Tag: world teachers day
The CTF/FCE Announces the 2026 Norm Goble World Teachers’ Day Award Recipients
Ottawa, October 5, 2026 – The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Norm Goble World Teachers’ Day Award, recognizing their efforts to defend and promote the teaching profession and advance quality public education that is inclusive and accessible to all.
Established in 2014 and named in honour of Dr. Norman Goble, this award is presented annually to support CTF/FCE international partners in organizing activities to mark World Teachers’ Day (WTD).
Inspired by the 2026 CTF/FCE World Teachers’ Day theme, “Thank You for Brightening our Future,” this year’s recipients developed themes and initiatives that reflect their unique contexts and priorities. Their activities celebrate teachers and their lasting impact on students, communities, and public education. Their work reflects the spirit of WTD: recognizing and supporting the people who make learning and a brighter future possible.
The 2026 recipients are the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the Syndicat national des enseignants africains du Burkina (SNEA-B), and the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU). Each organization received $1,500 to support its World Teachers’ Day initiatives.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)
In collaboration with the National Teaching Council, GNAT is organizing a weeklong WTD celebration under their theme: “Empowering Teachers: Architects of the Future”. Activities will include a parade float through the main streets of Accra; a grand celebration at GNAT headquarters, alongside regional and district celebrations; and a two-day symposium celebrating teachers and advocating for policies that promote professional development and teacher well-being. As part of its WTD celebrations, GNAT is also funding the construction of an additional classroom in two schools, as well as providing 50 children in need with school uniforms and educational resources.
The Syndicat national des enseignants africains du Burkina (SNEA-B)
The theme for this year’s SNEA-B WTD event is “My Classroom, My School, My Impact”. The event is designed to highlight the professionalism, creativity, and dedication of teachers in Burkina Faso and will give them the opportunity to showcase concrete initiatives they have implemented in their classrooms, schools, and communities. These initiatives aim to improve learning, foster inclusion and support vulnerable students with a particular focus on promoting reading and literacy, gender equality, and environmental protection, while strengthening ties between schools and communities. Through this event, SNEA-B seeks to demonstrate that teachers are not merely part of the educational system, but skilled professionals who innovate, adapt, and develop solutions to the challenges they encounter in their schools and classrooms. The SNEA-B aims to shine a light on what teachers accomplish every day and the positive impact they have on their students, schools, and communities.
The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU)
The UNATU WTD initiative will unfold in a two-phase celebration. The first, “Things teachers want the public to know about being a teacher in Uganda”, will provide teachers with a platform to share their perspectives on the profession they have chosen, including its responsibilities, its contribution to society, and the realities that shape their daily work. The responses will be reviewed and compiled into a national online advocacy resource, helping to raise public awareness and deepen understanding of the teaching profession in Uganda. The second phase will focus on training and supporting UNATU members while laying the foundation for a comprehensive UNATU Teachers’ Information Toolkit. The questions teachers raise, areas where they seek greater understanding, and the practical information and tools they identify as most valuable will help shape the toolkit.
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day also marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. As the CTF/FCE and Education International celebrate this anniversary, the Norm Goble Award is a reminder of the solidarity that connects teacher organizations around the world and of their shared commitment to strengthening the profession and public education.
About the Norm Goble World Teachers’ Day Award
The award honours Dr. Norman Goble, who served as the CTF/FCE Secretary General from 1970 to 1982 and played a pivotal role in establishing World Teachers’ Day in 1994. Dr. Goble’s work continues to inspire the global education community, and the CTF/FCE is committed to supporting partner organizations that carry on this legacy by celebrating teachers and advocating for public education.
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About the Canadian Teachers’ Federation
Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 370,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 33-million educators.
Media Contact
Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs
Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE)
nquintao@ctf-fce.ca
Mobile: 613-688-4319
Thank You for Brightening our Future
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day (WTD) theme of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, “Thank You for Brightening our Future,” celebrates the profound impact teachers have on students and the future they help shape. One student at a time, teachers spark curiosity, build confidence, and empower young people to thrive, helping to create a brighter future for all.
WTD Toolkit: Ready-to-Share Assets
To help you take part, we’ve created a World Teachers’ Day Toolkit with graphics and sample messages you can use right away. Please share the toolkit within your networks.
When posting on social media, remember to tag the CTF/FCE and include the hashtag #WorldTeachersDay to connect with the global conversation.
What’s inside the toolkit
- Downloadable graphics for social media
- Sample appreciation messages and post captions
“Light the Path Forward” Challenge
Teachers help illuminate the path forward for generations to come. This WTD, show your appreciation by recognizing a colleague who is helping to brighten our future and pass it on! We invite you to share your nominations up until October 5, 2026.
How to participate
- Choose a colleague you’d like to thank for the positive difference they make – big or small, through a specific accomplishment or their everyday commitment to students and public education.
- Give them a shout out in any of the following ways:
- Record a short video message to share on social media.
- Make a post on social media.
- Send them a personal message by text or email.
- Encourage your nominee to continue the chain by recognizing another educator.
- If you post on social media, be sure to use the hashtag #WorldTeachersDay, tag the CTF/FCE, and share your post with your nominee (by tagging or sending it to them).
Sample Message:
Hi, I’m [your name], [your role]. I’m recognizing [their name] as a part of the World Teachers’ Day “Light the Path” challenge because [they/she/he] is helping to brighten our future by [reason].
[Name of nominee], thank you for brightening our future! Now I challenge you to nominate a colleague.
Join us in celebrating the educators who are helping brighten our future, one student at a time!
About World Teachers’ Day
This year is a notable year because it marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. In adopting this recommendation, governments unanimously recognized the importance for society to have competent, qualified, and dedicated teachers.
Working with Education International, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation lobbied for the creation of WTD, which UNESCO inaugurated in 1994.
Each year, WTD renews a simple promise: to recognize and support the people who make learning and a brighter future possible.
Making Lives Better!
October 5 is a global celebration of the teaching profession. Since its inauguration in 1994, World Teachers’ Day (WTD) has highlighted the vital contributions of teachers and the immense value they bring to our lives. The Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) is excited to share details about this year’s WTD under our theme “Making Lives Better.”
Teachers’ influence extends far beyond the classroom—they support students, strengthen families, and enrich our communities. On October 5, we honour the educators who show up every day with care, courage, and creativity, leaving a profoundly positive impact on society.
Digital Campaign: Celebrate, Uplift, Amplify
This year’s WTD campaign is entirely digital. Through storytelling and online engagement, we aim to recognize and uplift teachers while raising public awareness about the importance of protecting and strengthening public education.
We know public education faces challenges. For World Teachers’ Day, our goal is simple and hopeful: show teachers that they are seen, valued, and celebrated.
Join us in building a wave of positive messages across your platforms in the days leading up to October 5.
How to participate
- Share a story about a teacher who made your life better.
- Post messages of appreciation using the hashtags #BecauseOfATeacher and #WorldTeachersDay. Don’t forget to tag the CTF/FCE!
- Encourage your network to add their voices and spread the celebration.
WTD Toolkit: Ready-to-Share Assets
To help you take part, we’ve created a World Teachers’ Day Toolkit with graphics and sample messages you can use right away. Please share the toolkit within your networks.
When posting on social media, remember to tag the CTF/FCE and include the hashtags #BecauseOfATeacher and #WorldTeachersDay to connect with the global conversation.
What’s inside the toolkit
- Downloadable graphics for social media
- Sample appreciation messages and post captions
About World Teachers’ Day
World Teachers’ Day (WTD) is celebrated annually on October 5, the anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. In adopting this recommendation, governments recognized how essential it is for society to have competent, qualified, and motivated teachers—an insight that remains as true today as ever.
Working with Education International (EI), the CTF/FCE lobbied for the creation of WTD, which UNESCO inaugurated in 1994.
Each year, WTD renews a simple promise: to recognize and support the people who make learning—and brighter futures—possible.