Ei-iE

What is quality education? This is the question members of the Independent Education Union (IEU), affiliated to Education International (EI), are debating today and tomorrow in Sydney, to celebrate World Teachers’ Day on 5 October.

At the conference, teachers, principals, and support staff are analysing elements of quality education, such as teacher development and recognition, early childhood education, and the support and funding necessary to ensure quality outcomes for students with disabilities.

The IEU National Conference will highlight the crucial role that teachers, and those who support teaching, play in the delivery of quality education.

The conference will hear from national and international academics and practitioners, including: Ged Kearney, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions; Paul Goulter, National Secretary of NZEI Te Riu Roa, an EI affiliate from New Zealand; Dr Sean Kearney, Associate Dean, School of Education, University of Notre Dame, Australia; Ian Dalton, Executive Director of the Australian Parents’ Council; and Lawrence Ingvarson, Research Director at the Australian Council for Educational Research.

Teachers and conference participants will hold up signs spelling out their feelings about quality education.

Much to be proud of

“There is much to celebrate on World Teachers’ Day. As well as sound academic results, Australian schools continue to be a vibrant and diverse society,” IEU Assistant Federal Secretary Christine Cooper said. “The work of our teachers and those who support teachers ensures that the Australian education system continues to be the best in the world.

“Our teachers can be proud of the role they play in our communities and in their classrooms. Our society can be proud also,” she added.

The IEU rally will form part of the global EI Unite for Quality Education campaign which has involved actions from education unions across the world.

Further details about the IEU National conference and the Unite campaign can be found on www.educationforall.com.au

World Teachers’ Day

Quality education will also be a focus point during World Teachers’ Day, on 5 October, when teachers around the globe will be celebrated in classrooms, villages, and cities for their tireless dedication to the profession.

To make 5 October a day to remember, EI is calling on all members and colleagues to participate by having their voices heard to ensure that world leaders know how important a quality teacher is in helping students reach their full potential.

EI is asking everyone to ‘Push the Button’ by emailing, texting, or tweeting messages of support for quality education directly to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Click here for more information.