The Department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, in collaboration with Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) IIUI, organized a Panel Discussion to commemorate World Teachers Day Oct 05, 2023 on the theme: “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.” This theme provoked the urgent need to address the decline in the number of teachers worldwide and emphasized the importance of attracting, retaining, and motivating educators to ensure quality education for all.
The event was aimed to pay tribute to teachers, teacher educators and prospective teachers as October 5 is a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming the education system and to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their knowledge and skills. On the occasion achievements of educators all around the globe were also highlighted.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Raheman, Vice President (Academics), IIUI paid rich tribute to the global teachers’ community through standing ovation. Addressing the participants Dr. Abdul Raheman said that teachers play a pivotal role in imparting quality education and they are the main source of inspiration for their students.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, Director General, Islamic Research Institute (IRI), IIUI addressed the audience through his insightful words and poetic verses. He said that Primary school teachers play a crucial role in the personality development of students. Dr. Zia added that hard work and dedication is the sole key to success while, capacity building is essential to combat the concurrent challenges of life.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, Dean FoE, IIUI motivated the students to be devoted to studies and keep in mind the attribute of respect for teachers. He viewed that teachers and students are the real hope of a bright future. He said teachers should be respected, because they uphold the students by acting as a source of inspiration for the students and nurture their success and capacity to comprehend the complexities of life.
Dr. Muhammad Azhar Mahmood, Chairperson, Department of Educational Leadership & Management (ELM), IIUI shared the importance of teaching profession and paid tribute to teachers through poetic verses.
Dr. Fouzia Ajmal, Assistant Professor/Focal Person of the event, IIUI moderated the panel discussion. She briefed about the historical background of celebrating World Teachers’ Day, importance of teaching profession and the purpose of organizing panel discussion. She also expressed that teachers have a huge responsibility for nation building and no nation can achieve its goals without the role of teachers.
Faculty members and students also paid rich tributes to the teachers’ contribution and services. Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Assistant Professor/Incharge Programs, Dept. of Teacher Education paid tribute to all educators’ community. He also highlighted the challenges and problems faced by the teachers. Dr. Zafar Iqbal laid emphasis on the role and responsibilities of teachers in the perspective of Islamic teachings. MS scholars; Ms. Isra Abbasi, Ms. Marya Akhlaque, Ms. Ghazal Kaleem, Ms. Qudsia Shami and Ms. Kanwal Naz also paid insightful tributes through their creative poetry. Furthermore, scholars of MS Teacher Education (2nd semester) distributed cards among the teachers to pay warm tribute.
Sub-theme of the panel discussion included the importance of the Teaching Profession and ways to enhance the status and perception of the teaching profession in the societal view. The panelists included Dr. Khalid Mehmood Secretary NACTE, Syed Hassan Aftab Director IRD IIUI, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Dean, Faculty of Education, FoE IIUI and Dr. Shamsa Aziz Chairperson Department of Teacher Education, IIUI.
On this occasion, Dr. Khalid Mehmood, Secretary, Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (NACTE). opined that in Pakistan, teaching is not given the status of profession as compared to other professions; NACTE is striving hard to promote the notion of quality education through National Professional Standards. Role of leadership is essential in ensuring the status of the teaching profession.
Dean, FoE emphasized on the importance of ethical and professional conduct. He also stressed on attaining respect through positivity among the society. Syed Hassan Aftab highlighted the misconceptions about teachers and teaching profession. He discussed about the Islamic philosophy and the key attributes needed by contemporary teachers. Materialism and lack of moral values are allied causes of low quality of teacher education, he said. Dr. Shamsa Aziz emphasized on the pivotal responsibility of parents and teachers in ensuring respect toward the noble profession. She viewed that if we respect ourselves then society would acknowledge the status of teachers and teaching as a profession.
Panelists concluded that teachers are spiritual parents of students who upraise their pupils from ground to sky and inculcate the traditions, customs, values, arts and moralities. They added that Teachers’ day must highlight the fact that teachers must be empowered as a critical step towards quality education and sustainable societies.
Dr. Shamsa Aziz, Chairperson, Department of Teacher Education, IIUI appreciated the hard work of the organizing team, faculty members, staff members. She exclusively applauded the collaboration of the IRD team in making the event successful. The event was largely participated by students, staff and faculty members of both the departments. Certificates were also distributed among the faculty members to pay homage and encouragement. Cake cutting ceremony was also held to mark the successful completion of one year of the Department of Teacher Education.