Teachers Matter
We learn from you. Thank you
- Available in:
- English
- Македонски
- Shqip
As children grow, they need an education with meaningful learning outcomes, broader skills, values and experiences to help them develop a growth mindset. But when we talk about quality education, we often get caught up on the things we can see, like classroom sizes, hours of instruction, the curricular, the physical space and now with COVID-19 pandemic the digital platforms used in virtual learning.
All these factors are important, but what makes the biggest difference to student learning outcomes is quality and competence of teaching. How teachers think, their own mindsets, how they make daily judgements, the passion they have for teaching and the expectations that they have for students – often higher than those that students have for themselves.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, North Macedonia was facing a learning crisis with more than half of all fifteen-year-olds in the country failing to meet basic proficiency levels in reading and math according to the latest PISA results. Building on the recommendation of an UNICEF supported OECD Review of Evaluation and Assessment in Education we’re calling on partners to take action to support and motivate teachers to harness their intellect, wisdom, intuition, passion and creativity.
- Invest in a merit-based career advancement system that will promote the best teachers into teacher-mentors and teacher-advisors;
- Support and enhance teacher run communities of best practice;
- Strengthen the initial training of new teachers and quality and quantity of the mandatory professional development that the current teachers are obliged to allocate time to.
- Recognize and reward teachers for the important role that they play in society, in delivering quality education and helping children fulfill their potential.
What makes a great teacher?
We asked students to share their views and showed their response to their teachers.
Talks with Teachers
We talked with teachers about the role of teachers, what it means to be a great teacher, the challenges they face and what motivates them.
Teaching is not a profession. It’s a way of life
Elizabeta Sekirarska has been teaching for over 30 years. For her great teachers transforms brains to minds.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
Teaching is about dedicating your life to new generations
Satki Ismaili has been teaching for over 35 years. Learning maths with Satki
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
Great teachers spark conversations with their students
Sergej Damovski, an art teacher from Skopje believes that above all, teachers must create a sense of trust. Great teachers trigger conversations to find answers to the questions students raise.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
We can’t just be teachers; we have many roles
Adelina Ajdari, a geography teacher from Kumanovo believes teachers need to take on the role of psychologists, pedagogues, sometimes even parents.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
A teacher’s job is not just a work process; it is a work of art
Meli Jakupi is a high school teacher from Gostivar. For him being a teacher, means having a code of ethics that distinguishes you from the others.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
Great teachers learn from their students
For Goce Bumbarovski, a primary school teacher from Prilep, great teachers know how to engage learners, they give attention to helping students develop emotional intelligence, build friendships, and learn from their students.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
Teachers play an important role in creating our future society
Suzana Cherepnalkovska, a high school teacher from Skopje understands the critical role teachers play in delivering quality education and helping children fulfill their potential.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
Great teachers create a sense of belonging
Sonja Cicimova, a primary school teacher from Strumica, believes that great teachers develop a relationship of trust, so students know they will have their attention when they reach out to them. They make children feel part of the group, a genuine feeling that they belong.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
Great teachers do more than just teach
For Snezana Stankova, a Macedonian language and literature teacher from Skopje, great teachers touch the hearts of their students. They keep up with the times to genuinely understand the challenges that new generations face.
Also available in Macedonian and Albanian
Join the #WeLearnFromYou campaign and share a #ThankYouTeacher message
The teachers we remember most are the teachers who create a secure and welcoming environment where students feel safe to express themselves; teachers who create a sense of belonging; teachers whose students feel comfortable approaching them to share concerns and someone who makes time for students even when busy; teachers who have high expectations, often higher than what students themselves believe possible; and teachers who have passion including a passion for learning themselves.
Join the campaign and share a message about the qualities of the teacher you remember most or what you believe makes a great teacher using the hashtags #УчимеОдВас #ВиБлагодариме #ThankYouTeacher.