Islamabad, 12 Oct 2023: The Department of Teacher Education, under the Faculty of Education at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) IIUI, jointly organized a Panel Discussion on October 5, 2023, World Teachers’ Day, deliberating on the urgent theme: “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.” The event was crafted to spotlight the precipitous decline in teacher numbers worldwide and underscored the criticality of attracting, retaining, and motivating educators to safeguard quality education for all, according to the IIUI press release.
In paying homage to teachers, teacher educators, and prospective teachers on this day, the event sought to celebrate the transformative impact of teachers on the education system and ponder the support needed for them to fully harness their knowledge and skills. The event also highlighted the achievements of educators across the globe.
A prominent figure, Prof. Dr. Abdul Raheman, Vice President (Academics), IIUI, esteemed the global teachers’ community with a standing ovation, accentuating the cardinal role teachers play as primary sources of inspiration for students and as deliverers of quality education. His sentiment was paralleled by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, Director General, Islamic Research Institute (IRI), IIUI, who extolled primary school teachers for their vital role in student personality development, and championed hard work, dedication, and capacity building as keys to overcoming life’s challenges.
Keynote speeches were given by several distinguished educators, including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, Dean FoE, IIUI, who motivated students toward devotion in studies and underscored respect for teachers. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Mahmood, Chairperson, Department of Educational Leadership and Management (ELM), IIUI, and Dr. Fouzia Ajmal, Assistant Professor/Focal Person of the event, IIUI, also provided valuable insights and paid tribute to the teaching profession.
The discussion, encompassing sub-themes like the significance of the teaching profession and strategies to enhance societal perceptions of it, featured panelists such as 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. The emphasis was also laid on the role and responsibilities of teachers from an Islamic perspective.
In conclusion, panelists affirmed that teachers, akin to spiritual parents, elevate their pupils, embedding traditions, customs, values, arts, and moralities, while also insisting on empowering teachers as a critical step towards quality education and sustainable societies. Dr. Shamsa Aziz appreciated the organizing team, faculty members, and staff, and especially commended the IRD team for their collaboration. The well-attended event concluded with certificate distributions among faculty members and a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the successful completion of one year of the Department of Teacher Education.