Thought For The Day – Monday 5^th October 2026

Today is “World Teachers Day”. 

This year, this important global day celebrates its 60^th anniversary.

The theme for 2026 is: “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status, and shaping our futures.”

We, and society, value the caring and nurturing profession of teaching. Just as we value life itself.

We celebrate, and give thanks, and much appreciation,  for, all who teach, and all who learn,  locally, nationally, and internationally.

We seek to ensure the wonderful opportunity to teach and learn is extended to all and for all, thinking about those who do not have such opportunities.

The English word ‘teach’, is derived from the Old English “tæcan”, which means “to show, point out, or demonstrate’’.

Interestingly, the root meaning of the word “teacher” suggests anyone, of any age, at any time, can teach.

Therefore, we always remember, and greatly respect,  those that educate at every age, and in every area of society:  at home;  in the community;  with all schools and places of learning;  in employment.

Today we must also remember all staff who work in, and with,  an educational context.

For teaching, like coaching, is a team game, where support staff as well as players, or students, are paramount and equally vital.

There can be one without the other.

Without administration, caretaking, catering, cleaning, finance, grounds, supply, support, technology, and tickets staff, not to mention officials, referees, supporters, and volunteers,  there is no game, no stadium, and no club for the players and the coaches.

It takes everyone.

We stand on the shoulders of those giants, including, and especially, homes and families.

In all the above, it is never a one-way street.

“Teaching teacheth the teacher”, states the proverb.   For sure, teachers also constantly and continually learn.

The teacher is also the student. Of the subject. Of the life.

Socrates, a philosopher in Ancient Greece, “taught” through asking probing questions of people.  It is an engaging pedagogical method which continues today, though Socrates’ “classroom” was the “Agora”, or marketplace, of Athens. But, when a priestess in Delphi, in Ancient Greece,  said Socrates was “the wisest man in Athens”,  Socrates was greatly perplexed. Socrates could only, humbly,  conclude that, if was, to a certain degree,  wise, it was only because he knew he knew nothing.