World Teachers' Day

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 5, 2011) - Every year around the globe, October 5^th marks World Teachers' Day. On this day parents, students and communities celebrate the efforts of teachers to not only educate and nurture their students, but to champion education for all.

This year's theme of equity and inclusion builds on the historic struggle for gender equality in the teaching profession. Worldwide, educators have often been in the forefront of the struggle for human rights and equality. Teachers also integrate equity across the curriculum to meet the needs of their diverse students and schools.

"World Teachers' Day provides an opportunity for people to recognize the depth and breadth of the skills and commitment of our teachers," said Ken Coran, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO). "Public Education begins in the early years of a child's life, and continues after post-secondary education, with adult learners and re-training programs."

"I am proud of the work that all our members do, and join the rest of the world today in praising their efforts and achievements," said Coran.

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.