed the EI global campaign “Go Public! Fund Education” and the 59 recommendations of the United Nations (UN) High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession.

Leaders of the College of Teachers of Chile (CPC) engaged in a marathon walk to Valparaíso to raise awareness about the status and the importance of the teaching profession.

The Colombian Federation of Education Workers (FECODE) also said that "Valuing the Teacher Voice: Towards a New Social Contract for Education, the theme on World Teachers' Day, underscores the urgency to recognize and benefit from the expertise and contributions they bring to education."

In Dominica, the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) organized a week of celebrations – September 28th to October 5th – with interventions in many radio programs, church services and a key rally on October 4th.

Francophone education unions concerned about the invisibility of the issue of public education

On World Teachers’ Day, the Francophone Trade Union Committee for Education and Training (CSFEF), which brings together the French-speaking member organizations of EI, further expressed concern about “the relegation of educational issues to the background, and the invisibility of the issue of public education. The CSFEF calls for the development of international solidarity and supports public policies in favor of quality public education. At a time when individual and collective freedoms are declining almost everywhere and entire territories are sinking into armed conflict, it is essential to highlight all civil society initiatives that contribute to human development and peace education.”

Considering that unions are structuring elements in terms of social and democratic progress, the CSFEF also called on “the governments of French-speaking states united under the aegis of the International Organization of the Francophonie to bring the values of the Francophonie to life in action.”

Free Palestinian educator Fatima Al-Rimawi

Education unions also seized the opportunity of World Teachers’ Day to recognize teachers that should be in the classroom with their students but cannot be.

SADTU/South Africa, as well as AFT and NEA/USA, called for the release of Fatima Al-Rimawi, a Palestinian educator who has been detained since January.

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