Minister of Education commemorates World Teachers Day

WORLD TEACHERS' DAY ~ LEARNING IN CRISIS, RE IMAGINING THE FUTURE ~ The Minister of Education, from the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic has maintained, that education must continue. The most valuable important contributor to ensuring that education continues is the TEACHER. And teachers, took the charge of learning new technical skills and teaching and sharing these skills with not only students, but parents as well. As the Education Sector became intimately acquainted with the terms Distance Learning, Blended Learning and more….. Teachers were and continue to be at the fore. Today, October 5 is World Teachers’ Day.  This is a very special day for teachers around the world and St. Maarten is no exception. Teachers play a significant role in molding the lives of our children. Teachers provide an invaluable service and contribution to the development of the human resources on St. Maarten. A joint statement from UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF AND Education International states and I quote, "In this crisis, teachers have shown, as they have done so often, great leadership and innovation in ensuring that #LearningNeverStops, that no learner is left behind. Around the world, they have worked individually and collectively to find solutions and create new learning environments for their students to allow education to continue. Their role advising on school reopening plans and supporting students with the return to school is just as important.” As Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, I too want to echo these sentiments and thank our teachers for the exceptional work they have been doing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Today as we mark world Teacher’s Day, I ask the community of Sint Maarten, and the rest of the world to take time out and appreciate a teacher today. The COVID 19 virus has interrupted our way of providing education and has exposed the value of a teacher to parents in a very tangible way.  Parents are faced with the enormous challenge of creating the work environment of a teacher at home, and have to do part of the work of a teacher while also maintaining the role of parent. Parents you are asked today to show your appreciation to teacher today. You can call the teacher, write to the teacher or in any way you feel. On this international day, I would like also like the persons in our community to remember a teacher, or teachers who made a difference in their lives. Send a congratulatory message or tribute to this teacher(s) thanking them for their hard work. Let us Take a Stand for Teachers for their ability to adapt to online learning during this pandemic and continuing to provide quality education to their students. Let us Take a Stand for Teachers for their ability to be innovative, find solutions, and create new learning opportunities and experiences for their students. Let us Take a Stand for Teachers for their dedication and commitment to their students. Let us Take a Stand for Teachers for ensuring that their students reach their full potential. Let us Take a Stand for Teachers! As Minister of Education Culture Youth and Sport, I want to firstly thank all of the teachers of Sint Maarten for their untiring efforts in educating the next generation, particularly during this crisis. As a teacher you do many things besides teaching, at school. You are also the parent, the confidant, social worker and friend of our students. Today it is important for you to know that as a community, Sint Maarten acknowledges the outstanding work that you continue to do and thanks you. On behalf of myself, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Sint Maarten, we express sincere gratitude today by standing still, for a moment, and honoring you on World Teacher’s Day. Happy World Teachers’ Day to all teachers.  Thank you for all that you do.