October 4th, 2018

On October 5th, we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a day where we acknowledge the dedication and passion of our educators. This morning, 64,000 students across Waterloo Region made their way to school. They walked with their friends, rode their bikes, or boarded a school bus. They entered classrooms excited and ready to learn. In each classroom, our incredible teachers have lessons prepared, smiles on their faces, and are ready to start the day. They are the foundation of education.

World Teachers’ Day is a day devoted to showing our appreciation for educators around the world. The theme for this year, “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher” was developed by UNESCO in order to remind us all that the right to an education is not possible without qualified teachers. It is an opportunity to reflect on the critical role each educator holds.

The teachers in our district explore many professional learning opportunities throughout the year, expand their knowledge, support our strategic plan, and acquire new skills that benefit the learning outcomes of their students. On their own time, they organize clubs that support students’ interests and coach teams which foster good sportsmanship and build important life skills. But most importantly, they create safe, equitable and inclusive learning environments where students can succeed and reach their potential.

I would like to wish all of our teachers and educators a Happy World Teachers’ Day. You provide value and enrichment to our students, our community, and our future. Thank you for all you do as you lead the way for our students – each and every one.

John Bryant
Director of Education
Waterloo Region District School Board

To celebrate World Teachers’ Day, we talked to our students. See what they had to say about what makes a great teacher.