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The 5th of October is a day to celebrate and acknowledge teachers and the critical role they play in all realms of education. On its 16th anniversary, this year's World Teachers' Day theme focuses on two key issues in education: the global teacher shortage and the challenges of being a teacher in tough economic times.

A Critical Investment

In order to reach the Education For All (EFA) goals of universal primary education and improved quality of education by 2015, UNESCO notes that, "sustained investment is required to develop a well-trained and motivated teaching force. An estimated 10.3 million new teachers must be recruited worldwide... At a time when the global economic slowdown risks putting tight constraints on education budgets, it is critical that governments support the recruitment, training and professional development of teachers."

To learn more about World Teachers' Day and issues affecting teachers:

• View UNESCO's statistics on the Global Demand for Teachers (pdf)
• Check out Education International's World Teachers' Day posters
• Read more about Education for All and the critical role teachers play in achieving its goals
• Find out how the global economic crisis is affecting EFA goals
• Read an AED study on Recruiting, Retaining, and Retraining Secondary School Teachers and Principals in Sub-Saharan Africa (pdf)
• Check out OECD's Attracting, Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers - Final Report: Teachers Matter
• Visit id21's site to read More and better teachers needed: Achieving quality education for all