World Teachers' Day a Time to Recognize Contributions of Teachers

ETFO members are engaged locally and internationally

TORONTO , Oct. 1 /CNW/ - Members of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will join their teacher colleagues worldwide on October 5 to celebrate World Teachers' Day, a day set aside to acknowledge the contributions of teachers to education, their students, and their communities.

Internationally and through their professional development activities, ETFO members are building resources that address the education needs of elementary students.

"Our members support teachers in many countries through our Humanity Fund, Project Overseas, Education International, and the Canadian Teachers' Federation," said ETFO President Sam Hammond .

Using the resources of ETFO members who contribute through payroll deductions, the Humanity Fund supports children and teachers in many countries, enriching their lives and their communities.

Through Project Overseas and the Canadian Teachers' Federation, ETFO members share their knowledge and skills with their teacher colleagues in developing countries. This year, ETFO sponsored 12 Project Overseas participants to deliver professional development in a wide variety of subject areas.

ETFO members are lifelong learners, taking part in ongoing professional development on a voluntary basis to address their professional learning needs.

"Our members participate in a variety of professional development programs offered by ETFO to build their professional expertise so that the students of Ontario receive the best possible education. They do this at their personal expense and often on their own time," said Hammond.

World Teachers' Day, first proclaimed in 1994 by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Educational International (EI), celebrates the important contributions teachers make to society, worldwide.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 73,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada .

For further information: Sam Hammond, President, ETFO, [phone] (Office); Larry Skory, ETFO Communications, [phone] (Office), [phone] (Cell)