JTC celebrates World Teachers’ Day on October 5

The Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) will join the global education community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day (WTD) 2025 on Sunday, October 5 under the theme ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’.

Chief Executive Officer of the JTC, Dr Winsome Gordon, said that this year’s observance highlights the transformative power of partnership in education and recognises the tireless efforts of teachers, who continue to shape Jamaica’s future through innovation, resilience, and unity.“In Jamaica, collaboration is not just a concept; it is the cornerstone of professional practice. From the induction of new teachers to the integration of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), educators are encouraged to work together across subjects and levels,” she said.

Dr Gordon pointed out that the JTC supports this cooperation through subject associations, mentoring networks, and initiatives like the Digital Jamaica Project, which fosters information and communications technology (ICT) collaboration among college lecturers.

“The JTC remains committed to cultivating a culture of collaboration in education. Through technology, mentorship, and inclusive decision-making, the Council will continue to create spaces where teachers can connect, learn, and lead together,” she said.

To spotlight educators and promote the theme of partnership, several celebratory activities will be undertaken by the JTC on Sunday.

These include a published newspaper supplement featuring messages and stories of excellence, a World Teachers’ Day church service at the East Queen Street Baptist Church starting at 9 a.m., and teacher excellence awards ceremonies across the education regions.

In addition, electronic displays will be mounted across the island showcasing messages of appreciation and celebration of teachers, and the day will culminate with an online ‘Fireside Chat’ on the theme ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’, offering insights and dialogue on the future of education.

World Teachers’ Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1994, commemorates the 1966 International Labour Organization (ILO)/UNESCO recommendations concerning the status of teachers.

These standards have guided the professional development, recruitment, and working conditions of educators worldwide. In 1997, higher education teachers were formally included, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across all levels of education.