Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards A New Social Contract for Education

“Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change. Learning is more than absorbing facts, it is acquiring understanding.” - William Arthur Ward. Teachers are the backbone of any society. Unfortunately, in some societies teachers are undervalued and overworked. Notwithstanding, it is always an excellent gesture when teachers are celebrated for their continued sacrifices toward nation building. Perhaps, no other profession plays such a pivotal role in society than that of the teaching profession in scaffolding the society. It is against this background that World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on 5 October to laud all teachers around the globe. The day is set aside to acknowledge how teachers are working assiduously to transform the education system but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to reimagine the way ahead for the profession globally. It is imperative that the voice of the teacher be heard and valued in the decision-making processes that affect their profession. Regrettably, many teachers have succumbed to the bullying tactics of administrators and have remained voiceless not only to their own detriment but that of the profession. This year’s World Teachers’ Day highlights the need to address the systemic challenges teachers experience as well as to establish a more inclusive dialogue about their role in education. The 2024 celebrations will focus on "Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education", underscoring the urgency of calling for and attending to teachers' voices to address their challenges but, most importantly, to acknowledge and benefit from the expert knowledge and input that they bring to education. History of World Teachers Day. This significant day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. It sets standards regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers for their initial preparation, further education, recruitment, employment, and learning conditions.Teachers are worthy of the celebrations that will accompany this significant day. Undoubtedly, many teachers go above and beyond the call of duty. As we commemorate this important day we must always be mindful that many teachers are leaving the profession. The exodus of teachers is not only rooted in the low remuneration and the sub-standard working conditions within the profession but also has its genesis in a culture of disrespect that is lacking in empathy towards educators from various stakeholders. It is essential that teachers must first value their own voices before expecting anyone else to do so. What is a social contract? Social Contract Theory is the idea that society exists because of an implicitly agreed-to set of standards that provide moral and political rules of behaviour. Sadly, in many societies there is a trust deficit. Once this occurs the idea of a social contract becomes problematic. Teachers also need to pay attention to both their mental and physical health in order to give of their best to their students. Teachers should be encouraged to take their vacation leave when it is due. The powers that be should not use malice and spite to deny teachers of their vacation. Without a doubt, governments need to interrogate the teaching profession in an effort to identify what variables are required in order to improve the plight of teachers. Do you remember your favourite teacher? We all can identify that one teacher who inspired, encouraged and played a significant role in our development. On this World Teachers Day, we pause to pay tribute to all the incredible and dedicated educators who continue to shape young minds and not so young minds for a better future and indeed a better world. Teachers are heroes. In the words of Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldTeachersDay