Part 1
Schools are so much more
than just schools. Teachers serve many roles, especially during the recent
pandemic times. Teachers are mentors, psychologists, crisis teams, coaches etc.
Teachers inspire, motivate and guide students through their school time. We all
know how under paid teachers and other educators are all over the world, but
fortunately there are also other ways to show appreciation to the outstanding educators.
In this two-part series of articles we are introducing how educators are
recognized in Estonia, Netherlands, Finland, Iceland and Sweden. In the first
article we will focus on the first two countries’ examples.
Example of Estonia -
Kadri Mettis
Teachers' Day is a day
set up to enhance the teaching profession, i.e. to highlight the challenges and
achievements of the profession. Teachers' Day is celebrated on different days
in different countries; in Estonia it is October 5. On the same day, UNESCO has
been celebrating World Teachers' Day since 1994. It is customary in Estonian
schools for high school graduates to be teachers on that day and to give
lessons themselves.
In the days leading up
to Teachers' Day, it has become customary to recognize and thank teachers both
regionally and nationally - receptions and concerts are organized. There is
also, for example, the nationwide Teacher of the Year award ceremony
"Estonia learns and thanks", where the teacher of the year is chosen.
Teacher of the Year is an honorary title given to a teacher, educator, head of
an educational institution or other educator whose work and personal example
have significantly contributed to the development of young people into diverse
personalities and have had a positive impact on educational, regional or
national life. The Teacher of the Year is selected during the competition.
Candidates can be nominated by students, parents, educators, educators'
associations and collectives, local governments and associations of municipalities,
the management of educational institutions, as well as individuals and other
organizations. The title of Teacher of the Year is given nationwide, at the
county level, and also by local governments and any educational
institution. The award is given out in 12 categories: Kindergarten teacher of
the year, Class teacher of the year, Basic school subject teacher of the year,
High school teacher of the year, Vocational school teacher of the year,
Lecturer of the Year, Support Specialist of the Year, Head of the educational
institution of the year, Act of the year of the educational institution,
Education friend of the year, Lifetime Achievement Award (https://www.hm.ee/et/gala).
Example of The
Netherlands - Ria Bleeker
Many subjects from
Estonia also apply to the Netherlands. Teachers’ day, 5th October, is
celebrated as one of the elements of a whole week of education. During
this week education is emphasised as an important factor in our society.
Celebrations and events in schools and universities such as lectures, speeches,
films and theater are organised. Educators are put in the spotlight and
appreciation from pupils and students are expressed in all sorts of ways.
The teacher of the year
award also applies to The Netherlands in much in the same way as in
Estonia. The teachers of the year are ambassadors for their type of school
during the year. Every two years a school or educational institution is
awarded for a distinct approach, a creative project or for being in the
middle of society. Teachers still in training can be awarded for being a
developing talent.
These were only 2 very
bright examples of how our fellow colleagues in other countries are recognised.
In part two of this series, we will share more great examples of how European
countries are showing teacher appreciation.
