While teachers deserve to be celebrated every day, the calendar, fortunately, designates a few different holidays dedicated to celebrating their tireless work. One of these days falls on the 5th of this month. While it isn’t a public holiday, each year on October 5th, we observe International Teacher’s Day where we honor the teachers of the world who play a tremendous role in igniting our children’s passions and guiding them through their journey of self-discovery. Established in 1994, it commemorates the signing of a recommendation by the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Observing this day each year serves as an important reminder of the profound impact educators have both on our lives and our future.
While students typically spend most of their time in school, recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics highlights that the average student in the US devotes at least five hours per week to participating in extracurricular activities. This illustrates the amount of time students may spend with other teachers and mentors beyond the classroom walls. Every engagement students partake in is crucial to their holistic development, contributing to the diverse paths they take on their journey of self-discovery. Among the inspiring educators mentioned, dance teachers are instrumental figures when it comes to the trajectory of students’ growth.
Dance teachers stand out as guiding lights amidst the important figures in students’ lives. Aside from a dance teacher’s unique ability to mold skilled dancers, their impact goes far beyond technique and choreography. Not only do they play a special part in educating students about the world of dance, they also serve as mentors and role models for students to look up to and turn to for support. Dance teachers pass on lessons that extend past the studio walls and out into the world, such as the values of dedication, teamwork and perseverance so students can blossom into well-rounded individuals. By providing a safe space for self-expression, dance teachers foster creativity, confidence, discipline and a deep love for the art form of dance and self-expression.
As the world collectively pauses on International Teacher’s Day to express our gratitude to every one of the beacons of light in the world of education, it is important to extend this appreciation to the dance teachers who transform our lives through their art and mentorship.Thank you for not only nurturing our children’s dance skills but also their aspirations, confidence, character and lifelong appreciation for the magic of art in motion.
