On October 18, 2008, thousands from across the nation and around
the globe converged on Washington, D.C. to make their voices heard.
The first-ever International Teacher March drew attention to today’s
looming educational crisis, while focusing on giving teachers the support,
power, and respect they deserve.
This historic March has been developed by Educators for Progressive Instructional Change (EPIC), a non-profit organization focused solely on teacher advocacy and empowerment. The culmination of years of planning, the International Teacher March created a visual message for government leaders and the public that teachers must have a significant role in influencing standards and policies.
Education Needs A Change:
Today’s educational system is in crisis. Major problems are leading to the demise of quality education for our country’s youth and a looming teacher shortage. Currently, 50% of new teachers do not return after their first five years. A decreasing number of individuals are attracted to the teaching profession. Teachers continue to lack the respect they deserve—as demonstrated by their low pay and lack of voice in educational matters. Further, the national drop-out rate is between 20% and 30%.
Support A Bold, New Vision For The Teaching Profession:
At the International Teacher March, our vision was introduced to the teaching profession:
Speak out in support of giving teachers greater power and influence, and help to build a brighter future for the teaching profession and our children.
Myra Sawyers, M.Ed., President and Founder
full speech
This historic March has been developed by Educators for Progressive Instructional Change (EPIC), a non-profit organization focused solely on teacher advocacy and empowerment. The culmination of years of planning, the International Teacher March created a visual message for government leaders and the public that teachers must have a significant role in influencing standards and policies.
Education Needs A Change:
Today’s educational system is in crisis. Major problems are leading to the demise of quality education for our country’s youth and a looming teacher shortage. Currently, 50% of new teachers do not return after their first five years. A decreasing number of individuals are attracted to the teaching profession. Teachers continue to lack the respect they deserve—as demonstrated by their low pay and lack of voice in educational matters. Further, the national drop-out rate is between 20% and 30%.
Support A Bold, New Vision For The Teaching Profession:
At the International Teacher March, our vision was introduced to the teaching profession:
- Every teacher must be given greater power to influence policies that impact their ability to teach
- Every teacher must be compensated to reflect their worth to society
- Every teacher must feel safe in their school and classroom
- Every teacher must have the best resources to teach on the highest level
- The teaching profession must be significantly elevated so that children can reach their fullest potential
- Every teacher deserves the highest respect for nurturing and guiding the children of the world
Speak out in support of giving teachers greater power and influence, and help to build a brighter future for the teaching profession and our children.
Myra Sawyers, M.Ed., President and Founder
full speech
