Today marks World Teachers' Day 2021. This year's theme ’Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery,’ focuses on the support teachers currently need to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and to perform their profession to the fullest. Teachers are among the most important stakeholders who have a major impact on children and youth. But, have you ever wondered just what is that impact that teachers have?
Schools influence children's development, prosocial attitudes, and behaviors. Children learn from teachers that acceptable attitudes, morals, and behaviors in their culture are essential to lead safe and happy lives. A teacher's positive influence and a supportive school atmosphere can increase children’s resilience towards risky behaviors.
The first step towards a strong bond between children and teachers is listening with empathy and care. Curriculums with interactive activities support personal and social skill development facilitate students’ active participation, and enhance school attachments.
This positive impact is essential, and teachers should be protected, supported, and further improve their skills with support from evidence-based prevention programs. Meaningful, science-based prevention strategies, offering high-quality early childhood education consistent with the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Prevention and ‘Listen First’ help keep children in school and have positive effects that will last into adulthood.
We all share the common goal of helping children and young people grow up safe, healthy and happy. So today, let us think about one of the most important stakeholders - teachers - to support them in reaching their full potential.
Made possible with the generous support of France.