October 05, 2012
Friday

World Teachers’ Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of teachers across the globe. Education is recognized worldwide as the most important driver of economic growth and social change, and teachers are the ones leading the way.

Teachers empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century. They connect them to people, languages, and experiences beyond their home borders. Recognizing the invaluable contributions and expertise of educators across America and around the world, our Department has gathered teachers from coast to coast and worldwide to share effective methods that encourage labor management collaboration and elevate the teaching profession. Their work has inspired our most recent initiative to transform the teaching profession, which we call the RESPECT Project.

In meeting with thousands of teachers, I am continually inspired by their vision and enthusiasm for what we can do to make the world’s most important profession also its most respected one. Education is essential to eliminating gender inequality, reducing poverty, creating a sustainable planet and fostering peace. In the knowledge economy, education is the new currency by which nations maintain economic competitiveness and global prosperity. On World Teachers’ Day we recognize that our great teachers make these goals possible.

Arne Duncan
Washington, D.C.

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