NASSAU, The Bahamas – “Teacher, teacher, you’re a star, how I love the way you are, up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky. Teacher, teacher you’re a star, how I love the way you are.”

Led by Nathaniel Adams Jr., a music teacher, on his drum, and sung by students of Claridge Primary School to the tune of the popular poem and lullaby ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ this was just one way in which teachers were honoured on World Teachers’ Day in The Bahamas.

Along with more than 100 countries recognizing World Teachers’ Day (WTD) Monday, October 19^th, 2019, public schools throughout the island celebrated teachers for their unselfish, dedicated commitment to the teaching profession.

Since October 5, 1994, WTD has commemorated the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers that sets forth the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, teaching and learning conditions. The 2019 theme is “Young Teachers: The future of the Profession.”

 According to UNESCO, WTD is an opportunity to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide, to take stock of achievements, and to address some of the issues central for attracting and keeping the brightest minds and young talents in the profession.

The 2019 World Teachers’ Day message underscores the urgent need for more teachers to join the profession as it is “under threat”.  

The 2019 Concept Paper presented by UNESCO for WTD emphasizes that time must be taken to examine the future of the profession and the role of young teachers in it - taking on board the changing climate of education and schooling, the need to draw in and retain a new generation of dedicated educators, and to prepare them for the 21^st century challenges of ‘teaching in diversity’ and ‘diversity in teaching.’

Teachers at C. I. Gibson Senior High School were celebrated in grand style during Monday’s assembly. Students clapped and cheered as their classmates escorted the teachers into the gymnasium. The students made special presentations in praise of their teachers through poetry, songs and selections by the school’s band.

Similarly, at Claridge Primary School, the students expressed appreciation to their teachers in prayer, dance, poetry and songs during assembly.

Mr. Adams, guest speaker, in his words of encouragement, urged the teachers to work hard, to work smart and to remember that the classroom is not the limit, but just the beginning.

Each teacher was presented with a carnation and token gifts by the school’s administrators.

The celebrations concluded with a tribute by student drummers.

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Caption

Gavin Tynes Primary students celebrate World Teachers’ Day in The Bahamas, Monday, October 7, 2019.  (BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)