On this year’s World Teachers’ Day, celebrated under the theme “Valuing teacher voices: Towards a new social contract for education,” we are called to acknowledge the critical importance of elevating teachers’ voices in shaping the future of education. In Kenya and across the globe, teachers are at the heart of educational systems, and their insights are indispensable in addressing the challenges facing education today. UNESCO’s 2024 theme highlights the urgency of listening to teachers, not only to address their struggles but also to harness their expert knowledge in creating a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
As the world confronts the persistent issue of teacher shortages, as well as the ongoing struggles within classrooms, it is more important than ever to engage with teachers and incorporate their experiences into policy and practice. Teachers are not only educational policy implementers but also powerful advocates for what works in classrooms. Their voices should be heard if we are to develop a new social contract for education—one that is equitable, inclusive, and transformative.
In Kenya, the findings from the Modelling practicum-based teacher professional development programs in Africa and moving them to Scale – Systematic Review Report on Gender Mainstreaming in Education offer vital insights into the potential solutions for empowering teachers. One such solution is school-based mentorship (SBM), which provides teachers with collaborative platforms to enhance their skills. According to the report, “SBM fosters mentor-mentee relationships that enable student teachers to learn from experienced teachers, thus developing their pedagogical and classroom management skills.”
By integrating mentorship with reflective practice, teachers can continuously improve their methods, thereby contributing to a more resilient education system.
Additionally, peer observation and collaborative learning are key strategies that foster growth. The report notes, “Reciprocal peer mentorship and reflective practice offer opportunities for both new and experienced teachers to provide and receive feedback, enhancing their professional development and psychosocial well-being.” These methods, combined with a focus on listening to and valuing teacher voices, can be transformative in addressing teacher shortages while improving education quality.
This year’s UNESCO theme calls for a shift in how we view and treat teachers. Listening to their voices—understanding their challenges and appreciating their contributions—is critical in rebuilding education systems that work for everyone. Teachers have expert knowledge from their firsthand experiences in classrooms, and by valuing their insights, we can co-create policies that genuinely improve the learning environment for both students and educators.
As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2024, let’s commit to addressing the structural challenges faced by teachers and valuing their input in shaping the future of education. Teachers are not just professionals delivering content—they are central to building the resilient, inclusive, and equitable educational systems we aspire to.