A world of thanks to our teachers!

Today, October 5, is World Teachers' Day and the Vancouver School District is sharing gratitude and admiration for the work teachers do each and every day.

Teaching is a calling. It stands in a class of its own as profession, as a vocation, as a career. To teach, is to connect with each student, to be a guide on their educational journeys. Today, and every day, teachers within the District are commended for their dedication, passion and commitment to this calling.

In recognition of the work of teachers and the positive impact teachers have on students, the District has issued a proclamation marking the day, and created a new student scholarship in honour of all District teachers.

"We wanted to acknowledge the collective impact teachers at every level have on students and approached our partners at the Vancouver Teachers' Federation, with the scholarship idea," explains Suzanne Hoffman, Superintendent.

Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to students at the end of each school year. Application criteria will include academic achievement as well as a reflection submission on how teachers have impacted applicants' educational experience in elementary or secondary school. The scholarship will be available to students of District secondary schools, the Vancouver Learning Network, Alternative and Adult Education programs.

"The District has a vision to inspire student success by providing innovative, caring and responsive learning environments," says Hoffman. "Attaining our vision depends on teachers who share their expertise, enthusiasm and dedication in classrooms and schools throughout the District."

The many contributions by teachers connect to Goal 1 of the District's 2021 Strategic Plan: to engage our learners through innovative teaching and learning practices. And, they also reflect Objective 5 (Goal 2): to encourage and appreciate the contributions made by the District's students, families, employee groups and community partners.

World Teachers' Day was first held in 1994 to acknowledge the joint UNESCO and International Labour Organization signing of the Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers.

In the coming months, the District will also celebrate a day recognizing support staff (November 5)and a day recognizing administrative and management staff (December 5).