Support Newton Teachers on World Teachers' Day

World Teachers' Day, celebrated on Oct. 5, is a great opportunity to show teachers in the Newton Public Schools how great you think they are. But, the day also takes on a deeper meaning, standing for the protection of teachers' rights.

Since its inception in 1994, World Teachers' Day has had a theme every year. The theme for 2012 is “Take a stand for teachers.”

This day was founded by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Its aim is to educate the public about the conditions of being a teacher around the world, focusing specifically on the protection of teachers' rights, and the proper training, development and status raising of teachers.

UNESCO’s partners in this effort are the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Development Programme, Education International and UNICEF.

Everyone has an educator who has changed his or her life with their kindness, humor or educational impact.

On World Teachers' Day, we can remember them by looking at issues and obstacles they may face, knowing that the brightest and most motivated teachers need to be continually attracted to a profession whose status continually needs improvement socially and monetarily.

Although the Newton Public Schools has a policy against teacher gifts, there are plenty of ways to let teachers know how much you appreciate what they do. A simple note or card is always welcome, or a handmade craft from a student.

A copy of the Newton Public Schools' teacher gift policy is included in the .pdf section above. 

Donations can also be made through individual schools' parent teacher organizations. Check out the Newton PTO Council website for more contact information.

Parents can also donate books to school libraries in honor of a favorite teacher or a donation can be made in a teacher's name to the Newton Schools Foundation (NSF). The NSF's "Honor Thy Teacher" campaign is one way to honor a local teacher. 

More than 100 countries currently observe World Teachers' Day, with many corporate supporters such as Google recognizing the global impact and conditions of teachers.

TELL US: How will you celebrate World Teachers' Day? Give your favorite teachers a shout out in the comments section below.